Tabby Cat Bitsy Discovered With 2 Extra Legs; Rescuers Pave a Way For Her New Pain Free Life

One can only imagine what her rescuers thought when they first laid eyes upon little Bitsy and her extra legs. At only a year old, the tabby was discovered on the streets in Canada in 2025. Once spotted, cat advocates kept an eye on her to see if she was a lost cat that would find it’s way back home. However, they didn’t realize she had extra legs at first. They could only see her from a distance and thought perhaps she had a tumor, causing the odd gait. But after she wandered aimlessly for a couple days, they focused their efforts on trapping her. And they were able to easily catch her, simply picking her up when she finally approached them. Even filthy, covered in sores and dragging her extra legs behind her, they knew her story was only beginning.

Bitsy’s Extra Legs

Surprisingly, this is not the first story we’ve written about a kitten being born with extra legs. Back in 2018, a pregnant stray gave birth to a litter soon after arriving at a New England shelter. One of the surviving kittens was born with 2 extra legs, however they were not fully grown limbs. The little ginger girl named Henrietta, eventually had surgery to have the ‘nubs’ removed and is living a happy and healthy life.

But for Bitsy, her extra legs were fully grown and accompanied by a second pelvic bone as well. In her case, she likely absorbed a twin in the womb causing the duplicate bone formation and fusion. And at a year old, she had to make her way in the world likely in pain and with the hassle of the additional legs.

Even more heartbreaking is that Bitsy is as sweet as can be to humans. Which means that it’s possible that she was once cared for by people. Did these people abandon her after her birth abnormalities were going to cost money to address? Sadly, it happens all the time. Thankfully, now Bitsy was in the care of Furget Me Not Animal Rescue. And they were not about to give up on this loving soul! Especially since Bitsy was in the home of a veterinarian offices’ manager so she would have experienced care.

Introducing Bitsy and Her Extra Legs to the World

On May 5th, 2025, the rescue introduced Bitsy and her extra legs to the world. Immediately, she became a sensation. I don’t know about you, but I think naming her after the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is adorably perfect! But the sweet girl was in pain and they needed to start fundraising for surgery if she was going to have quality of life. She was willing to give humans a chance, but she was not a fan of other animals. That was possibly due to the fact she was not spayed and experiencing the pain, causing her to lash out. As we know, many cats will calm down once they are sterilized. And once she could live without pain, she might be willing to accept other animals too. They HAD to give her an opportunity to live her best life.

This is a post we never imagined we’d have to make — not in a million years. But today, we’re reaching out because we truly need your help for a little soul who is nothing short of one in a million. Beautiful Bitsy was born with something extra — two extra legs and an additional pelvis. It’s believed her rare condition was caused by absorbing her twin in utero. As a result, Bitsy faces daily challenges no other cat should endure: discomfort, chronic pain, and repeated injuries.

She now requires extensive surgery to remove her extra limbs, as well as her hind left leg, which is attached backwards to her second pelvis and is completely unusable. Currently, she drags it painfully behind her, leaving her with open sores and added suffering. To say her quality of life will improve after surgery is an understatement. This life-changing procedure will allow Bitsy to live the happy, comfortable life she deserves — but we can’t do it without your support.

We are aiming to raise $5,000 to cover the cost of her surgery, critical diagnostics like x-rays and ultrasounds to assist the surgeon, and her extensive post-operative care. With your help, Bitsy will blossom from our itsy bitsy spider kitty into an even more beautiful, healthy, and happy tripod.

From Six Legs to a Tripod

Sure enough, with the support and attention her rare condition brought in, the rescue was able to raise funds to cover her surgery. Regardless of the funds though, she underwent surgery the very next day. Rescues usually deal with saving the animals BEFORE they have the money because saving lives is their goal. With the skills of Dr. Wood at Windermere Veterinary Hospital, her surgery proceeded without issue.

Sweet Bitsy is recovering like an absolute rockstar after her very extensive surgery! We are beyond grateful to the incredible team at Windermere Vet Hospital, who have prioritized her comfort and care over the past week.

A special thank you to Dr. Wood, whose brilliance, compassion, and extraordinary surgical skills have given Bitsy a new chance at a pain-free life. Thanks to her gifted hands, Bitsy will finally be free from the unimaginable struggles she’s faced her whole life.

If you would like to support Bitsy’s recovery and ongoing care, donations can be made via e-transfer to furgetmenotyeg@gmail.com, directly to our account at Windermere Vet Hospital, or through Bitsy’s GoFundMe page (link in our bio). Thank you for being part of her journey! We’ll continue to keep you updated as she recovers and transforms into the even more beautiful tripod butterfly we know she can be ❤️

A New Life for Bitsy

And seeing little Bitsy recovering with a joy a kitten should possess is absolutely soul healing.

Going from 6 legs to 3 is not for the faint of heart. But it’s obvious from her beautiful, bright eyes that Bitsy’s life has transformed for the better not even a full week after her surgery The 2 smaller legs were removed along with the back leg they were attached to as there was a second partial pelvis attaching them.

Again, the resiliency of animals is astounding and inspiring. Bitsy strolled around her foster home, learning to balance on her new, pain free legs. And even better, she now has her very own Instagram page where you can follow her ongoing story.

For those wondering where you can apply to adopt Bitsy?

That’s the good and bad news…because you can’t. Her foster family has officially decided she cannot walk out of their lives and she will be staying put! Just one more reason you should foster. You get first choice at adopting. Bonus! She now has siblings too; a cat named Scout and a dog named Walker. It’s so wonderful to see her personality open up now that she’s not in pain any longer.

Bitsy and Walker

Thank you so much to everyone that has supported and helped Bitsy! They are still fundraising for her ongoing medical costs though as it’s not cheap. If you would like to help, they’ve provided numerous way to do so.

**Update – Bitsy has had her surgery and is recovering like a rockstar! We’re continuing to raise funds for her ongoing care as she heals (x-rays, ultrasound, medication etc) – we’re so grateful for the communities support of our amazing little lady!