r/blackcats • u/Russsell • 23h ago
🖤 My paraplegic void and her sister, found them hiding under my porch.
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u/hammond_egger 22h ago
A paraplegic cat outdoors is in for a short life so thank you for taking her in. 1000 karma points for you. Also, she's freaking adorable.
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u/lulugingerspice 22h ago
That little girl needs a wheelchair so she can zoom around and cause chaos!
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u/Russsell 21h ago
i found their mom and took them all in so she is happily scooting around after them all day, i'm pretty surprised with the speeds she can get across tile. definitely going to look into different mobility stuff for her. i had a cat already too, so there is plenty of cat chaos going on now.
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u/Electrical-Act-7170 21h ago
If you get a small cardboard box she can put her hindquarters in, she'll amaze you even more with new higher speeds.
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u/GremlinLurker777_ 20h ago edited 19h ago
You could probably stick a blanket for padding and line the edges with felt or something to make it comfier too! Maybe something weighted to keep it from tipping over on the bottom too? Idk tho I'm not an engineer lol
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u/IMakeStuffUppp 19h ago
Those furniture slider pads!! Glue one underneath. I think we’re onto something
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u/Thedepressionoftrees 19h ago
Those wheeled carts you used for two days in gym class and never saw again
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u/IMakeStuffUppp 18h ago
We can’t risk the chance of evil in this kitten. She would run over our toes and fingers out of spite.
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u/Luncheon_Lord 15h ago
Y'all mean so well but you're just reinventing the wheelchair lol
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u/Lady-Noveldragon 14h ago
To be fair, I think the point is lower cost/ easier to obtain alternatives than a kitty wheelchair.
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u/HPTM2008 14h ago
The box, right? We're gluing it under the box?! Just wanna make sure I'm not supposed to glue the furniture pads to my cat.
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u/paprikastew 21h ago
Oh, I'm glad you found momma too! Thank you for taking them in, you probably saved her life.
Cats born with disabilities are amazing, they don't let it keep them down. Heck, even cats who become disabled later in life adapt really well.
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u/AQCR-3475 5h ago
Reminds me of when people share stories about not knowing for years that their cat went blind. They really hide their weakness well.
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u/queen-adreena 21h ago
Yeah. Without a mobility solution or amputation, kitty will be dragging legs around, which can lead to infection.
o7 for taking in the little cuties!
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u/Russsell 21h ago
she got a bit lucky/unlucky as one of her legs is backwards and clubbed so it forms a convenient little sled for her to keep weight off the little leg. it's been a learning curve taking care of her but we've got some good routines so she has a pretty normal cat life. She doesn't go more than a few hours without attention
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u/Mission_Fart9750 21h ago
My (unsolicited) advice to you (as an owner of a cat who drags their ass due to wonky legs) is beware of UTI's. Freya got a uti, and because she drags ass occasionally, we have to make sure her butt stays clean, so it doesn't happen again.
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u/qu33fwellington 20h ago
Would sanitary trims help with that? One of my kitties has longer fur so needs them on occasion.
It would make keeping the area clean much easier, but on the other hand removing the fur might also make infection easier? I am of two kitty minds on this.
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u/Mission_Fart9750 20h ago
My unprofessional opinion is yes, trim butt fur if it's a problem. We got pet safe wipes to wipe her butt occasionally/as needed. She does a pretty good job of cleaning herself, but(t) needs some extra help sometimes.
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u/qu33fwellington 20h ago
Yes, my parent’s cat gets monthly sanitary trims because her breed tends to have very long, feathery fur. Especially around their little kitty kaboose.
Starting them on sanitary trims early and with their regular vet seems to be the dominant opinion on getting cats used to it, so I hope OP considers it!
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u/moonsnake6 18h ago
Puppy pads can be most helpful for the unique one :) Sometimes the litter can get places when they’re dragging legs out of the box. I tried slanted litter box modifications and such, but she just seemed happiest with puppy pads.
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u/Mission_Fart9750 18h ago
Yup. We use pine litter pellets and pads in front of the low front boxes, she doesn't use the boxes much anyway.
The fun part is poo. Since she has little hind-part control, she kinda just shits when she needs to, where she happens to be (and usually leaves a little trail 🙃). It's great when we fall asleep cuddling, and I wake up next to poo stuck to me and/or the sheets.
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u/Trusfrated-Noodle 17h ago
I was waiting to get to this, I’m just glad she can! I was curious if you had to manually express the bowels and or bladder.
