Do you believe that being different is beautiful? If not, let us introduce you to Toby! This extraordinary cat is defying the norm by showcasing the beauty behind his physical differences. Toby has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a genetic disorder that affects the body’s production of collagen.
Because of this diagnosis, Toby’s skin appears wrinkled and droopy, giving him a unique appearance that sets him apart from other felines. Although his condition may be considered a disadvantage, Toby exemplifies a positive outlook on life and serves as an inspiration to all.
When Georgina and Christopher stumbled upon Toby’s picture on the RSPCA website back in 2018, they didn’t know what to make of his condition. They had never heard of EDS before, but they knew that Toby needed a loving home. With so much love to give, they decided to take him in. Along with Toby, his brother Quinton was also up for adoption at the RSPCA in Strout, England. At the time, Quinton was seven years old and had lost all of his teeth.
Georgina shared that she stumbled upon the RSPCA website and was immediately smitten with the charming faces of the feline brothers. She and her fiancé, Christopher, were still grieving over the passing of their beloved cat, Herbie, but they felt ready to welcome a new furry family member into their home. They wasted no time and made a visit to the RSPCA to personally meet the adorable duo they had seen online. As soon as they laid eyes on the brothers, they knew it was meant to be. However, the cats were quite shy and apprehensive towards strangers.
Toby clung to Quinton for comfort as they both shivered in fear. However, Georgina and Christopher were determined to win their trust and make them feel at home. They took the two furry friends in as a bonded pair and showed them love and care. On the way home, something heartwarming happened. Quinton reached out his paw to touch Toby’s carrier, indicating that they were in this together. It was clear to Georgina and Christopher that the bond between the two of them was not just special, it was unbreakable. As expected, Toby and Quinton were scared and anxious at first. But with patience and understanding, the couple slowly gained their trust. And before long, Toby and Quinton had found a forever home where they felt safe and loved.
The siblings were frightened, but they found solace in the fact that they were experiencing this change side by side. They spent a majority of their time cozily nestled beneath the bed, refusing to be separated from each other. Nevertheless, Georgina and Christopher were incredibly affectionate and understanding. They remained unwavering in their commitment to demonstrate to these new cat companions that they were protected and well-cared for.
@tummyandgummy has shared the heartwarming success story of a couple who put in a lot of effort to make their pets comfortable in their new abode. Toby and Quinton were initially shy and unsure in their new surroundings, but with consistent care and attention, they eventually gained confidence and revealed their true personalities. Despite their progress, the couple still had to be mindful of Toby’s delicate skin, which made him susceptible to injuries when playing or grooming with his sibling.
Quinton was always aware of his brother’s unique requirements and showed great care during their playtime, keeping his claws retracted to avoid hurting Toby. Apart from playing, Toby enjoyed basking in the sun, chirping at birds, snuggling with his parents, and getting belly rubs, all of which he received abundantly. The family has been blessed to have Toby as a member for four years now, and his health and happiness are a testament to the love showered on him by his forever family. Sadly, Quinton passed away in 2020 after fighting cancer for some time.
In his last days, Quinton found solace in the company of his brother and closest friend, Toby. As they bid goodbye to him, Georgina and Christopher were crushed by the void that he left behind. But even though he’s no longer with them, Quinton remains a cherished part of their lives, alive in the memories that they hold dear.
@tummyandgummy The family welcomed a new feline, Leo, to their household in memory of their beloved Quinton. Leo, like their previous cat Toby, also has EDS and has been fitting in well with the family for the past two years. While no cat can ever replace Quinton, the family is delighted that they were able to provide a loving home to another furry friend.
The family of Georgina and Christopher has won the affection of fans worldwide, with over 221,000 followers on Instagram as of now. Through their social media presence, they wish to promote the adoption of special needs cats and motivate others to take them in. The couple shares their cherished journey with their feline friends in the hope of raising awareness about the needs of these cats.
Georgina emphasizes that cats with special needs are equally deserving of love just like any other cats. As she shared with MeowAF, loving them doesn’t require extra effort, and despite their unique conditions, they possess remarkable personalities, preferences, and can reciprocate affection. For more updates on Toby and his family, check out their Instagram account.