Limping Merlins Journey

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Limping Merlin with a broken growth plate in his femur needs your help!

Tawa, Wellington

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Merlin is a stray kitten rescued on Christmas Eve from Ranfurly St, Upper Hutt. Unfortunately Merlin came into care with a limping back leg. X-rays show an extremely rare break - a fracture of the growth plate in his femur.

Our vets are going to seek an orthopaedic opinion, but for now they have done their best to immobilize the leg with a splint which certainly isn't slowing him down one bit!

We do think amputation may be for the best, but would like to go ahead with an orthopedic opinion first. He's such a sweet spirited kitten and isn't too bothered by the cast. Unfortunately we simply don't have the costs to cover orthopaedic surgery (likely to be well over 5K) and long term costs - but regardless, the most important thing is the long term health and well-being of the kitten, and what's best for them.

Due to this our intake will be closing as I've personally taken on too much and I need to focus on Merlins care and recovery. We also need to pay off our 4K and growing vet bill, and this will certainly add to it. Thanks all so much 🙏

About us

KittyCat Rescue was started in January 2017 with the aim of helping stray cats. Now, our passion is the care, desexing, management, socialisation and adoption of wild and abandoned cats in the Wairarapa.

Use of funds

Merlins ongoing vet care.

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5th January Update! 5 January 2026

Speaking with Vet Alix today our plan remains to wait for the Orthopedic Vet to return from holiday so we can get a recommendation and quote to go ahead with surgery.

This is the absolute worst time of year to be dealing with this due to restricted hours and resources, and it's costing 💲400-600 each visit for re-splint as Merlin must be sedated. We've already spent over 1.5K on 3 visits, and another one or two will be needed as he's outgrowing them too fast by the time we have a further plan.

It's frustrating, but it is what it is. Unfortunately this means the majority of funds have already been spent on upkeep alone, and we need to continue fundraising for whatever surgery is to come, whether that be amputation or pins.

We are beyond grateful for your help, especially at such a tough time of year. 🐾 On top of dealing with these costs, we continue to house 26 cats at HQ which we pay 💲450 for weekly, as well as caring for the other 64 cats in foster homes.

Any and all help is much appreciated 🙏 We know we sound like a broken record - but if it weren't for you we honestly could not get through this.

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