Turbo Joe, The Cat Adapts to Wheelchair & New Home – Bravo!

Look at the little kitten enjoying his new home on wheels. Luckily, he was found by a dedicated recruiting team. He was dragging his body using his front legs when he was found. 

At the time of his rescue in the fall of 2018, Joe was a semi-paralyzed stray kitten. Onlookers noticed the young cat could not move with his hind legs, and it was decided to grab this at-risk animal off the streets and find him help.

Meow Village rehomes stray cats like the disabled kitten. Rescuers surmised Joe had become paralyzed in some way, which resulted in the paralysis of his back legs and rendered him unable to walk. Sheila Burdick, who had already taken in two one-eyed cats and knew what it takes to care for special needs pets, helped Joe find a great foster home.

The Portland-based Back On Track Veterinary Rehabilitation Center fitted Joe with a wheelchair as he got some much-needed TLC from his new foster family. In an interview with local reporters, Burdick said that Joe probably wouldn’t be able to play and run as much as other cats until he practices and gains some core strength. 

Burdick said last year, “‘Aw man. How dare you.'” At least they don’t have to help him on the stairs. 

His new name, Turbo Joe, is a reflection of his newly found energy after being given his wheelchair.

People rallied around Joe to restore his mobility would make it easier for the cat to find a forever home. And this effort worked. Turbo Joe was taken in by a family who could care for him not long after he was put up for adoption. Now that Turbo Joe is mobile, his new owners post regular updates on a cute Instagram account dedicated to his new cat sibling, Sidekick Slick.