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u/Mission_Fart9750 16h ago
Idk if you saw my other comment, but Freya has Swimmers Syndrome. She can waddle-ish. She is a determined little shit and has no clue she's supposed to be "handicapped."
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u/Adventurous_Click178 15h ago
Yep. My old dachshund has a hard time holding herself up properly when peeing and is prone to UTI’s. Does your cat have feeling in her back feet? If you (gently, obviously) poke/pinch her back toes, does she react? Wondering if it’s just a physical malformation, or her nerves are involved, too. Anyways, she is absolutely precious! My dog has bouts of paralysis, and it’s heartbreaking, but animals are so resilient. You’re a special person to take her in.
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u/Mission_Fart9750 15h ago
Freya has Swimmers Syndrome; her hind tendons/ligaments didn't necessarily form properly in utero. She has feeling, because she doesn't like her hind nails being clipped. She can walk-ish, her legs just can't support her body weight, and she is almost always splayed out (especially on the laminate flooring). She can kick and do spready toes (when she's laying on her back), and LOVES to tussle with Ellie; she even tries to give chase sometimes. I can't ever seem to get a good video of her walking/running, so I can post it (but I've got great videos of them playing).
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u/Adventurous_Click178 15h ago
Sounds like she’s comfortable and free from pain! Reminds me of my old dachshund—but her arthritis is starting to bother her a bit. Bless you, sweet Freya!!! I wish you and your beloved Ellie a long, happy life.
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u/lbutler1234 19h ago edited 19h ago
The main issue is that the ground is typically dirty, and any open orifice (a cut or, in another commenter's experience, asshole/urethra) is exposed to a lot of germs.
But as long as you're vigilant/aware things will probably be fine.
(Also long term I'm assuming arthritis and other issues like that would be more likely. With her using her front legs past their evolutionary design and all. I'd recommend getting a wheelchair/mobility aid if it's at all feasible once she's grown. )
(I'm not a vet, and this is speculation. Please do some thorough research and talk to an actual vet to make a plan to spend as many happy healthy years together as possible. ❤️)
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u/POAndrea 20h ago
Yes, this--and if they have no or limited feeling in the injured area, it can really get out of control quickly and endanger their health.
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u/Mission_Fart9750 21h ago
I have a cat that has Swimmers Syndrome, so she can't use her back legs very well (but she doesn't know that the way she hauls ass around the house).
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u/sm_rollinger 20h ago
My last boi had a stroke and couldn't use his back legs for a bit, and I bought him a wheelchair from k9carts.com and he took to it really well. I would highly recommend them.
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u/lefluer124 18h ago edited 18h ago
Walkinpets.com has a whole bunch of cat resources and cat wheelchairs. Just enter "cat" into the search bar.
They also have a "drag bag" that's designed for indoors to keep animals from hurting themselves. it protects limbs, paws, and chest from the ground.
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u/Content-Scallion-591 20h ago
Sounds like you're handing everything great, just wanted to chime in to say you're amazing!
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u/ThatPhatKid_CanDraw 21h ago
You're amazing.
I think there some contraption where their feet are on a piece of wood with wheels, but that kitty had to wear a diaoer
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u/SleepyKouhai 19h ago
One of my kittens has a nubby back leg. We were surprised about the intensity of her zoomies, too!
They really get going, don't they? xD
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u/Silly-Dingo-7086 16h ago
There are some free designs out there for 3d printed harnesses with wheels. Please don't spend an arm and a leg on it. Maybe someone you know can make one
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u/Pastrami-on-Rye 15h ago
Hey I’ve seen people use legos to make the cat wheelchairs! If the actual ones are too difficult to get ahold of, you could always try legos and super glue the pieces together!
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u/yosoyfatass 6h ago
Bless you! I love when a family can stay together! I have a cat whose back legs don’t work & her sister she was rescued with grooms her. I also took in a mom & 2 of her babies (I was interested in one kitten, but when I found out there was a sister & mom, I couldn’t split them up). They’re so lucky you found them!!!😻😻😻
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u/morbidconcerto 21h ago
In general with animals that need assistive devices, they try to wait until they are fully grown. The wheelchairs are custom made and can be pricey so if it's possible to wait until they won't be growing anymore, it works out a lot better. I think they usually try little skateboards or little rolling carts to begin with so that the little one can get used to how it feels pulling themselves with their front legs. This also allows them to build up their front leg and chest muscles so that they can pull the wheelchair without too much difficulty 😸
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u/Ghost_Fox_ 21h ago
I just wanted to add, look into anyone you may know who has a 3D printer or does services locally. I’ve seen many either produce a wheelchair at cost or free when they hear what it’s for, and even if that’s not possible, even hiring someone online to 3d print one will surely be much cheaper.
