At first glance, you might never guess that Rexie Roo was born to defy the odds. His body may move differently, but his spirit shines brighter than ever.
With only two back legs, he hops through life like a tiny, fearless kangaroo—joyful, curious, and full of life.
When people first hear his story, they often respond with sympathy. But once they meet him, that pity quickly turns into awe. Rexie doesn’t let his missing front legs define him.
He doesn’t even seem to notice. His days are filled with play, exploration, and a determination that melts hearts.
The Cat Who Refused to Give Up
Before his happy ending, Rexie’s life was anything but easy. He arrived at a shelter in Utah in terrible condition—thin, scared, and badly hurt.
His front legs were broken beyond repair, and he was also battling malnutrition and FIV.
For a while, it looked like the world had given up on him. But fate had other plans for this little fighter.
The staff at the shelter refused to let him go without a chance. They reached out to Best Friends Animal Society, a rescue network known for giving hope to the most vulnerable.
The medical team there made the hard decision to amputate both front legs, giving Rexie Roo a real shot at life. It was a heartbreaking procedure, but it became the first step in his incredible comeback.
Learning to Live, Learning to Love
After surgery, Rexie Roo began his long recovery in the loving care of his first foster mom, Megan McCloud.
Those early days were filled with challenges—he needed help to eat, move, and reach his litter box.
But he was never alone. Megan’s other cat became his constant companion, snuggling with him and showing him that life could still be soft and kind.
Soon, Rexie met another foster mom who would change his life forever: Danielle Barnhart. She wanted him to feel safe and confident in her home, so she created a cozy little space in her bathroom—a quiet corner where he could heal and rest.
But Rexie had bigger dreams. One night, Danielle heard tiny meows coming from behind the bathroom door.
When she opened it, Rexie calmly walked out on his two legs, made his way down the hall, and entered her bedroom like he owned the place.
Danielle could hardly believe it—he had only ever taken a few wobbly steps before that moment.
That night marked the beginning of his independence.
Danielle worked patiently with him every day, using his favorite thing in the world—treats—to encourage him to move and explore.
She placed his food bowl just out of reach, letting him build strength little by little. Before long, Rexie was scooting, hopping, and exploring with a confidence that amazed everyone who met him.
His progress was extraordinary. Within weeks, he was jumping onto the couch, playing with toys, and curling up in bed beside Danielle.
She knew deep down that this brave little soul was ready for a forever home.
A Forever Family and a Second Chance
When a woman named Cairistiona Flatley stumbled upon Rexie Roo’s photo on Instagram, something inside her clicked.
She already had a cat named KeeKee, but she knew immediately that her heart—and her home—had room for one more.
The next day, she drove to meet him at the sanctuary. The moment she held him, tears filled her eyes. She felt an instant bond, a silent understanding between two hearts that recognized each other’s strength. There was no hesitation—Rexie Roo was coming home.
From the moment he arrived, Rexie proved that love can heal anything. Cairistiona watched him grow stronger and braver each day.
He learned how to climb onto her bed, and she even built little ramps to help him up and down safely. She calls him her “wet food connoisseur” because he approaches every meal with the same excitement he brings to life itself.
Most touching of all, Rexie and KeeKee became fast friends. They share naps, toys, and quiet moments in the sunlight. The house that once echoed with silence now rings with playful chirps and soft purrs.
For Cairistiona, adopting a special-needs cat was never about pity—it was about love. “Everyone has their own challenges,” she says. “To me, Rexie isn’t broken. He’s extraordinary.”
Today, Rexie Roo continues to inspire thousands online as the adorable “Double Amputee QT,” reminding everyone who sees him that strength doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from perseverance.
His story is proof that no matter how hard life tries to knock you down, you can always rise again—with courage, with hope, and with love.
I’m Chris, a lifelong cat lover and rescue advocate based in Austin, Texas. What started with one scruffy shelter cat ten years ago turned into a mission — sharing the stories of cats who got their second chance. I believe every rescue cat has a tale worth telling, and I’m here to tell them. When I’m not writing, I’m probably being ignored by my own three rescues