This Little Kitten Couldn’t Even Stand but Now He’s Moving like Never Before! (PHOTOS)

At just a week old, a sweet little kitten named Stockings was discovered living in an alleged hoarding situation, underweight and suffering from a developing upper respiratory infection.

Thankfully, his suffering did not last long. He was soon rescued by a Good Samaritan and brought to no-kill Chicago, Ill., shelter, Tree House Humane Society, where he met a caring team dedicated to getting him back up to full health.

However, Stockings was not just a typical hoarding rescue cat as he was born without the ability to walk or stand.

According to Tree House Humane Society, his hind legs were “fully turned inward and fixed in a ‘W’ position.” In fact, the hyperextension “was so severe that it was as if his feet had been put on backwards.”

Despite his disabilities, Stockings tried to keep on going as if he was like any other cat, scooting around on his hind legs as best as he could. The Tree House shelter staff was amazed at how resilient this little kitten was already at such a young age, and his personality won them over in an instant.

“We were immediately drawn in by Stockings’ incredible personality and gentle nature. He has a way of looking up at you, with intense blue eyes, that is infectious. He is an incredibly attentive kitten and lights up when someone approaches. He leans his whole body forward as if yearning to be noticed with an undemanding, yet earnest look of anticipation,” Tree House Humane Society writes.

Once Stockings was treated for his upper respiratory infection and started to gain some weight, the shelter decided it was time to see if they could restore mobility to his hind legs. After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, the Tree House veterinary team went to work. Stockings underwent two surgeries on his hind legs before he began to show signs of improvement.

Now, Stockings is able to move around much more freely. It still takes him some time to stand, yet, as Tree House Humane Society reports, he “has no fear.”

“Stockings has blossomed into a rambunctious, lively, and energetic kitten. While he shares his foster home with two dogs, he has quickly learned how to take charge of the household. He wobbles and topples as he works to navigate but is quickly learning how to adjust to his new legs,” Tree House Humane Society writes.

Stockings may never have the same mobility as other cats, yet he has gained extra dexterity in his front legs, which, combined with the surgeries, has allowed him the opportunity to live a full, healthy, and happy life.

What’s more, Stockings has found his forever home! Soon after his fostering period was over, his foster mom, in love with his “rambunctious personality,” decided to take him in permanently. What a lovely ending for such an amazing little kitty!

Want to see Stockings in action? Check out the video below!

To find out more about Tree House Humane Society, please visit the shelter’s website or Facebook page. To check out other shelters and rescues dedicated to helping special needs animals, please click here.

Lead image source: Tree House Humane Society