Turns out it was the cable.
Overpaid for a new one but at least she's happy, the iPad is charging now and the cable is 6 ft long so easier to deal with while using it while on the iPad. Bending the cable 90* while it's plugged in doesn't help it, so she won't be doing that any more.
Thanks again for the tips on keeping the port clean.
Here's a look at the newest member of our family.
