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Mystery surrounds condition which sees six-month-old Rusthall kitten lose control of his body

The owners of a six-month-old kitten who has a mystery disorder which makes him scream like a human and wet himself are pleading for help to fund tests.

Ellie Speakman and her boyfriend, Tom, from Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells, rescued Norbert and his mum Narla from Streetkatz Rescue in December.

But a few weeks ago, the kitten started displaying worrying symptoms.

Miss Speakman said: “It was quite distressing, he would scream like a human and wet himself - just stuff that was just not normal six-month-old kitten behaviour, really.

“That night, he got a lot worse so we took him to the emergency vets."

She adds they today have been told Norbert will definitely need an urgent referral to neurology.

Explaining the cute kitten's symptoms further, she said: “It’s like he's possessed. He, suddenly, looks terrified and goes off running, then starts wetting himself.

Norbert and mum Narla chilling on the bed at their new Rusthall home
Norbert and mum Narla chilling on the bed at their new Rusthall home

“(But) he has not had any further issues as far as I’m aware.

“When it happened, we just wanted to help him.”

He has been under the care of Culverden vets and, so far, all tests have indicated there is nothing obvious wrong with him.

Miss Speakman says the pet will now need a referral for an in-depth neurological test in Hertfordshire which will cost £3,000.

But yesterday, Miss Speakman, 27, an RE teacher at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, said her insurance company had denied her claim to cover some of the medical costs.

Norbert was admitted on the day their two-week waiting period for their insurance ended, but, because he was down as displaying symptoms before that date, he was classed as having a pre-existing condition.

Norbert has recently suffered with an unexplained condition
Norbert has recently suffered with an unexplained condition

Instead, a GoFundMe campaign has been started this week to fund his recovery, which has already raised just shy of £1,500.

“We have been super overwhelmed by how many people have donated," said Miss Speakman who says it has been suggested to her Norbert is suffering with some kind of focal seizure.

“Some people we don’t even know have donated sums like £150, which is absolutely amazing. It’s been really nice.”

Miss Speakman says if Norbert does turn out to be suffering with a treatable infection, she will refund some of the money which has been raised.

To support the campaign, click here.

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