Disabled kittens doing well, says Harrogate Cat Rescue

by John Grainger

| 25 May, 2026

Neve and Noir at 11 weeks.

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Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making fantastic progress following an appeal to help fund vet expenses, says Harrogate Cat Rescue, the charity looking after them.

Noir and Neve were born with the genetic condition feline radial hemimelia, which means they are missing radial bones in their front legs. Noir is affected in both front legs while Neve has it in one.

Now around 11 weeks old, they have undergone intensive treatment with Swift Referrals veterinary service in Wetherby and are going from strength to strength under the care of Rhys Treharne.

Both kittens have been wearing leg splints but are having a two-week break to see how they get on.

Celia Dakin, lead volunteer at Harrogate Cat Rescue, said that the kittens were tearing about, doing all the things that kittens enjoy:

It's probable that Noir will require surgery when he's about six months old to try to straighten his legs. For Neve it's more of a wait-and-see time, as in general, she uses both of her legs to run about.

Donations towards the kittens' ongoing treatment can be made to Harrogate Cat Rescue's NatWest business account 58455647, sort code 53-50-21, or via Paypal.