Paraplegic Kitten Learns to Land on His Feet, No One Can Believe It
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A paraplegic kitten named Loco has become an internet sensation after a video of him learning how to land on his feet went viral on social media.
The heartwarming TikTok video shared in June under the username @purrfectlybelle6, shows the 2-month-old kitten, born without the use of his hind legs, fearlessly leaping off a cat tree as his stunned family watches.
Determined to not let his disability define who he is, Loco jumps off the cat tree using only his front legs to make the jump, dragging his hind legs behind.
Loco is currently experiencing issues with one of his eyes, and is taking antibiotics and warm compress to cure the infection.
Pet MD says that paralysis, both partial and complete, is due to a blockage in the signaling pathway from the brain to the affected body parts. It can be caused by cancer; drugs and/or chemicals, such as disinfectant, pesticides, and antifreeze.
It can also be the cause of clot formation; infections, like cryptococcus, toxoplasmosis, and feline infectious peritonitis; intervertebral disc disease; spinal trauma; and toxins, such as botulism from eating uncooked or spoiled food, marijuana, and tick bites.
For felines, paralysis can occur suddenly or become worse over time. Symptoms include a lack of movement in any part of the body, including head, neck and limbs; wobbly gait; falling down; difficulties eating, drinking, and going potty; trouble breathing; and dragging limbs across the floor while walking.
Mooresville Animal Hospital says that whether or not cats can recover from paralysis depends on its cause and the severity of the condition. Felines with temporary paralysis can recover fully with the right treatment.
When it's due to a chronic neurological diseases, or severe spinal cord injury, it may not be as easy.
A stock image shows a small kitten hiding behind a cat tree.
A stock image shows a small kitten hiding behind a cat tree.
getty images
The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 5.4 million views and 644,500 likes on the platform.
One user, Berajaws, commented: "Nothing wrong with that cat. That jump was impressive in my eyes. It's like he had four working paws lol he's the toughest little cat I ever seen lol gonna show this to my cat lol."
Jenny_HandsomePants said: "The core & shoulder strength to get parallel to the floor!!!"
Jillybeanequine added: "The adult cats looking at him like 'damn did he really just do that!?"
Newsweek reached out to purrfectlybelle6 for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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