Anakin was born into a small feral cat colony living in the woods near my father’s workplace.

When my family first saw him, we realized he was moving around on only his front legs. I went to my father’s workplace several times trying to catch him. I was finally able to rescue him and bring him home.

He was very young, frightened, and in need of veterinary care, but his determination and personality were already obvious.

Nothing happened to them. Anakin was born without a pelvis or back legs.

Because he came from a feral colony, we do not know exactly why he developed this way. Malnutrition, genetics, inbreeding, or another developmental issue may have contributed, but the exact cause is unknown.

After Anakin came home with me, his mother, two siblings, and several other cats remained in the feral colony near my father’s workplace. My father continued feeding them, but he was preparing to retire and there would be no one left to care for them.

My family worked with local animal-rescue volunteers to trap the remaining cats. They were taken to a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and moved to a safe wooded property where a caring woman already looked after other feral cats.

Anakin's two brothers became indoor cats at their new home, and the remainingcats were safely acclimated before being released on the property.

Sadly, Anakin’s mother escaped from her enclosure while she was at our house. Despite searching for her, we never saw her again.

There may also be a family connection between Anakin and two of my other rescued cats, Trixie and Pixie. They were found near the same workplace approximately two years earlier and may be related.

Anakin was born with his condition and adapted to it from a very young age. His missing pelvis and back legs do not automatically mean that he is in pain.

Like all pets, Anakin receives veterinary care and is watched closely for signs of pain, discomfort, or changes in his mobility and health.

Anakin relaxing without a care in the world.

Anakin has not needed a wheelchair or cart for his normal movement around the house. He adapted extremely well to using his front legs and gradually developed the muscles needed to support and balance his body.

A wheeled cart could limit his ability to climb, turn, lounge comfortably, and reach many of his favorite places.

His needs will always be evaluated with his veterinarian. Should his mobility change and a cart become helpful, we would explore the best option for him.

Anakin’s belly does not normally drag on the floor. When he walks, he holds his body and belly off the floor with his strong front legs. His back end may move closer to the floor when he runs quickly and may occasionally touch the floor, but he does not drag himself around.

Anakin positions his front legs slightly inward beneath the middle of his body and balances his back end in the air. His tail can touch the floor to provide additional balance when needed.

He moves surprisingly quickly and can run and zoom around the house. Instead of jumping in the same way as a four-legged cat, he usually lunges upward and forward, then uses his strong front legs and claws to pull himself onto a surface.

We provide steps and ramps leading to beds, couches, windows, and other favorite places so he can move around the house safely and independently.

Anakin can use a litter box independently. He balances on his front legs and adjusts his body differently depending on what he needs to do.

When he was younger, he occasionally became messy while trying to cover the litter by lying on his side and using his front paws. I cleaned him whenever that happened. As he grew older, it happened much less often.

We have used both low-entry litter boxes with cat litter and boxes lined with puppy pads. Several boxes are placed around the house so Anakin and the other cats always have convenient choices.

As Anakin grew older, he began to prefer the boxes lined with puppy pads.

Anakin’s food and supplements have changed over the years depending on his age, digestive needs, urinary health, sensitivities, and his veterinarian’s recommendations.

He has eaten veterinary wet foods selected to support his digestive and urinary health and to make elimination easier for him. He also drinks filtered water.

Anakin experienced several medical problems when he was a young kitten. At approximately eight weeks old, he developed a rectal prolapse that required purse-string stitches.

He also underwent a barium enema and X-rays to look for intestinal abnormalities. His intestines appeared normal on those tests.

As a rescued feral kitten, he was treated for parasites including coccidia, roundworms, and Giardia. The Giardia caused diarrhea and contributed to a second rectal prolapse in August 2012. He was hospitalized, treated, and recovered.

Anakin has also experienced urinary tract infections and has received veterinary treatment and urinary-health support as needed.

He received his routine kitten vaccinations, tested negative for feline leukemia, and was treated for common worms and parasites.

Yes. Anakin underwent cryptorchid neuter surgery in March 2013. Cryptorchidism means that his testicles did not descend normally.

An ultrasound showed that both testicles were present beneath the skin. Removing them was important because retained testicles can have a greater risk of future problems, including cancer and torsion.

Anakin experienced several complications during his recovery. He had a reaction to chlorhexidine used during the procedure, developed sores in his mouth and on his tongue, required an additional incision, and later developed an infection and fever.

He received appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, and recovered from the surgery.

Caring for Anakin has cost more than caring for an average cat because of his unique needs, emergency veterinary visits, repeated treatment for his rectal prolapse, infections, testing, and specialized neuter surgery.

My family and many generous friends of Anakin have helped us care for him over the years. I remain deeply grateful for everyone who has supported Anakin and cared about his well-being.

Only when he was a very small kitten and could not be supervised. The bathroom was a safe, controlled space where he could rest and adjust to living indoors.

At the time, we already had several full-grown cats and a large dog, so Anakin was introduced to the other pets slowly and carefully.

Once he was older and fully socialized, he had access to the house and frequently slept beside me on the bed.

