Leo was found alone outside as a 1 week old kitten. He required round-the-clock bottle feedings, and lots of care and love in his foster home.

He was a very round kitten with little feet, but as the weeks went by, he was barely growing and his teeth were not coming in. It became even clearer to me that something was ?up? with this guy, medically.

After a few trips to the vet to treat other symptoms, I was told that I was just wrong about his age and he was fine.

I knew this obviously was not the case at all, so I took him straight to a different vet to address the same issues, and to determine what was causing his developmental delay. The incredible staff immediately discovered that he has hypothyroidism, and have been so dedicated to his care since.

A rare condition in cats, this causes him to be delayed in both physical and cognitive development. This includes him not growing his teeth, being rounded with short legs, not understanding how to do some things, as well as other traits. On top of this, he also developed large ulcers in his mouth - perhaps due to the size of his large tongue compared to his mouth.

Leo was put on thyroid medication, which he will take twice a day for life.

Since starting this medication, his teeth have begun to come in, his ears are finally sticking up, and he looks more like a real cat!

Despite the improvements, Leo still requires further testing, checkups, shots, and treatment before he is ready for his forever home.

Leo is a very happy, playful little guy who spends most of his time rolling onto his back! Throughout all of his troubles, his roly poly spirit has never changed.

All profits from this fundraiser will go towards covering these medical expenses.

Follow Leo's journey on Instagram by searching his hashtag! #ChonkyLeo

Proceeds benefit Leo's Medical Bills