In 2023, a video showcasing Mac ‘n’ Cheez, a small kitten with paralyzed hind legs, utilizing a miniature “wheelchair” to test its maximum speed potential gained immense popularity. Since then, this stunning ginger cat has acquired the ability to move on two legs, regardless of whether it’s wearing a harness or using wheels.

Mac was discovered hiding inside an abandoned box of macaroni and cheese and was taken to Massapequa Vet in Long Island, New York, where it was determined that his hind legs were paralyzed due to nerve damage. Shortly after, the clinic posted videos and photos of Mac undergoing hydrotherapy and experimenting with a specially designed Lego wheelchair harness, thrusting him into the limelight.

Although wheelchairs for disabled cats and dogs are not a new concept, most pets do not use them indoors due to difficulties in maneuvering within confined spaces, sitting, or lying down while using them. Cat wheelchairs serve as an option for taking a disabled pet on walks, as well as owner-assisted slings, especially for pets that have limited use of their hind legs and can partially stand on them. Mac, who is now almost 4 years old, occasionally positions his back feet underneath him and stands up, but he has minimal control over them. He relies more on scooting around using his strong front paws, which enable him to climb over furniture. Due to the orientation of his hind legs, Mac also assumes a resting position that resembles that of a human.

This resourceful ginger cat possesses remarkably strong front legs. Taking care of a cat with hind leg paralysis presents various challenges. Scooting around the house can lead to injuries or strain on the legs and hips. To ensure safe mobility, some owners utilize a specialized garment called a drag bag or scooter bag for their pets. Depending on the level of sensation and control they have over their lower body, incontinence becomes a common issue. Some paraplegic pets wear diapers, while others require stimulation to defecate multiple times a day.

Providing care for a paraplegic cat demands a committed owner.