Paralyzed Kitty Toby Has Passed Away

Someone posted Toby on Catspotting and that’s how I got to know this little paralyzed kitty cat. He was so beautiful and cute that I was immediately intrigued and wanted to know more.

When I learned more about him I wondered if it would be more humane to let him go since he is quadriplegic — then I saw the life he had with his humans, Julie and Steve, and I changed my mind.

More info: Facebook

It was clear Toby wanted to live. He was engaged in his life and he was given every possible stimulation including weekly physical therapy and frequent “spa” grooming sessions.

Toby was found in a garden as a six-month-old kitten, cold and unable to move. He was fostered and then adopted by Julie and Steve, a charitable couple in Lancaster England. Toby lived with two black kitty siblings, named Nigel and Hattie.

Julie is also disabled so she was always home for Toby, and she took the little guy on outings in her motorized wheelchair which they dubbed the “Juby2” (Julie + Toby). They rolled around looking at cows (Toby dislikes!), trains and diggers (Toby loves)! For some reason, Toby really loved noisy, loud trains and equipment. He always perked up and watched carefully — the louder the better!

Steve also took Toby and Julie out when he did not have to work, and he would sing happily to Toby’s (and Julie’s) dismay. The sweet family regularly rolled around Lancaster looking at the sights, greeting people and creating a joyful stir with Toby’s many hand knitted outfits (due to his lower body temperature, the wee kit had to wear these precious layers).

Julie and Steve faithfully posted a video or photo every day, showcasing Toby’s adventures. During nice weather, Toby was able to lie out in his “summer house” in the garden, breathing in the fresh air. Inside the house, he was often positioned at the lovely picture window so he could have a view of the neighborhood activity. At night he would have “boobie” or “moobie” cuddles with Julie or Steve, snuggled cozily against their warm bodies to sleep.

In addition to regular cat food, Toby was able to enjoy his favorites — ham slices with plenty of water which he slurped up like a good boy from a tablespoon. He would also occasionally get a real treat of cream cakes, to his delight.

Toby could not have had a more loving or caring home. Julie and Steven monitored him 24/7 and put his welfare and quality of life first and foremost. They shared their joyful moments and Toby’s beautiful face with their legion of faithful fans, for almost six years.

On the morning of April 1, 2019, Toby passed away suddenly. The vet later determined it likely was a clot or heart attack. Toby did not suffer and he was with Julie to the very end. His passing caused a moment of utter darkness in the hearts of his beloved fans but they rallied to support Julie and Steve and to thank them for giving the gift of little Toby Toblerone to them. He was a spot of hope and joy for many people, making each day as bright as his amazing blue eyes.

Toby’s memory and the love he and his family shared will live on in the many, many lives they touched all over the world. The simple, pure quality of his life and his beautiful appreciation of life, given to him with such tender hands, will be a ray of hope that endures through time.

I really want to help get a Pendolino Train named after Toby — we need 10k signatures to do it!