We have taken in a rescue cat that was tortured by local kids in our neighborhood - his tail was burned off and his leg so badly damaged that it had to be amputated. The school Animal Welfare Club, of which my son is an avid member, took pity on this poor cat and obtained basic care for him. He was being fostered by a teacher but needed a permanent home. So…a new cat has just joined our family.
He’s about 3 years old and amazingly still loves people - he purrs like crazy when we approach his cage (a temporary measure - but while healing from his amputation, he needs to be kept in a safe spot until he and our other cat and dog can learn to get along).
Sorry the picture is not very good, but you can see that he has had both one of his hind legs and his tail amputated. I hope I can post additional photos later to show that he is fully healed and successfully gimping around the house.
I don’t know what possesses kids to torture animals like that. Anyway, Reggie will never be mistreated again.
He is such a cute kitty! Thanks for saving a “less-desirable” cat from the shelter. Many people won’t even consider an animal with a physical defect.
A friend of mine has a 3-legged cat too, actually. She got her about the same time as I got my cat, Vincent. I even saw the 3-legged kitty at the humane society, and seriously considered her! However, Vincent looked so depressed I could not leave him there, and I could only get one cat.
Anyway. My friend’s 3-legged cat (I can’t remember the cat’s name) was HUGE when she adopted her! Apparently her previous owners felt sorry for her, because she was missing a leg, and carried her all over.
Since my friend got her, she’s let the cat get around on her own. She’s doing great, and what’s more, has slimmed down to a healthy weight!
I hope you and your family have a great time with your new kitty.
Cats are the most frequently abused animal. That was told me by a police officer who helped me with a similar situation. I’m not sure what that says about humans.
Aww, looks like a sweetie! And ginger kitties are the best (I’m not biased).
We fostered a dog with 3 legs once. It’s just amazing joe athletic and agile she was! Although the vet said someday she might develop arthritis in her back from compensating for the missing leg. She walked with a slight curve to make a perfect tripod.
Something funny, I once worked with a lady who had a 3 legged cat they named Peggy Eileen.
One of my beloved late cats was severely abused (digarette burns and someone cut off her ears) but you would never have been able to tell from her personality. Cats are so resilient. Thank you for taking in Reggie!
I do not think terribly much of people who torture small animals for fun. I am glad to hear that your son helped rescue Reggie. I hope that he and his friends rescue other such cats as well, and make sure that they get care and go to good homes.
At any rate, I am very glad that Reggie has found a loving home where he is safe. He looks like a fine cat. Certainly, my guys will get a few extra skritches tonight, and I will instruct them to send “good kitty vibes” to Reggie. I hope that you have many years of happiness with him!
My dear little Fiona lost part of an ear to frostbite before somebody found her (and her kittens) and brought them to the shelter. Yes, she looks malformed with only half her left ear, but she is such a pleasant companion. According to the shelter, none of the prospective owners visiting and looking for a cat took a second look at her after seeing her malformation, and she was apparently slated for humane euthanasia a day or two after I visited.
I am glad that I took a second look at her. When she jumped into my arms and purred at the shelter, I was sold, no matter what she looked like.
Fiona and I have been together for over ten years. I don’t know how old she was when I adopted her. The shelter didn’t know either. So her time may be soon, or maybe not. But I am glad of every day that I can spend with her.
Cats don’t know that they’re disabled or malformed. But no matter their handicaps, it has been my experience that if you give them a loving home, then they will love you back. Like I said, just my experience.
Now, if you will excuse me, Fiona needs some skritches.
Yes, Reggie is already demonstrating that he will be just fine with three legs. My son left the top of the cage open only a few days after the leg amputation, and Reggie climbed right out! Impressive.
So far he is doing great - eating well and acting alert and happy. Tomorrow I take him to the vet for a check. I’m sure he’s not ready to have the stitches removed yet, but it will be good to have the vet take a look at him just to be sure there are no problems.
I can already see progress in terms of getting along with our dog and other cat. The dog is a total wimp and, after initial burning curiosity, has pretty much decided that since cats are generically scary, he will give this one a wide berth. Our other cat is a prima donna who loves to play drama queen - “oh! another cat! You must not love me any more. I shall slink away, mewing bitterly.”
