Some pets capture your heart the moment you see them, and Roux, the adorable two-legged cat from New Orleans, is one of those rare souls. Born with a congenital condition called transverse terminal hemimelia,
Roux never developed full front legs. Her limbs end at the humerus, leaving her to rely solely on her strong back legs. But instead of slowing her down, this unique trait turned her into a symbol of resilience, joy, and pure feline charm.
From Shelter Surrender to Loving Home
Roux’s life changed the day she arrived at a local animal rescue. Her first family surrendered her because she couldn’t bury her poop properly, simply because her tiny nubs weren’t long enough to reach the litter. Thankfully, fate (and a photo) intervened.
Jackie Deak Akey, who works at a veterinary clinic in New Orleans, received Roux’s picture from a rescue contact. It was love at first sight. Roux was brought to the clinic the next day, and by that evening, she had already found her forever home.
Her exact birthday is unknown, but her family celebrates it on April 15, 2014 the day they decided she came into the world.
A Cat Who Moves Like a Bunny, Kangaroo… and Sometimes a T-Rex
Because Roux was born without front legs, she learned to move in her own special way. Her “walk” looks a bit like a mix between a bunny hop and a kangaroo bounce:
- She keeps the lower parts of her hind legs low for balance.
- She hops quickly when she’s excited or playing.
- Her tiny nubs swing as she moves but never touch the ground.
When she’s chasing her sister Graybee, she can zoom across the room faster than you’d expect from a two-legged kitty.
And since she can’t bat toys with her front paws, she picks them up with her mouth and tosses them around proudly. To Roux, this is just normal life, and watching her adapt so perfectly is nothing short of incredible.
Is Roux in Pain?
Surprisingly, no. Veterinarians say she’s healthy, mobile, and strong. While there may be potential for back issues as she ages, for now she moves comfortably and without distress. Prosthetics aren’t necessary, though her family may consult a specialist as she gets older.
A Day in the Life of Roux
Roux has a delightful daily routine that perfectly encapsulates her sweet personality:
Morning: She wakes her mom with her famous “alarm-meow” from the foot of the bed breakfast is the only snooze button she accepts.
Daytime: She alternates between naps and playtime with her two cat sisters, Kona and Graybee. Toys are everywhere.
Evening: Dinner time means very loud meows and a surprisingly big appetite. Afterwards, she enjoys a long bath and a few bursts of kitten-like energy.
Night: She ends the day with cuddles, jumping onto the bed herself or letting Jackie carry her up for snuggle time.
She is especially affectionate at bedtime, purring loudly for chin scratches before drifting off.
Her Purrrsonality: Independent, Playful, and Endlessly Sweet
Roux is a blend of spirit and softness.
Some days she’s fiercely independent:“I can do it myself!” and other days she happily accepts a little help. She loves stretching her nubs and legs, hogging bed space, flinging toy mice around, watching fish tanks, and giving scratchy little nose kisses.
Her dislikes?
The Roomba (though she tolerates it now), waiting for her meals, and most importantly people feeling sorry for her. She wants to be seen as cute, special, and capable, not pitied.
Roux the Instagram Star
Although Roux once lived in a shelter, she’s now touching hearts around the world. Her Instagram once surpassed 30,000 followers almost overnight and she continues to grow as a beloved “supermeowdel.”
Despite her fame, she remains humble. Jackie jokes that Roux only cares about one thing: “When is the next meal?”
A Loving Home, A Bigger Message
Jackie, an animal lover with a long background in animal science, shares life with three cats, two rabbits, and three parrots. She’s passionate about rescue and always reminds people:
“Please adopt. And don’t overlook special-needs animals. They deserve love just as much if not more.”
Roux is living proof: a wonderful, joyful cat whose differences make her even more lovable.
Follow Roux’s Adventures
If your heart hasn’t melted yet (or even if it has), you can follow Roux’s daily life on Instagram, where her hops, cuddles, silly moments, and big personality continue to inspire thousands around the world.
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