In a survey conducted by PetFinder, animals that were considered "less adoptable" take four times longer than other pets that are currently waiting for homes. In fact, of the shelters that responded to the survey, 19 percent identified that pets with special needs are the hardest animals to find forever homes for. Cats with disabilities often get overlooked for adoption and without cause. While they may have special needs, they certainly are not any less deserving of love. Here are the stories of three handicapped cats and the special relationship they have with their human parents.
Cats with Disabilities: Milo + Kelly's Story
Several years ago, Kelly noticed something unexpected in her yard. "We discovered a tiny orange kitten huddled in our bushes and his leg was dangling in a way that wasn't natural." The cat appeared to be homeless, but Kelly couldn't quite be sure, as the cat wouldn't come out. So, she left him food and water, hoping it would motivate him to trust her and her family. "We quickly realized, though, that this kitten needed medical help," she says. Her entire family attempted to coax him out of the bushes so they could take him to the veterinarian for treatment. "Ultimately, it took my brother-in-law lying down on our driveway and gently meowing at him until he came out!"
Kelly's vet believed that the kitten had most likely been hit by a car and would need a leg amputation. However, the vet thought he might also have a concussion, and his chance of survival was slim. Taking a chance, Kelly named the cat Milo and chose to have the surgery to remove the dangling limb. "Milo recovered largely while sitting on my lap throughout the days and was still terrified of everyone but me and one of our sons," she explains.
In May, Milo will be eight years old. "He is still afraid of most people, but he is very loving with my husband and me, and our two sons, even though he doesn't always understand how to express his affection." When asked what challenges they face Kelly says, "He sometimes panics if it seems as though he'll lose his balance and may dig his claws into us sharply. So, that can take patience. He can move very well but occasionally misjudges a jump and knocks things over. Again, it's just a matter of understanding that he can't help it and just picking up the pieces."
Was taking the chance on saving Milo's life by amputating his limb when survival wasn't necessarily promised worth it? Absolutely. Kelly says, "I wouldn't trade this cat for any other in the world. He has taught me so much about patience and love." In fact, Milo has inspired other humans to take a chance on cats with disabilities, especially amputees. Kelly notes, "A friend of mine, Jodi, fosters cats for the APL in Cleveland. She has fostered hundreds, often picking the ones that have significant challenges and may not survive—and virtually every one of them has survived as she and her husband love them along. The one type of cat she wouldn't foster: amputees. But, as she watched how well Milo has done, she decided to start fostering amputees, as well, and Jodi has told me that Milo has saved multiple cats because he gave her the courage to love them to wellness."
Tasty Tips
Handicapped Cats: Dublin, Nickel + Tara's Story
When Tara adopted three-legged Dublin, she knew quite well what she was getting into. A lover of animals, she had previously loved and provided a home for another three-legged cat named Nickel who, unfortunately, died in 2015. When a friend called her to let her know there was a three-legged cat at a shelter in which he was volunteering his photography services, Tara certainly wasn't expecting to bring any new cats into her home. "I had already adopted two other four-legged cats after Nickel died," she says, "so I was hesitant, but I couldn't stop thinking about it, and I finally broke down and went to meet him." She ended up bonding with him immediately, decided to adopt him and brought him home that very same evening.
Her adoption of Dublin was similar to how she adopted Nickel years earlier. "I had gone to an SPCA with a friend to see a cat she found injured under her car ... and while we were there, she noticed this adorable gray kitten (he was maybe six months old) who seemed to be reaching out to us through the bars of the cage with his paw." It wasn't until Tara and her friend got closer to the cage that she realized the kitten was actually missing part of his paw. Since the shelter was waiting for an owner to claim the cat, Tara put her name down on the waiting list to adopt. When they called days later, Dublin's health was failing, and he had developed a fever. "I picked him up, took him straight to the vet, had what was left of that leg removed and then brought him home. Maybe three days later, still on pain killers, still all bandaged up, I found him on top of my armoire. To this day, I never figured out how he got up there, but nothing ever held him back."
Cats with disabilities search for love and affection from their owners just like any cat would, but Tara thinks this is especially true for amputees. "I have no idea if this is typical of three-legged cats, but (Dublin) is my lap cat, and so was Nickel. He is so friendly and warm and playful in a way that's just different than four-legged cats." She also finds that her amputee cats are very patient. "Dublin is—as Nickel was—the friendliest of the cats in our home, the most patient with my four kids, (9, 7, and 4-year-old twins), so that's saying a lot for any cat."
When asked what challenges she faces in caring for Dublin, she said, "The only concerns I really have with him are the extra stress on his remaining front leg ... and the kids accidentally getting too rough with him since he has one less limb to spare!" Dublin is very agile, so Tara isn't concerned about how he gets around or interacts with the other animals. "He has no problem running, jumping, or tussling with the other cats. He holds his own in a spat. As the youngest feline (he's about 3, my other male is around 4, and my female is 13 or so), he's full of energy and tends to be the instigator with the other cats."
Cats with disabilities, whether they are amputees or have any other type of disability or illness, deserve the love and attention these three cats enjoy. Just because they may not be as mobile as four-legged cats, they are likely to show the love back for taking a chance on them. While it can take some getting used to these cats are just like other cats and need a loving home like all other cats do. So, if you're considering getting a new cat, don't shy away from one that needs a little extra care — you might just find out that they are more affectionate and loving than you could ever imagine and be just what you wanted all along.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Why Does My Cat Keep Unrolling Toilet Paper?
Cats and toilet paper are a mischief-making combo. Learn why your cat is so fascinated with unrolling toilet paper (and how you can help them stop).
7 Tips for Newborn Kitten Care
Learn helpful care tips for your kitten in their first four months, including essential topics like bedding, food, using the litter box, grooming & more.
Safe Play Between Cats and Kids
Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved.
Suggestions to Make Your Cat Drink from a Bowl
If your cat refuses to drink from her water dish, or sees it more of a toy, learn some different ways you can encourage your cat to drink from a bowl.
Choosing the Best Kitten Food: What to Look For & Avoid
Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.
Do Cats Like to Be Petted?
Petting & picking up a cat can be tricky, but she'll give you signs to show she's ready. Learn her favorite spots to be petted and handling techniques.
Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
Cat Napping: Why Your Cat Likes to Sleep
Learn about your cat's natural sleep cycle and why it doesn't always match your own, as well as why she likes to nap at certain times of the day.
Choosing the Best Cats for Apartments
Learn important tips for choosing cats best suited for apartment living, including what types of living spaces are best for certain breeds of cats.
Why Regular Veterinary Visits Are Important to Your Kitten
Ensure you are providing the best care possible for your kitten by making regular visits to the veterinary. Learn why here.
Cat Intestinal Blockages: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Intestinal blockages in cats can be a life-threatening condition. Learn information about how they happen, common symptoms, treatment & prevention options.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
Skin Problems to Watch For in Your Cat
Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.
Spotting and Treating Acne in Cats
Acne in Cats: Common Signs, Treatment & Prevention
How to Care for Cat Paw Pads
Learn why it's important to keep your cat's paw pads clean and healthy, including household items you can use to keep her paws moisturized.
4 Ways to Help Your Cat Maintain an Ideal Weight
Follow these 4 easy steps to help your cat attain its ideal weight and maintain a healthy weight for life.
Cat Pneumonia: Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment
Cat pneumonia can be life-threatening if not addressed when clinical signs start to show. Luckily, many cats treated for this illness recover.
What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch?
What is a cat's primordial pouch? You may be surprised to know that it's a natural part of your kitty's biological makeup! Read on to learn more.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.