When Mareen of Berlin, Germany went to her friend’s garden plot to help feed a litter of stray kittens, she had no idea that she’d make a special new friend!
After putting the food down, the cat lovers waited to observe the feline family enjoying their meal. That’s when they realized that one of the babies was a little bit different. The white and gray kitten had green eyes, a long striped tail… and only two legs!
“My first reaction was amazement, because you barely noticed his missing legs,” Mareen told iHeartCats. “He was so balanced while eating and walking.”
She explained that her first reaction was to take him home, but considering how well he had adapted so far, decided that the young kitten would be best spending some more time alongside his mother.
But Mareen didn’t forget about the handi-capable kitten. She kept a close eye on him that week to make sure he was still doing alright.
“I visited him the next few days. I watched him and his brother and sisters. Gave him food and treats, talked to him so he [could] get used to my voice, and took photos,” she said.
Mareen continued feeding the stray kitten, and slowly but surely, she began to gain his trust. She knew that as he got older, his missing legs could make him a target for predators. Finally, she was able to catch the kitty and take him home where he’d be safe for the rest of his days.
The cat-mom was in awe at how well the kitty could get around, and more impressively, how fast he is. That’s why she decided to name him Rocket!
“Because of his small pelvis, his back is formed [and] streamlined,” Mareen told iHeartCats. “He is a super fast-running little kitty…And when we first wanted to catch him, he escaped 4 humans!”
Rocket has his own special way of doing things, but he always gets to where he wants to go. His mom explains, “He can climb everything where he can put his claws in (if he wants to sit next to me on a chair, he prefers meowing at me until I lift him up though). He is also able to jump from high places, like a windowsill.”
Rocket even has an adorable way of stretching. “After napping he stretches very [unusually], his butt [goes] 90 degrees in the air and he walks like this for a few seconds,” Mareen said.
Rocket has two feline siblings whom he adores. Both British Shorthairs, Flint, a male, and Gürkchen (aka Bubba), a girl, both love their energetic little brother. Their mom says that the three kitties get along very well and often play together.
“Rocket has a cheeky and playful character, but he is also very cuddly and attached to us,” Mareen said.
This kitty is a resilient inspiration to his family and everyone who hears his story. And as for the rest of the litter? Mareen said that her friend took care of them. They have all been spayed or neutered to prevent more homeless cats.
You can keep up with Rocket and his siblings on Instagram, @flint.guerkchen.rocket.
Isn’t Rocket amazing?! Special thanks to Mareen for letting us share this wonderful story and photos!