Forest the cat’s life did not start out with great promise. Found on the street dragging himself behind his mother and siblings, a kind stranger picked up the disabled kitten and brought him to All Valley Animal Care Center in Meridian, Idaho, reported Jenny Sung of Global News. There, his fortunes quickly turned around as you can see in the video below.
According to an interview by Phillip Mlynar from Caster Magazine, though the clinic did all they could to restore his ability to walk, they determined that Forest had neurological problems that would prevent him from using his legs. The next step to give Forest mobility was a wheelchair. Though Forest can get around by dragging his back limbs, the wheelchair allows him to run, chase toys, and charm everyone at the clinic! In his snazzy purple and green rig, Forest looks like a cat all stretched out – very long and lean. Mylnar reported that Forest “seems to have developed the technique of managing to finagle his hind left leg into some sort of a brake mechanism.”
All Valley Animal Hospital has been inundated with emails, calls and adoption applications from hopeful families spanning several states, reports Global News. Forest’s profile on the hospital website describes him as “most unusual, intelligent and entertaining.”
Though there is significant interest in adopting Forest, the clinic wants to ensure that they find a family that will be able to manage a pet with special needs. “A lot of people see a really cute cat in a wheelchair and want to jump on that opportunity to take him,” clinic veterinarian Abbey Burgess is quoted as saying on Global News. “But he is going to require a lot of extra work,” including socializing and Forest’s inability to use a litter box. “He generally does his business near a floor drain,” said LaRae Richards, Director of Marketing at the clinic.
With a little additional care and consideration, Forest would be a great addition to any family that would enjoy an active cat with an unbroken spirit. The Dodo Facebook page featured Forest’s story, which has garnered love, attention and over 8,000 “Likes” from as far away as South Africa.
Maybe Forest and TurboRoo, a pup who also has fancy new wheels, can go for a stroll sometime!
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.