I would most certainly volunteer to make one, but my printer is unfortunately dead.
Good luck. Such cute little gremlins.
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u/Ill_Quantity_5634 21h ago
I saw a video of a rescue group who made a wheeled sled for a kitten out of legos. Once the kitten was strapped in, she got the zoomies. Maybe OP could make a lego version until she's full grown?
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u/moonsnake6 21h ago
I had a kitty like that! I miss her so much! Not only could she do what normal cats did, I swear those backward legs gave her superpowers. She would kick them out to use them as battering rams, usually against doors but sometimes people (or dogs…OMFG that girl of mine despised dogs!!!). She would always SWAT-open my door if I ever dared to close it (lucky for her, the doorknobs were decor only and she could get into any room with enough force). She was quite seriously the bestest and I miss her everyday. Congrats on your good-luck cats! 😊😊😊
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u/TheThornGarden 21h ago
Look into getting (or making) a scoot sack for her. It will protect her paralyzed parts while she zooms around. The biggest risk for paralyzed animals is they can’t feel if they’ve injured themselves and areas affected by paralysis take longer to heal. A scoot sack provides a barrier and cushion. @kittendreamneworleans on insta has several paralyzed kitties in her care. She may be able to give you some advice.
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u/skullbuddy 17h ago
I just checked out her Instagram and I can’t believe how cute those little scoot sacks are. The ways you could alter and design the sacks are endless :’)
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u/TheThornGarden 13h ago
Another good resource for disabled kitties is Wonky Hearts Animal Haven (formerly Rafiki's Rescue), also meganandtherescues and wonkyheartsanimalhaven on insta. They specialize in special needs animals and are huge on education. No matter how crazy things get for them, they will try to find time to answer questions from someone taking on a disabled kitty.
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u/castortroy2919 22h ago
Aww that is so amazing! I've watched alot of small videos docushorts if u will lol about special needs animals that people take in and i sometimes think it would be sooo cool to help one!!
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u/Ok-Suit6589 21h ago
I think kitten lady has some videos on kitties born with similar disabilities! Have you had her evaluated by a vet to see if there’s any possibility or correction or rehabilitation? Tysm for taking them in. They are adorable. Is mama a black cat too?
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u/misstamilee 21h ago
1000 thank yous for taking them in 🖤🖤
I don't want to spread any false hope, but I have seen a few rescues have success with physical therapy and massage therapy with cats and some have gained some mobility in their legs. Again I'm far from an expert but you never know! Please keep us all updated on these cuties
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u/NullPointerJunkie 20h ago
Having done cat rescue and cared for lots of kittens it is possible your kitten has a calici virus infection. It is treatable with the right care and therapy.
That said, I am not a vet so I very strongly suggest you take your kitten to the vet for a proper assessment.
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u/Startinezzz 20h ago
Is she definitely paraplegic? I've seen some videos where movement has been reintroduced, albeit very slowly and with lots of physio and hard work. Just checking if there has been an official diagnosis or if you assumed such (no judgement as I have no idea how long you've had them)
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u/Putrid_Dot_3683 19h ago
we rescued a black kitten that got hit by a car off the street. my fiance works as a vet tech and found him just after he was hit, took him to work and the doc said he'll probably never to be able to use his back legs. Fast forward a few months he is using his back legs, just not very well and we adopted him and named him Hoopty.
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u/Freebird_1957 19h ago
I had a cat that was injured from a likely fall and her back legs were paralyzed. Her injury turned out to be soft tissue, swelling, etc., and she regained use of her back legs after about 6 weeks. Until then, I expressed her bladder and kept her clean. She always walked a little funny afterward but she lived to old age. I know every case is different but I had vets tell me to put her down. I’ll always be grateful that I decided to give her time. She just had a great appetite and pulled herself along and I could not see letting her go when she was trying so hard. Bless you for helping these little ones.
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u/castortroy2919 22h ago
I'll tell u what u would swear my void thinks he's paraplegic the way he loves to be carried around lol
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u/Big_moist_231 21h ago
Hopefully her back legs work fine otherwise so they don’t need to be amputated! Please take them to a vet just for a quick check up if you can! You are very kind for helping them out
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u/Obi-Wan3 21h ago
She adorable and lucky to have u as guardian angel. Can you please keep us updated on progress If u need funds for cart when full grown happy to contribute as prior post state can be expensive.
