Some stories warm your heart from the very first moment you hear them.
Bottine’s is one of those. She may be small, but this determined kitten is already showing the world that strength comes in all shapes and sizes.
Bottine arrived at her local shelter when she was just seven weeks old.
She was not alone. Five tiny siblings were with her, each of them abandoned and in desperate need of help.
They were fragile, frightened, and sick, but they had one thing in common: the will to survive.
From the very start, Bottine stood out.
She was fluffy, sweet, and impossibly cute. But she was also born with several leg deformities that made walking nearly impossible.
Life had not been kind to Bottine and her siblings.
Four of the six kittens had twisted legs that made moving painful and difficult.
Their paws rubbed against surfaces in unnatural ways, leaving them with sores.
Some even had missing toes or claws that had grown into their pads.
As if that wasn’t enough, all six were battling a list of health issues.
Bottine herself was born with two deformed front legs and a hind leg bent inward. Walking the way other cats did was out of the question.
But while her body looked different, her spirit was stronger than ever.
Thankfully, a compassionate person stepped forward. After seeing a post about the kittens online, they agreed to take the entire litter into their home.
They knew it would not be easy, but they were determined to give the kittens the chance they deserved.
Working closely with the shelter and vets, the foster family began the long process of helping the kittens heal.
Bottine, in particular, proved herself to be unstoppable.
Instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do, she showed everyone what she could.
The shelter later shared an update on social media, and their words captured Bottine perfectly:
“Bottine is curious and fearless. Despite her challenges with her front legs, she manages to climb onto the couch and bed. She’s incredibly determined, using her elbows to move around, climb onto furniture, ascend stairs, and even reach the first level of her cat tree.”
It is almost hard to believe.
With two front legs that curve in and a bent back leg, she should struggle. But Bottine does not seem to notice.
She scoots, pulls, climbs, and explores with the energy of a kitten who refuses to be held back.
Her foster family even gave her a low-entry litter box and pee pads, but she quickly showed she was capable of so much more.
Beyond her physical determination, Bottine has a heart as big as her personality.
She adores playtime with toys and cannot get enough of human affection.
She purrs, cuddles, and seeks out attention as if to remind everyone that she is not just surviving, she is thriving.
Her foster family is completely smitten.
“She loves spending time with us, reveling in play. She is sweet, playful, and very sociable. She loves everyone: humans, other cats, dogs, and even bunnies.”
It is not just her bravery that makes her remarkable. It is her ability to give love so freely despite everything she has endured.
Right now, Bottine is waiting for the perfect forever home.
She is looking for a family who will love her unconditionally and understand her unique needs.
Because of her disability, her ideal home would be one without children, giving her space and calm while ensuring she gets the care she requires.
But whoever adopts Bottine will gain more than just a pet.
They will be welcoming a little warrior with endless affection to give. A kitten who sees no barriers.
A friend who will remind them daily of what resilience looks like.
Bottine’s story is one of hope.
From a tiny, sick, abandoned kitten with twisted legs to a fearless explorer climbing cat trees with her elbows, she has shown that challenges can be met with courage and joy.
She does not know she is different. She only knows she is loved, and she gives that love back tenfold.
The world could use more kitties like Bottine.
She reminds us that true strength is not measured in perfect steps but in the determination to keep moving forward, no matter the odds.