Faces of No-Kill: Paralyzed cat’s life in the fast lane

If McMuffin had a nickname, it would be Flash. When this tuxedo cat zooms past, all you see is a blur of black and white. His super speed is especially impressive considering his back legs are paralyzed. But McMuffin hasn’t let his challenges slow him down from Day 1.  

McMuffin came to the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Salt Lake City from a nearby shelter when he was just two days old. Blind and deaf, all newborn kittens struggle to move around, but McMuffin was different. The veterinary staff monitored him closely and realized that this tiny tuxie couldn’t use his back legs, a condition he was born with. The team also discovered that he was incontinent and would need help going to the bathroom.

[Foster caregiver drawn to cats with special needs]

Luckily, foster volunteers were standing by, ready to step in and do whatever it took to help the pocket-size kitten thrive. With their care and support, McMuffin learned to navigate the world on his terms. He made peace with wearing a diaper and started using one of his back legs like a kickstand for balance. Once he figured that out, McMuffin had one speed: fast. When it came to playtime, he had just as much spunk, energy, and curiosity as his fellow foster felines.

After several months with Best Friends, McMuffin went to stay with foster volunteer Lisa Miner. He raced straight into Lisa’s heart, and it didn’t take her long to realize that this special boy was home for good. Yes, McMuffin does require more care than many other cats, but he makes up for it with affection and unconditional love.

[Faces of No-Kill: Kitty gets kicking with care and a cart]

Today, McMuffin is living his best cat life, which even includes traveling. Strapped snug in his harness, he loves visiting the lake and exploring nature. (So even though he still lives life in the fast lane, he does occasionally stop to smell the roses.) There’s no telling what McMuffin will do next — just be sure not to blink or you might miss it.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.