Sven was born with only two legs as well as other congenital deformities, but he’s a lovable, happy furbeast and a spokeskitty for special needs cats.
KATNISS: You were rescued from a hoarding situation with over 20 other cats. That sounds mewserable.
SVEN: I was one of the lucky ones – I made it out alive. The Humane Officers helped meowt and I was placed in a foster home.
KATNISS: But that wasn’t a pawsitive experience, either.
SVEN: No. My foster meowm loved me and wanted to adopt me, but the other cats bullied me relentlessly, because I am diffurent – my tail and front legs are shorter than normal and I don’t have paw pads or claws on the majority of my toes. The other cats saw these diffurences as weaknesses. They would block me from getting food and water and were aggressive to me.
KATNISS: That’s really unfurtunate. I think diffurences are interesting.
SVEN: Luckily, so did my new Humom. Within moments of us meeting, we knew we were meant to be together furever. And I have feline siblings who also accept me as I am.
KATNISS: I love a good adoption story. Tell me about your life now.
SVEN: Well, I enjoy lounging in my outdoor playpen, riding in my all terrain stroller, and watching Catflix on my iPad. My favorite shows are Planet Earth and Nat Geo documentaries.
KATNISS: Pawsome. If it’s okay to ask a purrsonal question, how do you get along with only two legs?
SVEN: I need some assistance with the litter box, but Meowmy helps me with that. Otherwise, I have no traction on flat surfaces, but on carpet, I can RUN!
KATNISS: I know, I’ve seen you chasing lasers. I think you almost caught the red dot.
SVEN: I can assure you, one day I will. I am very purrsistent and not one to give up.
KATNISS: I know at one point, you were considering a wheelchair.
SVEN: Yes, Meowmy bought me one, but unfurtunately my front legs and paws are not strong enough for me to stand in the wheelchair. But I love my stroller. I love going out and seeing the world!
KATNISS: And more impurrtantly, showing the world that special needs cats are worthy of love and understanding.
SVEN: That’s my goal. That and to catch the red dot.
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