When you lose a cat, it leaves an imprint on your heart and your mind forever. For Georgina Price and her fiancée Christopher Lardner, the two experienced extreme heartbreak. They sadly lost a feline companion only five months after bringing the 16-year-old cat into their life. Although their time with their super senior cat, Herbie, was short, he left a lasting impression on them. That inspired them to not only welcome another feline into their lives, but a bonded pair,…of special needs cats!
“I just kept thinking about all the animals that might only have five months left and would spend the whole of that time in a shelter,” says Georgina. “So we decided we would look for an extra special cat that might take a little longer to find a home.”
A few months after Herbie’s passing, the couple made another decision. Why not give another displaced cat a home? Then they could have humans to love them for the rest of their days.
Thus began Georgina’s online search for another rescue kitty to call her own.
And almost instantly, she found not one, but two, cats she knew needed her as their devoted human: “I saw them on the RSPCA website and fell in love with their sweet little faces.”
Toby and Quinton were two bonded cats looking for a furever home together.
And the thought of separating them was too much to bear. Quinton, age 7, and Toby, who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at age 7, no longer has any teeth.
The two cats needed each other for support and comfort, and Georgina understood quickly and without hesitation that the two cats were a package deal.
What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Feline cutaneous asthenia (FCA), also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, is a disease characterized by deficient levels of collagen, the protein molecule necessary for providing strength and elasticity to the skin and ligaments, along with much of the rest of the body.
The condition is part of a group of hereditary disorders characterized by skin that is unusually stretchy and droopy. It is caused by a genetic mutation that is passed from parent to offspring, and while more than one genetic disorder is suspected, this condition cannot be determined by skin and tissue samples, it is diagnosed through observation.
Image Courtesy of Toby & Quinton on Facebook
Georgina and Christopher were unaware of this medical condition which causes loose and saggy skin. But that was no reason for him and his bonded mate to be looked over.
“We’d never heard of EDS before we found him, we just knew that he needed a loving home and we have so much love to give.”
Image Courtesy of Toby & Quinton on Facebook
The bonded pair have adjusted to life in their new home without a hitch.
At the RSPCA shelter they were reportedly timid and fearful, and rightfully so. Since coming into the lives of Georgina and Christopher, it’s been lots of love and lots of affection!
“Toby and Quinton are inseparable. Quinton tries to clean up Toby’s face when possible,” says Georgina. “And when they play, Quinton knows to keep his claws retracted.”
Image Courtesy of Toby & Quinton on Facebook
Toby and his housemate, Quinton, are living the good life thanks to their new humans. Although it’s reported that they have to pay extra close attention to that loose skin of Toby’s as not to injure him.
Want to see more of this adorable bonded pair?
You can follow them on Facebook or Instagram for lots of purrfect updates and cute photos!
A special thank you to Georgina and Christopher for opening their hearts and their homes to cats with special needs.
Image Courtesy of Toby & Quinton on Facebook
REMEMBER: SPAY/NEUTER, FOSTER, VOLUNTEER, TNR & AS ALWAYS, ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
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So sweet! I love stuff like this!