Who can forget Guppy, the tiny kitten with the congenital deformity who required tiny splints to try to help straighten his legs. Everyone was cheering Guppy on, hoping the treatment would work and the bones in his legs would develop normally.
One of the biggest cheerleaders? The veterinary assistant who treated him at the clinic who would later become his forever family.
“We were so happy to receive the application,” says Shannon Paille, manager of BC SPCA Kelowna. “It is such a heartwarming end to this story. He had been with Guppy through all his treatments. He had been in his corner during the many weeks Guppy was in care, changing his splints, looking at each radiograph hoping to see improvement.”
Paille adds that Guppy’s new Dad says he was the perfect patient. “Guppy always tolerated the splint changes and the radiographs so well,” says Paille. “He was such a brave little kitten. His new Dad was so proud of him. It is hard not to fall for Guppy.”
Even better news is the result of the most recent radiograph. “It showed Guppy was starting to develop wrist bones that he was missing before,” says Paille. “That means there is no more treatment required for his legs. Now he is just getting typical kitten care like making sure he is up to date on his vaccines. Everyone is just so thrilled.”
So, how is Guppy doing in his new home? “His new family had set up the home thinking Guppy might have mobility issues, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. Guppy came into the home with typical kitten energy,” says Paille. “From day one he was running around and getting into stuff, exploring. He isn’t afraid of anything.”
Paille adds that Guppy’s new family has noticed some fabulously quirky behaviour from their newest family member. “He loves to perch on the top of the cat scratching post,” says Paille. “There isn’t much room up there, so he just sits perfectly still.”
When he isn’t perched at the top of the post, Guppy loves to climb everything, the furniture, the bed. He also loves his cat wand toy, belly rubs and Sable his new five-year-old furry sister. “The new family says Guppy wanted to be friends right from the start, but Sable needed a little more time,” says Paille. “After a long, slow introduction, the two cats are getting along very well, and Sable and Guppy love to play together.”
This little kitten whose prognosis was uncertain when he first came into the BC SPCA’s care has shown just how much care and love can change a life. “His new family says the biggest joy in their lives is watching Guppy continue to thrive. Everyone here at the centre is so happy for Guppy and his new family,” says Paille.
Kitten with congenital deformity rescued from Kelowna property
Original story: September 18, 2025
On September 8, a five-week-old kitten, named Guppy by BC SPCA staff, was rescued from a property in Kelowna, along with his two-year-old mother and six siblings, after they were surrendered by the owner following an animal protection investigation.
“The mother and kittens were found hiding in the garage on the property. The animal protection officer noticed a significant abnormality in the kitten’s legs right away, which required immediate veterinary care,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection, and stakeholder relations. “After the cats came into the animal centre, the kitten was brought to a veterinary clinic for an examination where they determined the issue with his legs was a congenital deformity, most likely caused by how he was positioned in the uterus.”
Drever adds the owner of these cats has others on the property who will also be brought into BC SPCA care. “All of the cats are the offspring of the same mother, which increases the possibility of inbreeding,” says Drever. “The adult cats have not been spayed or neutered, so the owners have become overwhelmed with litters of kittens. This particular mother has had over 30 kittens.”
Uncontrolled and unintentional breeding have become one of the top reasons animals are surrendered to the BC SPCA. “The owner is not breeding cats to sell, but simply because the adult cats have not been spayed or neutered, they are producing unwanted litters. It has become a significant issue,” says Drever. “It’s important for those welcoming a new cat to their home to know that cats can reach sexual maturity as early as four months of age.”
“Momma cat, who we named Coral, was clearly stressed when she came in, but warmed up once we started the intake assessment,” says Shannon Paille, manager, Kelowna animal centre. “She was very comfortable with us handling her babies who were vocal but friendly.”
Paille adds the rest of the cats are in good health, but Guppy will require ongoing care. “The veterinary staff conducted a series of x-rays. The kitten’s two front legs have been gently splinted to try to straighten them,” says Paille. “We are doing everything possible to help this kitten, but the long-term prognosis is still unknown. Our hope is the splints will work, but we won’t know until he has another examination at the vet clinic. Guppy is so young, there is still some question about the development of the bone in one of the legs.”
Paille adds Guppy is a very brave and determined kitten and does not let his splints hold him back from exploring his kennel. “He is working very hard to figure out how to move around with them,” she says.
As the kittens are only five weeks old, they will need a bit more time to grow and develop but they should be ready for adoption in approximately three to four weeks. Coral, their mom, will be available at that time as well. “She is a great mom,” says Paille. “She is always feeding her babies. They are just a lovely, friendly family.”