Grateful Senior Cat In Vermont Can’t Stop Showing Love To His New Family
Every once in a while, a story about an extraordinary cat comes along and stays with you. For Lexie, that story belongs to Franc, a black and white senior cat with only three legs and a heart big enough to fill any home with love.
Lexie first came across Franc while scrolling through YouTube, where she watched a touching video about his life. From the moment she saw him, she knew there was something special about this handsome feline.
Franc’s journey had been far from easy. He was rescued from the streets by a kind woman who had started a small animal sanctuary. Sadly, after she passed away, the sanctuary’s new caretakers began searching for someone willing to adopt Franc.
“I don’t know exactly what happened to him but he was rescued from the streets by a lady who had set up a sanctuary. Sadly, she passed away so the people who ran the sanctuary that she set up, tried to get someone to adopt him.”
At around 15 years old and living with a disability, Franc faced the same challenge many senior cats do, being overlooked. Few people are willing to take in an older cat, let alone one missing a leg. But Lexie and her husband felt differently.
“I saw his story online and I said to my husband, what do you think? You know, no one’s come forward, can we help?”
His response was instant and wholehearted: “Let’s go for it!”
Soon after, arrangements were made, and Franc was on his way to his new home, ready to begin a fresh chapter surrounded by love.
From the moment he stepped out of the carrier, Franc made it clear he was exactly where he belonged. Lexie fondly remembers their first meeting:
“As soon as he came out of the carrier he was literally a massive Cuddle Bunny. He leaped into our arms and he hasn’t got out of our arms since, really.”
It was love at first cuddle. Despite his age and his three-legged gait, Franc’s affectionate personality shone through. He quickly became known in the household as the “big baby” of the family, never missing a chance for snuggles.
Although Franc lives with FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), it doesn’t slow him down or dampen his spirits. Lexie says he’s adapted wonderfully to his new life:
“He runs up the stairs when he wants to run. He has little steps up and down the window sill. But he copes really, really well with three legs.”
He may move a little differently, but Franc doesn’t let that hold him back. Whether it’s exploring the house, watching birds through the window, or simply demanding attention, he always finds a way to be part of everything going on.
And when Lexie and her husband are busy, Franc has a clever solution to make sure he’s never too far away, a baby sling. Lexie explained with a laugh:
“Sometimes it’s just not feasible to stand and cuddle him for a long period of time, I have other things to do. So, if that’s the case then I’ll put the baby sling on and pop him in the sling, and then I’ll get on with whatever I have to do.”
It’s a perfect arrangement. Franc gets his beloved cuddle time, and Lexie can continue with her day. He often purrs himself to sleep in the sling, content and completely at peace.
She describes him as having an unusually expressive face for a cat, almost human-like, with eyes that seem to communicate exactly what he wants.
“Franc has quite a human-looking face for a cat, and he has a real piercing look when he wants your attention.”
Today, Lexie and her husband can’t imagine their lives without him. Franc may have entered their world as a senior rescue with a rough past, but now he is living his best life, cherished, secure, and adored.
His story is a touching reminder that senior cats, even those with disabilities, still have endless love to give. When given a chance, they don’t just survive, they thrive.
