Paralyzed Cat Takes On The World In A Wheelchair–With His Best Ferret Friends By His Side

Written by: Adri Sandoval
Adri Sandoval is the Special Projects Manager for iHeartDogs and iHeartCats. Her work has deepened her love for animals, fostering a strong passion for rescue and animal advocacy.Read more
| Published on September 30, 2016

Rexie the cat lives in Yekaterinburg, Russia with his human Daria Minaeva and is a shining example of how to stay optimistic despite adversity.

Due to an unspecified “terrible accident,” the poor kitty broke his spine and his hind legs became paralyzed. At one point, Minaeva though Rexie might have to be euthanized due to his extensive injuries.

But they didn’t give up. With therapy and a special pink wheelchair, the resilient Rexie learned how to maneuver his way through life–and he couldn’t be happier!

“He’s adapted to live a life as a two-legged cat. He doesn’t use his back feet at all, but it doesn’t stop him from walking, running and even climbing,” Minaeva said in a story by Barcroft TV.

“He can’t control his legs so sometimes when he sits, and his feet happen to be at the edge, they just hang which makes it look like he’s sitting like a person,” she said in the story.

“Usually it’s not their two eyes or four feet we own them for. There’s something more than that, some spiritual connection between an owner and their pet,” she said.

“The pet might lose an eye or end up without a limb but it doesn’t break up the connection. That’s what matters.”

A photo posted by Here every day is Caturday! ♡ (@ferrecats) on

Not only is this Minaeva thrilled to have her beloved kitty around, Rexie’s BFF’s–best ferret friends–can’t imagine life without his companionship.

Together, Rexie, Keanu, and Martini are able to play, snuggle, and live life to the fullest!

A photo posted by Here every day is Caturday!(@ferrecats) on

A photo posted by Here every day is Caturday!(@ferrecats) on

A photo posted by Here every day is Caturday!(@ferrecats) on

The happy kitty’s human is inspired by his joyful spirit. “
I was very despaired when that situation happened to Rexie, but he showed me that it’s life that should be valued the most, and with a loving owner it’s possible for a disabled pet to live a happy one,” she told Barcroft TV.

“Life fails to be perfect but never fails to be beautiful,” she wrote on Instagram.

These furry friends are so sweet! Sometimes, animals are the best teachers when it comes to overcoming adversity. We wish Rexie and his friends many more years of health and happiness.

You can follow their adventures on Instagram, @ferrecats.

(h/t: Barcroft TV)