Rescuers weren’t sure Buttercup and Bubbles, two adorable black and white kittens, would survive when they took them in from a shelter. Both had their umbilical cord wrapped around a hind leg, strangling the tissue.
Right away, rescuers from Love Your Feral Felines, who inspired our own Cat Man Chris’s early rescue work, took the kittens to the vet. There, they determined the 4-day-old kittens would need amputation later in life. For one kitten, the leg was unviable, and for the other, a paw.
“The vet then took the action to partially remove the damaged/dead tissue and cleaned up the area until the kittens are larger and can withstand the surgery to amputate the leg,” the rescuers shared.
When the kitten’s reached 2 pounds, they would be ready for surgery. But the outlook wasn’t certain.
Their foster mom Kimmi would have to care for them round-the-clock to give them any chance.
Since there was a danger that infection could set in, they didn’t post about these two for weeks until they were sure they would make it.
Buttercup and Bubbles the Tripod Twins
Thanks to foster mom Kimmi, Buttercup and Bubble survived to three weeks old. Then, rescuers could share their stories without fear of a heartbreaking turn. The kittens didn’t know they were different and, as we see time and time again, were incredibly resilient and happy. They graduated from the incubator and started exploring their world like any other kittens.
“Bubbles and Buttercup are both super sweet, happy, energetic and playful kittens and I’m so glad we were able to help get them this far. ❤”
The Big Day Comes
By the end of the next month, the kittens were thriving and almost ready to have their surgery.
“They LOVE to run, climb, and play just like normal kittens even though they both have back peg leggies that need to be kept wrapped until removal. Its amazing how active they are and they dont let their legs stop them from having a good time. They are also super heckin sweet. 🥰,” said Kimmi.
Although it wasn’t easy, the kittens made it to their big day and finally, their sore legs would no longer hold them back. They survived 9 weeks with their “peg legs.”
“I’m amazed we got them this far. When we first got them we were so scared that they would die of sepsis, we didn’t even post about them for weeks because we were sure they wouldn’t make it but they did! What amazing little miracle babies!”
On surgery day, Buttercup came through fine, but Bubbles needed a day of observation at the vet. But they both recovered, and Bubbles returned home, more hyper than ever.
Both kittens adjusted fast as tripod kitties, and nothing holds them back.
“They can climb up onto beds and couches with no issues and they love to run around,” she said.
The two kittens grew into beautiful young ladies, and were ready for adoption. As you can see below, they have no mobility issues and are loving life.
Forever Home for Buttercup and Bubbles
At the time of this writing, the little tripod twins may still be seeking a forever home in the southern California area.
“How come my lil tripod twins havnt been adopted yet?! They are the most perfectest kittens ever! They are both energetic, playful, and they LOVE to cuddle. Someone adopt them! 😆”
Snuggle Heaters and Groomers
To find a furry friend, donate, or volunteer, you can find out more at Love Your Feral Felines on Instagram, Facebook, or their website. You can also follow Kimmi at KimmisKitties on Instagram and Facebook.
Kimmi shared that Buttercup and Bubbles bring some added skills to the table:
“Cold this season?
Wanna save on your heating bill?
Adopt a kitty!
Built in snuggle heater ✅️”
Kimmi of Kimmis Kitties
Plus, Bubbles also serves as a personal groomer for their foster dad!
“Wanna save time and nap more when getting ready in the morning? Bubbles got ya covered. You can sleep in and she will take care of all of your grooming needs.”