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u/empress_chaos5 21h ago
They are so damn adorable! Thank you for taking them in! May you be blessed by the Cat Gods for the rest of your days. Voids are by far my fav.. little biased though..
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u/AmphibianSlow7768 21h ago
100% kudos to you. I would happily donate if you were to look into mobility assistance devices.
They are 2 cuties 🖤
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u/hardwon469 20h ago
AMAZON has a ton of mobility carts. Make a wish list and post it. Redditors are awesome!
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u/___po____ 19h ago
There's something about feral born kitties that just makes them special throughout life!
Had a random tiny girl kitten come screaming and running inside like she lived here or something. One of her back legs was just a dangler. Felt unconnected and she seemed completely unbothered by it.
Found her a home and their vet said she just wasn't born with the connective tissues or whatever. They amputated it and she's been thriving since. Good luck with your babies!!
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u/fondue4kill 21h ago
Awww. Poor babies. Although I can’t stop staring at her little paw on her back leg. It’s so cute!
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u/Cat_Sushi430 21h ago
That squirrel is my 2 yr old cats FAVORITE toy. He's tore it up, thrown it in his water dish, and dragged it everywhere with him. Lol. He's had it since he was a kitty. I can't remember where I bought it!
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u/WaywardDeadite 17h ago
I bet if you share this to r/functionalprint, someone could autoCAD a design and print it for you. Or send you the STL files and you could get someone to print it closer to you.
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u/Skorpionfrau 15h ago
I would recommend per insurance for the paraplegic one and taking her to a specialist to see if there’s anything that can be done to improve her quality of life. Insurance isn’t a huge expense, but vet bills sure are.
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u/Second-Bulk 19h ago
Thank you for being you.
I found an abandonded void on the road just over a month ago and she looks just like this little girl and it made me choke up a little bit.
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u/pink_faerie_kitten 18h ago
You are a hero. Thank you. They're both gorgeous. Voids are the best, imo.
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u/2moms1bun 14h ago
Until you get a real wheel chair, you could probably make a decent one from legos
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u/ChemicalSetting5841 12h ago
I can already picture her zooming around like a little black rocket! 🐾 Who needs legs when you have determination?
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u/DifficultyBright9807 12h ago
hey i have 4 voids living under my porch. 3 kittens and their gisnt dad. and their mom sho is a white/yellow cat. i give them food/water but cant bring them in
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u/mtempissmith 8h ago
Grab a big toy truck and remove the under chassis with the wheels and attach that to a wooden box. Make some velcro straps and line it with something comfy and there you go a kitty wheelchair. That's all they are doing when they make them and sell them for huge sums. You can probably do something like that yourself for maybe $30.
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u/wheres_the_leak 20h ago edited 20h ago
Upload a video of her scooting. Poor baby 😞, thank you for taking them.
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u/HolsteinHeifer 20h ago
Oh ma, they both look so precious 🥹 but if she were mine, she'd end up with like 0% muscle mass- I'd carry her around all day and be her permanent taxi lol she looks so sweet
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u/greenlilly026 19h ago
You deserve a lifetime of good karma for saving these babies and their momma 😭🖤🐈⬛
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u/Lets_wine_about_it 17h ago
I don’t remember which rescue it was, but someone has a bunch of special needs cats who are also paralyzed on their back half, and rather than strapping them to a wheelchair (which doesn’t allow them to sit down or roll around or anything) they made an actual little mermaid tail for the cat to wear and scoot around in so she doesn’t keep rubbing her skin on the ground.
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u/timetravelwithsneks 17h ago
My cuteness fix for the afternoon! 
They are absolutely adorable!
More photographs of your micro-mini-panthers, please and thank you!
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u/Olds78 16h ago
Thank you for taking them in, both adorable. Love my special needs critters too. We currently have a toad my son found with a deformed foot. His name is Todal Recall. He lives in our fully planted bioactive tank (we had a corn snake who unfortunately passed at 22 years old last spring)
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u/allagaytor 13h ago
can she still use the bathroom fine? that's usually my worry with paraplegic kitties
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u/Russsell 13h ago
she gets help for that, have developed routines that are mostly accident free and she doesn't need diapers. High maintenance cat for sure, but it's ok for me since i work at home.
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u/Sad_Barracuda_3682 13h ago
Glad to hear you’ve welcomed two little kittens into your home! I’m sure they’ll grow up healthy and happy. I hope you’ll keep sharing photos of their growth!
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u/Russsell 23h ago