Jackie Deak Akey worked at a veterinarian office situated in New Orleans during October 2014. During her time at the clinic, Animal Helper in New Orleans, one of their clients reached out about a two-legged bobtail kitten that was recently surrendered to their rescue. The kitten was surrendered for the ridiculous reason that she didn’t bury her stool in the litter box. Nevertheless, this did not stop Jackie from developing a soft spot for the six-month-old feline. Upon seeing the kitty’s photo, she immediately fell in love with her.
The adorable feline on Instagram known as Lil’ Bunny Sue Roux caught the attention of Jackie, who was so smitten by the cat that she decided to adopt her. Roux received her name due to her unique way of hopping like a bunny when running and possessing strong hind legs like a kangaroo. The spelling of Roux was inspired by the famous gumbo ingredient in New Orleans where they reside. Jackie also paid homage to Sue the T. rex at the Field Museum in Chicago, her hometown, by adding Sue to Roux’s name. Roux has become an indispensable ingredient in their lives, just like roux is essential in gumbo.
Upon arriving at Jackie’s home, Roux was initially timid. However, she quickly adapted to her new surroundings and formed a bond with her adoptive cat sisters. Jackie, a former zookeeper, has a fondness for animals with special needs, as she has cared for many in her career at various zoos across the country, including Hawaii. She has encountered animals missing limbs or eyes, as well as those with conditions preventing them from surviving in the wild.
Jackie was sure that her experience and current job at a veterinary clinic would allow her to provide special care for Roux, the two-legged kitten she adopted. To help reduce the strain on Roux’s body caused by her unique posture and gait, Jackie began giving her joint supplements. Roux undergoes hip and spine x-rays every other year to monitor for arthritis or any possible health issues. After an x-ray taken upon Roux’s arrival confirmed that she was born without her front legs and with a bobtail due to transverse terminal hemimelia, a genetic anomaly resulting in the congenital absence of the entire distal part of the limb below the elbow. Roux had never had front limbs, so she didn’t need to learn how to get around without them. Still, Jackie had to find ways to make her home safer for Roux and limit her chances of injury, especially when leaping down from furniture, which could cause her nubs to break the skin and require stitches.
Jackie has made her home comfortable for Roux, a two-legged cat, by placing cushions and rugs around the house. She carefully monitors Roux’s weight to ensure that she doesn’t put unnecessary strain on her hips, spine, and nubs. Despite her disability, Roux is a brave and confident cat who can do most things that four-legged cats can do, albeit in her own unique way. Like most cats, Roux loves to eat and sleep, and she meows loudly to remind her mom about feeding times. Jackie notes that Roux also enjoys playing and sleeping in boxes. Although Roux cannot cover her stool after using the litter box due to her lack of hind legs, Jackie is patient and understanding, as Roux tries her best every time, but her nubs simply don’t reach the litter.
The Instagram image shared by @lilbunnytrexcat shows a cat named Roux who was born without her front legs. Despite her unique condition, Roux is not suffering as Jackie, her owner and a veterinary clinic employee, ensures that she is given the best possible care, allowing her to live an active and pain-free life. Jackie has encountered people who feel sorry for Roux, assuming that she must be unhappy due to her disability, but Jackie explains that animals do not have self-pity and what is normal for Roux is all she has ever known. Jackie hopes sharing Roux’s story will encourage others to adopt and appreciate special cats as amazing companions who are just as deserving of loving homes as typical cats. Jackie believes the extra time and attention she has given Roux has been reciprocated in the form of love and trust, resulting in a special bond between them.
@lilbunnytrexcat on Instagram featured an image of Jackie and Roux, a two-legged cat that Jackie adopted unexpectedly on October 15, 2014. Seven years have passed since then, and the bond between Jackie and Roux only grew stronger. Jackie regards Roux as her child and loves her deeply despite not having any human children.
The photo was captured and shared on Instagram by user @lilbunnytrexcat.
