When rescuers first took in Buttercup and Bubbles, two adorable black and white kittens, their future looked uncertain. Both kittens had their umbilical cords wrapped tightly around a hind leg, cutting off circulation and damaging the tissue.
Right away, rescuers from Love Your Feral Felines, who had inspired Cat Man Chris’s early rescue work, rushed the kittens to a vet. At just 4 days old, the kittens were given a difficult diagnosis—amputation would be necessary. For one kitten, the leg was unsalvageable; for the other, it was a paw.
“The vet partially removed the damaged tissue and cleaned the area until the kittens were larger and strong enough to withstand full amputation,” the rescuers shared.
Love Your Feral Felines and KimmisKitties documented the kittens’ journey on Instagram and Facebook, but they kept the updates private until they knew the kittens were stable.
Buttercup and Bubbles: The Tripod Twins
Thanks to their foster mom Kimmi’s around-the-clock care, Buttercup and Bubbles made it to three weeks old—a critical milestone. At this point, their rescuers could share their story without fear of a heartbreaking turn. The kittens, unaware of their differences, were as playful and resilient as ever, exploring their world like any other kitten.
“Bubbles and Buttercup are super sweet, happy, energetic kittens. I’m so glad we got them this far! ❤”
The Big Day Approaches
By the end of the month, both kittens were thriving and ready for surgery. Despite their “peg legs,” they were active, playful, and full of life.
“They love to run, climb, and play like normal kittens. It’s amazing how active they are. They don’t let their legs stop them from having fun. They’re also super sweet,” Kimmi said.
After nine weeks with their injured legs, the kittens were finally ready for amputation. Buttercup came through surgery perfectly, while Bubbles required an extra day of observation. Soon, both were recovering, and Bubbles returned home, more energetic than ever.
Thriving as Tripods
Both kittens adjusted quickly to life as tripods, showing no signs of mobility issues. They climbed, ran, and played as if nothing had changed.
“They can jump onto beds and couches with no problem, and they love to run around,” Kimmi shared.
The once-fragile kittens grew into beautiful young ladies, and they were ready for adoption.
Forever Home for Buttercup and Bubbles
At the time of this writing, Buttercup and Bubbles were still seeking a forever home in Southern California.
“How come my lil tripod twins haven’t been adopted yet?! They are the most perfectest kittens! They’re energetic, playful, and they LOVE to cuddle. Someone adopt them! 😆”
Snuggle Heaters and Personal Groomers
Kimmi humorously shared that Buttercup and Bubbles come with some unique perks:
“Cold this season? Want to save on your heating bill? Adopt a kitty—built-in snuggle heaters ✅️.”
Plus, Bubbles offers an added service: “Wanna save time and nap more when getting ready in the morning? Bubbles will take care of all your grooming needs!”
To learn more about adopting, donating, or volunteering, visit Love Your Feral Felines or KimmisKitties on Instagram and Facebook.
