Cat With Missing Paws Loves To Snuggle With His Foster Mom

Not everyone believes in love at first sight, but it’s the only way to describe the instant relationship that developed between this cat and the lady who saved him.

Sara Rivers, a 25-year-old counselor at Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly), the Philadelphia region’s largest animal shelter service organization, arrived at work as usual a few months ago when her boss informed her of a 6-month-old cat in surgery who required immediate promotion (i.e. calls for support from rescue organizations to take animals into their no-kill shelters).

She recalls her first contact with the cat who became affectionately known as Nubbies. “As soon as I saw him, I knew I wanted to be his foster,” Rivers told The Dodo. “I quickly contacted my pals at The Philly Kitty to inform them of this horrible sight and, without hesitation,  they told me I could bring him home with me from work that day.”

Nubbies was in bad shape when he arrived at the shelter. Even Rivers, who confesses to seeing a lot of animals in bad conditions, was taken aback by Nubbies’ state. “On his two right legs, he was missing both paws. I’d never seen anything like that before.”

The shelter’s veterinary team felt that Nubbies had been traumatized and was having difficulty healing on his own, however it’s unknown what happened to the cat. Nubbies was soon given pain relievers and antibiotics, but he still had a long journey ahead of him. Rivers then stepped up, not just as Nubbies’ foster parent, but also as his most passionate supporter.

Nubbies’ condition would be tough for most animals, but it was extremely difficult for him due to his lively and attention-loving disposition. According to Rivers, it was difficult for him to stay still while he was rehabilitating since he enjoys crawling and throwing himself onto people’s laps.

But he’s tough and can stay affectionate even when he’s frustrated. “Another adorable aspect of Nubbies is the time we spend with him after his ‘dips’ [medical baths],” Rivers remarked. “We have to dip his nubbies in a tiny bowl and then let him air dry before putting him back in his box, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes.” We can hear him purring like a machine even when his paws are in the dip or soaking wet, which I’m sure isn’t very nice.”

“Right now, his front right leg is bandaged, and his hind right leg has been amputated, so he’s learning to walk on three legs.” Rivers said. “Once we are able to remove the bandage, we’ll be able to see how he adjusts.”
If Nubbies can’t walk or function properly with three legs, she said, The Philly Kitty would consider having him fit for a prosthetic leg.

He hasn’t allowed this stop him from moving around, though. “When I awoke from my nap, I got a text from Nubbies’ doctor with a photo of Nubbies in a small green cast and a video of him going across the room on my phone.

While Nubbies is unable to accomplish much due to his cast and injuries, he enjoys eating, according to Rivers. “He also enjoys being pampered with hugs and snuggles,” she said.

Despite his disabilities, Rivers has developed a strong affection for Nubbies. “I’ve been saying that I’ll never foster another cat, but if Nubbies continues to show what a wonderful addition he would be to our family, I might have to break my promise,” Rivers joked.

According to Rivers, Nubbies is just one of many special needs cats all around the world, many of whom are passed up for adoption because they are deemed “expensive.” “A lot of people believe that medically critical animals aren’t worth saving since there are a rising number of cats,” Rivers explained. “This isn’t to say that cats with specific needs don’t deserve wonderful, loving homes.”

“Cats have a stupid stereotype that makes them appear like these independent, ungrateful animals,” she says. “But, if you ever save a special-needs cat, you’ll immediately realize that cats are among of the most sensitive, caring, and compassionate creatures.”

Link to Paws Daily

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