Anakin has received thoughtful cards, toys, treats, beds, and gifts from friends who care about him. Although photographs can make the collection look large, most toys are well used and eventually need to be replaced.

When we have more unopened toys or treats than our cats can use, we have donated extras to local animal organizations.

The gifts have also allowed all of our rescued cats to enjoy a few special extras beyond their everyday necessities.

Yes. Cards and small gifts for Anakin and the Fur Gang may be sent to my business post office box:

Thank you for caring about Anakin and all of our rescued cats.

We considered this possibility when Anakin was young. However, his personality as an adult cat is not well suited to meeting unfamiliar people or visiting unfamiliar places.

Anakin prefers a quiet life at home with the family and animals he already knows and loves. His comfort and well-being come first.

Anakin lives as a happy, loved, and spoiled family cat. I do not plan to take him to studios, interviews, public appearances, conventions, or other potentially stressful situations.

I also protect the privacy of our home and family. Anakin’s story can still be shared through photographs, videos, written updates, and interviews that do not interfere with his daily life.

His comfort, safety, and happiness will always be more important than publicity.

Mika is Anakin's "brother from another mother." We rescued him from a Texas shelter in February 2013.

Like Anakin, Mika was born different. He had approximately half a tail. One of his back legs was present but did not have a complete foot, pads, or toes, while his other back leg ended shortly below the knee.

We had a custom prosthetic slipper-style foot made for Mika, but he preferred getting around on his own and was much happier without it. We never wanted to force him to use something that made him uncomfortable.

Mika has always been a sweet, affectionate cat with a gentle personality. He quickly became an important part of Anakin and the Fur Gang, proving right alongside Anakin that being born different doesn't stop a cat from living a happy, full life.

Meet Mika, Anakin's special-needs brother and an important member of the Fur Gang.

Anakin has shared his home with many rescued cats over the years, including his special-needs brother from another mother, Mika. Although they weren't biologically related, they became close companions after Mika joined our family from a Texas shelter.

As with any multi-cat household, each cat has their own unique personality,favorite places to nap, and special friendships. Introducing new family members slowly and carefully has helped everyone adjust and live together happily.

Anakin is just one member of my wonderful rescued Fur Gang! Every one of my cats has their own unique personality, rescue story, and special place in my heart. Many of them have inspired my fantasy cat artwork over the years.

You can learn more about each of them, see lots of photos, and read their stories on my Meet My Cats page.

I originally created Anakin’s Facebook page and other accounts so family and friends could follow his progress.

His story quickly reached a much larger audience. People from around the world became interested in watching him grow, learning how he moved, and seeing the happy life he was able to have despite being born different.

I continued sharing Anakin because I hope his story encourages compassion for rescued animals and animals with disabilities or special needs.

Living with such a wonderful group of rescued cats gives me inspiration every single day. While most of my artwork features whimsical fantasy cats rather than portraits of my own pets, Anakin has inspired several pieces, including Prince Anakin The Two Legged Cat, shown below.

You can explore more of my fantasy cat artwork by visiting my Tigerpixie Fantasy Cat Art website.

I hope Anakin can be a symbol of rescue, adoption, determination, and acceptance for animals with challenges.

His story shows that special-needs animals should not automatically be considered helpless or unable to enjoy life. With proper veterinary care, patience, adaptation, and love, many can thrive.

I also hope people who discover Anakin will consider adopting or supporting other rescued animals in need.

When I first rescued Anakin, I thought I was saving him. Looking back, I realize he has given me just as much as I've given him.

Anakin has taught me that being different doesn't make someone any less capable of living a happy, fulfilling life. Every challenge he has faced, he has approached with determination, curiosity, and a spirit that simply refuses to give up. Instead of focusing on what he doesn't have, he makes the most of what he does have every single day.

He has also reminded me to slow down and appreciate life's simple joys. Whether he's basking in a sunny window, playing with a favorite toy, or spending time with the rest of our rescued Fur Gang, Anakin finds happiness in the little moments. His positive outlook has inspired not only my artwork, but the way I try to live my own life.

My greatest hope is that Anakin's story encourages people to look beyond physical differences, open their hearts to rescue animals, and remember that every life has value. He has touched the lives of people all over the world, and I feel incredibly fortunate that he chose to be part of mine.

A special look at the incredible journey Anakin and I have shared together, and the lessons he's taught me along the way.

Many of Anakin’s friends asked whether they could purchase products featuring his photograph. Because I am an artist and already had experience creating products, making optional Anakin merchandise was a natural way to respond.

The merchandise gives people who love Anakin another way to celebrate his story and share his message of rescue and acceptance.

Anakin’s Zazzle shop can be found here: Anakin the Two-Legged Cat on Zazzle .

Yes. Anakin and the Fur Gang have a Patreon where you can follow public posts for free or choose a paid membership to help support their ongoing care.

Support helps with prescription food, supplements, medications, veterinary visits, and the special care needed by our rescued cats, many of whom have medical or special needs.

Visit Anakin & The Fur Gang on Patreon to learn more.