Cats are masters of survival—even the fluffiest house cat still carries echoes of its wild roots. But sometimes, instinct just isn’t enough. That’s where Pooh’s story begins. A stray living on the streets of Bulgaria, Pooh had likely weathered storms, hunger, and countless dangers. But when he was found lying motionless on the roadside, his hind legs mangled and beyond repair, it was clear he faced something no survival skill could overcome. While many might have passed by, one woman didn’t. She scooped him up and rushed him to a vet clinic—an act of compassion that would change everything
At the clinic, Dr. Vladislav Zlatinov was confronted with a brutal reality: both of Pooh’s back legs had to be amputated. For most cats, this would be the end of the road. Recovery is rare, mobility limited, and euthanasia is often considered the kindest choice. But Dr. Zlatinov had a different idea—an ambitious one. He proposed fitting Pooh with custom prosthetic limbs, something almost unheard of for cats due to their unique anatomy and movement. After a delicate surgery and weeks of careful monitoring, the unbelievable happened: Pooh stood up. Then he walked. Then he ran.
Pooh adapted to his prosthetics like they were second nature. His balance was flawless, his movements natural, and his spirit unshakable. Today, he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. He explores, plays, and even goes on walks with his humans. What started as a rescue has become a global symbol of hope. Pooh’s journey is now a landmark case in veterinary medicine, offering new possibilities for animal prosthetics. But more than that, it’s a story of compassion, innovation, and the idea that no life is too broken to save. As it turns out, you can build a bionic cat—and he might just leave you in the dust.
