Published: 25 March 2026
Kittens are tiny whirlwinds of energy. Whether they are chasing shadows or scaling the curtains, their playful nature is what makes them such wonderful companions. However, for seven-month-old Cleo, a domestic shorthair with a big personality, a quiet New Year’s Day discovery led to a very unexpected journey.
On New Year’s Day, Cleo’s owners noticed something wasn’t quite right. The usually adventurous kitten was limping. At first, they suspected a typical kitten tumble. After all, Cleo is a spirited climber who loves a lap snuggle as much as a high-altitude adventure.
When the limp didn’t improve after a few days, even though Cleo was still bravely trying to play with her sister, her owners took her to the vet. What followed was a diagnosis that caught everyone by surprise.
X-rays revealed a shocking sight. Cleo’s left hip joint was disintegrating and almost non-existent. The vet confirmed a diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease.
This is a rare, degenerative condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the femoral head (the “ball” of the hip joint), leading to bone death (necrosis). It typically affects young cats in their first year and, as Cleo’s owners discovered, it isn’t caused by an injury…it simply happens.
To give Cleo a life without pain, the vets recommended a Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE) which is a surgery to remove the damaged part of the joint.
Just three days after the diagnosis, Cleo underwent surgery. She returned home the same day with strict instructions for crate rest and the dreaded collar to protect her stitches.
“Our local independent vets were fantastic… We were advised that her left leg may be slightly shorter, but there should be no impact to her life and general movement following the surgery.”
During a recovery like this, it’s always helpful for owners to have a grasp of basic first aid for pets to help manage minor wound worries or unexpected bumps during crate rest.
Cleo was only seven months old and hadn’t even been outside yet when this rare condition struck. Her story is a perfect example of why getting insurance early is so important.
Unexpected illnesses don’t just happen to older pets or those who roam outdoors, they can affect any pet at any time. In fact, many indoor cats face hidden health challenges, ranging from rare genetic conditions like Cleo’s to more common issues like skin irritations or dietary sensitivities. If you’re an indoor cat owner, it’s worth reading our guide to allergies in cats to help spot other subtle signs of discomfort.
The total cost for Cleo’s treatment came to £2,022. In the middle of an emotional health crisis, the last thing any owner wants is to worry about how to find over two thousand pounds.
Cleo’s owners had the peace of mind to proceed with the surgery immediately. They only had to worry about the excess and a direct claim cost on the day, while we handled the rest.
Five weeks on, we are delighted to report that Cleo is well and truly on the mend! She is already putting weight on her left leg and is back to scaling the curtains.
Is your new kitten protected for life’s unexpected turns? Get a quote and see how our cat cover can give you peace of mind.
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