Arizona Kitten Born Without Hind Paws Gets Tiny Booties To Help Him Walk With Confidence

Scottie’s story began in Arizona, where rescuers found him in need of a foster home. Unlike most kittens, Scottie was born without hind legs, with only two small nubs where his back paws should have been. 

One nub was especially concerning, it exposed a bit of bone, and the vets explained that surgery would be needed once he was older and stronger.

That’s when Scottie was placed in the care of Nikki, an experienced foster mom who had already cared for hundreds of cats and kittens. 

Her rescue partner trusted she was the perfect person to handle such a special case. But even with all her experience, Nikki admitted she panicked at first. As she says in the video:

“I started thinking, what am I getting myself into? What’s his future going to be? Could I get him adopted?”

Despite her doubts, Nikki knew Scottie needed her, so she set up a safe, cozy room filled with all the essentials a kitten could need. But Scottie wasn’t interested. He cried and cried, making it clear he didn’t want to be alone. 

Finally, Nikki gave in and brought him into her bedroom. From that moment, he decided that was his space, and hers.

Scottie adapted quickly, showing his playful, loving personality despite his challenges. To help him feel more independent, Nikki even installed tiny stairs so he could climb on and off the bed with ease. 

At first, he was unsure, but with encouragement, he became a pro. Soon, he was racing up and down, but his speed sometimes caused him to bump his nub, leaving it sore.

Nikki couldn’t stand to see him in pain, so she called her grandmother for advice. Her grandma, a former ballerina, knew all about protecting toes and suggested something ingenious: custom little booties with rubber traction on the bottoms.

At first, Scottie couldn’t stop fiddling with his new shoes, but before long, they changed everything. He could zip around the house, climb, and play without discomfort. His booties gave him freedom, and confidence.

Watching Nikki’s other cats climb the cat tree inspired Scottie to try it himself. Jumping wasn’t an option, but he worked hard to build strength in his front legs. 

Slowly but surely, he made progress, climbing one level at a time until he finally reached the top. Nikki knew then that Scottie was destined to live a full and happy life.

After two months, X-rays brought great news: the nub had healed beautifully, and surgery wasn’t necessary. Scottie no longer needed the booties, though they had been a lifesaver during his growth. 

He was healthy, strong, and ready for the next chapter, finding his forever home.

Among the many adoption applications, one stood out. A man named Moses applied, sharing that he already had a kitten named Scout about the same age as Scottie. It seemed like the perfect match.

When Moses met Scottie, he was instantly smitten. Nikki knew he would treat Scottie like the “pampered little prince” he was meant to be. 

Though saying goodbye was tough, she was thrilled when Moses whisked Scottie away, flying him first class to his new home.

It didn’t take long for Scottie to settle in. On his first night, he snuggled beside Moses, and soon after, he and Scout became fast friends.

From a wobbly little kitten with no back legs to a beloved family member living the good life, Scottie has proven that nothing, not even missing limbs, can hold back a determined spirit.