Canadian Stray Cat Born with Six Legs Gets Life-Changing Surgery and a Loving New Home

/ Bitsy, a one-year-old stray cat from Edmonton, captured hearts after vets discovered she had six legs due to a rare condition — but her journey from pain to playfulness is nothing short of miraculous.

০ Rare Condition Identified: Bitsy’s extra limbs were the result of absorbing a twin in utero.

০ Surgical Success: A complex two-hour surgery removed her non-functional limbs, improving her quality of life.

০ New Beginning: Post-surgery, Bitsy was adopted by the clinic manager and now thrives as a three-legged, pain-free kitty.

A six-legged stray cat in Canada finds love and a new life after undergoing a successful
corrective surgery.

Veterinarians in Edmonton, Alberta, encountered a medical anomaly in April 2025 when a one-year-old stray cat was brought to Furget Me Not Animal Rescue — with six legs. The feline, now named Bitsy, had two extra legs protruding from her back end, baffling rescuers and veterinarians alike.

Christine Koltun, the rescue’s founder, initially doubted the claim. 

“When [the rescuer] mentioned the cat had extra legs growing out of its side, my immediate thought was ‘that isn’t possible,’” she recalled.

Medical examinations revealed that Bitsy had partially absorbed a twin in utero, resulting in her carrying additional limbs and a partial pelvis. Of her six legs, only three were functional. The remaining limbs caused her discomfort and made daily activities like walking or eating incredibly difficult.

“She couldn’t even lie down properly — her legs splayed out like a spider,” said Koltun. “She had sores on three of her six legs. But despite everything, she was sweet and gentle — clearly not a feral cat.”

To give Bitsy a chance at a pain-free life, veterinarians at Windermere Veterinary Hospital performed a complex two-hour surgery. The team removed the non-functional limbs and the partial pelvis, including one of her original back legs, to improve her mobility.

“The extra limbs were fused to one of her back legs via the additional pelvis,” said Mackenzie Sawatzky, office manager at Windermere Veterinary Hospital. “We amputated the affected limbs and leg to ensure Bitsy could move freely and without pain.”

Post-operation, Bitsy showed a dramatic improvement. 

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“She began resting comfortably, moving easily, and even jumping onto furniture,” Sawatzky shared. “It was like watching a whole new cat come to life.”

Touched by Bitsy’s resilience and charm, Sawatzky adopted her. 

“She has recovered beautifully and adapted to having three legs without any issues. She’s playful, affectionate, and finally living without pain.”

Bitsy’s journey from a struggling stray to a thriving pet is a powerful reminder of the impact rescue efforts can have. 

“Had she not been found, who knows what her fate would’ve been,” Koltun said. “Thanks to compassion and care, she’s been given a second chance at life.”

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