‘Permanently startled’ cat with wonky legs licked back to health by family pet

Despite always looking startled, adorable cat Fedya is on the mend after a rather hard start in life.

The sickly stray kitten was saved by a neighbour’s moggie who licked him back to life.

The adorable cat is taking the internet by storm thanks to its permanently-startled expression.

Natalia Zhdanova, 40, found weak and sickly stray Fedya in her backyard when he was just a few days old – his back legs were wonky and his eyes were misaligned.

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She nursed the orphaned kitten to health and her neighbour’s cat, named Handsome, would come over every day to nurture him.

Natalia said: “He was very weak and was dying.

“Handsome cleaned and licked Fedya and became like a father figure to him.”

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Gradually Fedya gained strength and began to grow, but the reason for his unusual appearance is still unclear.

Natalia, who makes educational books for children in Rostov, Russia, added: “We’re not sure if it’s a genetic deformity or if he was dropped by his mum as a kitten.

“Now he is much healthier.

“He is a very sweet, gentle, playful and intelligent cat.

“He purrs very loudly.”

Fedya, who was found when he was just one week old, is now a healthy adult at one year and nine months.

“He is inseparable with Handsome,” said Natalia.

“They are the best of friends.”