An adorable kitten who has found fame online must undergo expensive surgeries before he can enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Vets diagnosed little Obi with several health conditions that require complex procedures to be carried out
Last August, he underwent spinal surgery at just 18 months old and he is receiving extensive physiotherapy as aftercare and having regular hydrotherapy to build up his leg muscles.
Animal medics expect Obi to live a long and happy life without the need for painkillers or regular surgeries - but first, he needs a double hip replacement.
Owner Victoria Hathaway hopes to have this carried out as soon as possible since the longer she has to wait for the operations, the worse his condition will get.
The 36-year-old from Highworth said: "We are absolutely heartbroken that this beautiful little boy has to go through so much before he's even turned two years old.
"Obi is such a happy little boy with a lovely personality. He chirps and purrs, and is such a massive foodie.
"He is the most loveable little guy and deserves the world. I take him for walks in a stroller or harness and he loves the attention and fuss from other people.
"It has been a struggle but he's been ever so good and takes it all in his stride. I would not change him for anything."
Obi received diagnoses of hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and had lumbosacral osteochondritis when he was seven months old.
After the spinal surgery, the poorly kitten needed crate rest and 24-hour care for six weeks, but he is recovering well and in good spirits now.
Victoria hopes to pay for the first hip replacement so that it can be carried out before her insurance renews in July, then that insurance money will pay for the second hip to be replaced next year.
Generous animal lovers have contributed £2,500 to her £9,000 goal via a GoFund Me page: www.gofundme.com/f/mssyb6-surgery-for-obi
The furry friend has a younger brother, Albus, and they found unexpected viral fame on social media after Victoria started sharing photos of the pair on Instagram.
She added: "I thought it would just be a fun little thing to do and create some memories, then people started sharing the photos and I got contacted by pet food suppliers, it's been crazy. They're very pampered now.
"Obi's a little brown teddy bear, people love him, and he knows commands like 'sit' and 'paw'."
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