Cubby, a kitten with paralyzed back legs, grew more confident and gained weight after Best Friends Animal Society veterinary technician Tina Sylvester took him home to foster. He played, explored the house and climbed stairs to reach the couch, even though he could not run normally. Best Friends reported his story on October 8, 2025; at that time, Cubby had returned to its Animal Sanctuary to meet potential adopters.
How Cubby came into Best Friends’ care
Best Friends Animal Society reported that Cubby was found unresponsive outside in New York City and brought to its New York Pet Adoption Center. Staff discovered that his back legs were paralyzed. The story says the condition was likely present from birth, but it does not give a formal diagnosis or explain the cause. Best Friends’ account describes him as thin, with little appetite and unable to use the litter box on his own.
The team cared for Cubby at the adoption center, then transferred him to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for more specialized care. There, he met Licorice, another paralyzed cat. Best Friends says Cubby seemed stressed and was losing weight, prompting veterinary technician Tina Sylvester to take him home to foster.
What changed in his foster home
In Sylvester’s home, Cubby gained weight and became more confident. He moved around on his front legs, played and explored. He even climbed the stairs to get to the couch and sought out cuddles. Sylvester summed up his energy this way: “He is actually quite fast, despite not being able to actually run.”
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His progress was not described as a recovery from paralysis. Rather, Best Friends’ story shows him becoming more comfortable and active in a home setting while continuing to live with paralyzed back legs.
Where Cubby’s story stood when Best Friends published it
At the time of the October 8, 2025, story, Cubby had returned to the Animal Sanctuary to meet potential adopters. He still needed a little help using the litter box. Best Friends did not report that he had been adopted, so his later status cannot be confirmed from that account.
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