DOWNTOWN — Two cats are able to stand on their own again after a year of rehab.
Patsy and Edina came to PAWS Chicago with other kittens after being rescued from a "hoarding situation" last year, said PAWS spokeswoman Sarah McDonald. The kittens were ill, McDonald said, and some died while Patsy and Edina were left with deformities in their legs. They couldn't stand by themselves or walk.
A foster owner who works at PAWS took in the two and spent months helping them recover. She built custom wheelchairs and slings for the cats, nursed them through leg splints and ensured they got physical therapy by swimming and walking on treadmills.
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The foster owner documented the cats' journey on Instagram. Videos show the two going from being barely able to move on their own to swimming, crawling and taking steps.
The two can now stand on their own and Patsy can walk, McDonald said. Edina, called "Eddie," has regained movement in her legs and is trying to walk again.
And the foster owner decided to adopt the two, McDonald said, giving them a permanent home.