Special Needs Cats Picture Gallery: Tripod Bob

Our one eyed cat, Popeye, was very lonesome after we lost our German shepherd to a spleen mass. So, I was in search of another special needs cat to be a buddy and playmate to Popeye. My daughter, Jill, had recently adopted a beautiful 6 month old brown tabby male stray. He was brought in to the animal hospital where she works as a tech with a severe fracture of one hind limb. They suspected he had been hit by a car. He was literally dragging his leg and had been for quite some time. Sadly they could not save his leg and it was amputated at the hip joint. They named him Tripod Bob. Jill already has a senior female cat. She recently lost her other cat. Suzy was lonesome and would wander at night and cry for Ozzy. So, Jill adopted Bob. Suzy was not very accepting of this youngster. He would want to play and she just wanted to rest. He would push her off her favorite chair and claim it as his own. Suzy began to have litter box issue to show her unhappiness and stress that this rambunctious kitten brought into her life.

So we adopted Bob. Popeye and he are best friends. Popeye gets irritated at times with Bob, but he is very patient with him. He knows he is a youngster in need of some adult cat wisdom and direction. He is teaching him what is acceptable and what is not. They groom each other, wrestle and chase each other all over the house. From day one Popeye let Bob know he is the alpha cat. He will pin Bob down if need be and Bob happily submits to his authority.

Bob's disability does not slow him down much. He runs better then he walks! He doesn't stand or sit much preferring to lay down most of the time. I think his rear leg gets awful tired. He is still very skittish from living outside on his own till he was 6 months old. He is learning to trust humans, especially men. My husband is patiently earning his trust a little each day. Bob can be a cuddle bug! He likes to climb in my lap or lay next to me on the couch, but is not much on being held. He loves to lick my hands all over. Sometimes I have to make him stop because his rough tongue makes my skin sore! He also likes to give kisses! He loves to play with toy balls and mice and at times plays fetch.

I think he may have a bit of Bengal in him as he has a spotted belly and some spots on his torso and legs and he loves water He is a very beautiful and wonderful part of our family and the perfect friend and buddy to Popeye! We love him dearly and are so happy that he is a part of our lives.