Kitten Gets a Makeshift Wheelchair Before Upgrading to 3D-Printed Version
Cincinnati kitten wheelchair helps Gelato move after a spinal injury Homemade and 3D-printed support builds strength—see his recovery progress
A Cincinnati animal shelter found an unusual solution for a very small kitten who could not use his back legs. Gelato, a tabby kitten rescued from the street, arrived with a spinal injury and was too light for the shelter’s standard animal wheelchairs.
Veterinary assistant Mallory Smith, who is fostering him, built a temporary mobility device using household materials such as Hot Wheels, zip ties, duct tape, and wooden rulers. The setup helped Gelato move around while also doing physical therapy to rebuild strength in his hind legs.
As he grew, Gelato moved from the homemade device to an adjustable 3Dprinted wheelchair designed with help from an engineer friend. Shelter staff say he is making progress and may soon be able to walk without assistance, and they hope he will be adopted once he is ready.