Tennessee Fospice Kitten Given No Chance To Live Ends Up Running The Whole House
When a tiny tabby kitten was born without feet and multiple health issues, he was placed in a fospice program with an uncertain future. But Mr. Toe Beans had his own plans, and he quickly proved he was ready to thrive.
A Challenging Start For A Tiny Kitten
Mr. Toe Beans came into the world facing an uphill battle from day one. He was born without any feet, leaving him with just four small nubs where his legs should have been.
His challenges didn’t end there. The tiny tabby also had a shorter tail, an improperly formed right ear, vision impairment, and blood pressure issues.
The working theory was that he simply didn’t have enough room to develop properly in his mother’s womb. Given his uncertain future, Nashville Humane took him in and placed him in their fospice program—a combination of foster care and hospice.
From Question Mark To Exclamation Point
Nobody was sure how much time the little kitten actually had. Medically speaking, his future was a complete question mark.
But Mr. Toe Beans wasn’t interested in medical expectations. When he was about a year old, a family decided to foster him, and his new mom captured a video of the uncertain little creature exploring his new space.
Over the next year of fospice life, something incredible happened. He wasn’t just surviving; he was thriving, and the decision to keep him became an easy one.
Navigating The World On His Own Terms
Daily life for a cat with no feet is both complicated and highly entertaining. His mobility depends entirely on the surface he’s on.
On soft ground like blankets, beds, and grippy pads, he gets around just fine. He can roll his toys, get into bed, and even attempt circle zoomies.
Hardwood floors are a different story, as he has no traction. But he has developed an effective alternative: he meows loudly until someone carries him exactly where he wants to go.
Creative Solutions For A Special Cat
His family has tried numerous creative ways to help him move on hard surfaces. They tested socks, a giant hamster ball, and even a skateboard.
He was evaluated for prosthetics but wasn’t considered a good candidate. Ultimately, they realized he moves best in his own way and on surfaces that cooperate with him.
To accommodate him, the house has been thoughtfully arranged with soft surfaces, including a special setup in a guest bathroom with grippy pads and an easily accessible crate.
An Unexpected Sibling Rivalry
Mr. Toe Beans’ sense of mischief is fully intact, especially when it comes to his brother, Elric. The fact that Elric is a Chihuahua makes their dynamic even more extraordinary.
The two have developed their own private version of wrestling. According to witnesses, Mr. Toe Beans is usually the one who starts it—and the one who wins.
They spend a lot of time wanting whatever the other has, leading to never-ending and rarely peaceful negotiations over toys.
A Cat With Clear Preferences
Beyond his sibling rivalry, Mr. Toe Beans knows exactly what he likes. He prefers dog toys over cat toys, which makes sense since he can’t bat things with paws.
He enjoys sunbathing outside when the weather is nice, though he loudly complains when he’s ready to go back inside.
Sometimes he even goes to work with his dad, watching the world through big windows, or safely looking out at the neighborhood from his carefully positioned cat stand.
A Big Personality In A Small Package
Despite his vision impairment, which causes him to startle at nothing, he is full of life. He gets the zoomies and sticks his tongue out when he’s sleepy.
He grooms himself with real dedication, and his family helps with the spots he can’t reach, which he tolerates with indignant dignity.
He loves belly rubs, has a deep fear of crinkling plastic, and adores his dad. He is a whole personality in a cat who was never supposed to have much time.
Thriving Against All Odds
Now almost three years old, Mr. Toe Beans continues to defy the odds. His family celebrates his adoption day rather than an exact birthday.
He still takes his medications and follows his routine, proving every day that he is thriving.
He might not have feet, but he has a loving family, a brother to wrestle with, and an iron grip on the hearts of everyone who knows him—an incredible outcome for a cat who wasn’t supposed to make it.
