Mac ‘n’ Cheez, a tiny kitten with paralyzed back legs, is using a tiny “wheelchair” to get around.
The handsome ginger cat has learned how to walk on two legs, with or without a harness or wheels.
Mac was found in a discarded mac ‘n’ cheese box and took to Massapequa Vet in Long Island, New York. Then, it was discovered that his back legs were paralyzed due to nerve damage. He became popular when the clinic shared videos and pictures of him doing water therapy and trying out a custom-built wheeled harness made of Lego.
It is not new when disabled cats and dogs are using wheelchairs, but most of the time they don’t use them indoors, as it’s difficult to maneuver in confined spaces, sit or lie down while using them.
Cat wheelchairs are an option for taking a disabled pet out for a walk because slings are supported by the owner, especially for animals that have little use of their hind legs and can stand on them to an extent.
Mac, now almost 4 years old, sometimes he puts his back feet under himself and stands up, but he has not full control over them and is more reliable at scooting using his front legs. The position of his back legs has an almost human-like resting position.
Caring for a disabled cat is a big challenge, scooting around the house can cause injuries or wear and tear on the legs and hips. So, for the safety, some owners put a specialized article of clothing called a drag bag or a scoot sack on their pet.
It depends on the degree of feeling and control they have over their lower body, incontinence is also another issue, with some paraplegic pets wearing diapers or the opposite problem in which they have to be stimulated to do their business several times a day. Taking care of such cats is not easy and people who are doing it should be appreciated.
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