Cats are pretty amazing when it comes to looking after themselves. Even the ones who’ve spent their whole lives lounging on a couch still carry a bit of that wild instinct.
They know how to hunt, hide, and survive. But sometimes, life throws something at them that no instinct can fix.
That’s where Pooh’s story begins.
Pooh wasn’t a house cat. He was a stray, used to the rough life on the streets.
Like many strays, he managed to get by on his own. He’d probably faced bad weather, lack of food, and the daily risks of street life.
But nothing prepared him for what happened one day.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat / Instagram.com
Pooh was found badly injured and lying helplessly on the street. No one knows for sure what caused his injuries.
Maybe it was a car accident, maybe something even worse. What we do know is that he was in serious pain and couldn’t move.
His hind legs were damaged beyond repair.
Most people might have walked past. But one woman didn’t.
She picked him up and rushed him to a veterinary clinic in Bulgaria, hoping it wasn’t too late. That decision changed everything for Pooh.
At the clinic, Pooh was seen by Dr. Vladislav Zlatinov, a veterinary surgeon known for taking on complex and risky cases.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat/ Instagram.com
He examined Pooh carefully and quickly realised how severe the injuries were. There was no way to save the back legs. Amputation was the only option.
That alone is a tough outcome for any animal. But in Pooh’s case, it could have meant the end.
Many cats don’t adapt well to losing both hind legs, and quality of life becomes a major concern. The reality is that in situations like this, euthanasia is often the only recommendation.
But Dr. Zlatinov didn’t want that for Pooh.
Instead, he came up with a bold idea, one that had rarely been done before, especially not for cats. He wanted to give Pooh prosthetic legs.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat/ Instagram.comNow, giving prosthetics to dogs isn’t unheard of. But for cats? It’s almost never done.
Feline anatomy and movement are so different, and the risks are much higher. Even among vets, it’s considered incredibly difficult. But despite the odds, Dr. Zlatinov believed it was possible.
The surgery was delicate. Pooh’s damaged legs were amputated, and special implants were carefully attached in their place.
Then came the prosthetics, tiny, custom-made helper paws designed just for him.
Everyone at the clinic waited anxiously to see if it would work.
The result? Nothing short of incredible.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat/ Instagram.com
Pooh not only learned how to walk with his new legs, he absolutely thrived.
Within weeks, he was up and moving again walking, running, even jumping like a regular cat.
His balance was solid. His spirit was high. And most importantly, he was no longer in pain.
It was more than anyone had hoped for.
What’s truly remarkable is how naturally Pooh adapted to his new reality. He doesn’t walk like a robot or struggle with his movements.
His prosthetic legs have become an extension of his body. Watching him now, you’d never guess he once lay helpless and broken on the side of the road.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat/ Instagram.com
Dr. Zlatinov’s success with Pooh is now being looked at as a turning point.
While this type of surgery is still rare, Pooh’s case shows that it can work, and it might inspire more vets to explore similar procedures in the future.
Pooh’s story is more than just a medical success. It’s a story of second chances, kindness, and the amazing things that happen when people refuse to give up.
It started with a woman who saw a cat in pain and decided to help.
It continued with a surgeon who believed in doing something no one else would even try. And it ends with a cat who now lives a happy, active life against all odds.
Credit: pooh_the_bionic_cat/ Instagram.com
Today, Pooh enjoys his days walking beside his humans, exploring his surroundings, and probably having no idea just how inspiring he is to people all over the world.
In a world where so many stray animals are overlooked, Pooh’s journey is a powerful reminder that every life is worth fighting for.
His story proves that with the right help, even the most impossible odds can be overcome.
And yes, it turns out you can build a bionic cat and he might just outrun you.➕
