Johnny finds his stride after leg surgery

When an animal comes into the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we do everything we can to help them find their second chance.  

When a seven-month-old cat arrived at the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre, it was clear that he would need some serious TLC. We named him Johnny, and he was transferred from the Muskoka centre to the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre to receive the treatment he needed at our Ontario SPCA Centre Veterinary Hospital in Stouffville. 

Johnny’s surgery 

Johnny required a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery due to damage in his femur and the part of the pelvis that attaches to the femur, which led to discomfort and mobility issues. The goal of this surgery is to restore pain-free mobility. 

This surgery involves removing the “ball” part of the ball and socket joint present in the hip. The muscles of the leg hold the femur in place and, over time, scar tissue forms creating a cushion between the hip socket and leg. Essentially, a false joint is formed.  

Johnny’s recovery 

After surgery, Johnny required pain medication and regular physiotherapy during the recovery process. He remained in the care of the York Region Animal Centre where he quickly stole the hearts of his animal care team. 

“Johnny was the sweetest, friendliest kitten ever,” says Mackenzie Nicholson, Registered Veterinary Technician at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. “He was super vocal when he wanted attention, extremely active when he wanted to play, and very cuddly when he was tired.” 

Johnny made a full recovery from surgery. He is now comfortable and enjoying a good quality of life. “The day of surgery he bounced back quite fast,” says Mackenzie. “He was already using the leg decently the next day. Nothing stopped him when he wanted to do something. Keeping him quiet after surgery was a struggle, but we managed.” 

Johnny finds a home 

In April, Johnny found his loving home.   

Shawna, his adopter, says that her family did not choose Johnny, but rather, he chose them.  

“Johnny chose our son, Axel,” she says. “We were at the centre looking at all the cats and didn’t even see Johnny at first because he was so tiny and hidden in his room.”  

When her son and Johnny met, they instantly became fast friends. “I’ve never in my life met a cat as sweet as Johnny,” she says. “So, we immediately knew they had to have each other.” 

However, when they went to ask about adoption, they discovered that Johnny was being adopted by another family at the desk that same minute. Shawna says that her family was heartbroken by this discovery but wished his adopters the best of luck. 

“We left and Axel bawled his heart out on the way home pleading with me to just ask the people for him,” Shawna says. “So, I took a shot in the dark and emailed [the centre] to say that if by some strange chance he was returned that we would love to have him.” 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to create lifetime matches, adoptions don’t work out and we welcome those animals back into our care. We’re committed to finding them the perfect home. Such was the case with Johnny, and Shawna rushed back to pick him up as soon as she learned he had been returned.  

“Some things are just written in the stars I guess,” says Shawna. 

She says Johnny has settled into his new home amazingly. She says he is curious, gentle with Axel, affectionate with everyone and a massive snuggler when you’re sleeping. “He is the sweetest, most kind and cuddly cat I’ve ever had,” Shawna says. “I am not even summing up how amazing he’s been adequately enough. He is a loving cat-dog through and through and truly one of a kind.” 

As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help animals in need. If this story touched you, consider donating to help animals just like Johnny.