A disabled cat has become a social media star with her bespoke mermaid tail outfit.
Owner Janez Jeretic, 30, from Santiago, Chile, found three-month-old kitten Sally after she was shot in the head and left for dead at a local park in 2013.
He took her to an emergency vet, where X-ray scans showed she was paraplegic as a result of her injuries and said the moggy would never walk again.
Determined to give her a chance of a quality of life, Janez – who was a student at the time – adopted the disabled kitty.
He bought a wheelchair with his student loan to give her some independence.
He then got the idea of a mermaid costume after a few friends visited and were a little spooked by her inability to walk.
Janez designed the tail on paper and got a friend to stitch it together.
Now nine-years-old, Sally has become an internet star, regularly posing in her light blue fuzzy tail and her specially designed wheelchair.
Janez shares her life on Instagram (@sallymermaidcat) to show the world special needs cats can live happy, fulfilled lives.
“I want people to see Sally the same way I see her, as this beautiful magical creature who has suffered a lot but is now very happy with her life,” Janez told Jam Press.
“I have to make sure I empty her bladder three times a day and I make sure she has enough room to move around without getting stuck.
“Hearing her purr and knowing she is happy makes it all worth it.
“According to the vets she can’t feel anything below her neck so I don’t think she notices the mermaid tail.
“But she can’t curl up to keep her body warm so the material helps with that.
“Disabled pets might need a little extra work from you, but they are amazing companions and will for sure add some magical moments to your life.”
Janez shares snaps of Sally on her dedicated Instagram account, winning the hearts of her fans.
One Instagram user wrote on a post: “You’re worth everything.”
Another person added: “Beautiful mermaid Sally, you are wonderful, we love you.”
Someone else commented: “Always beautiful, my sweet!”
“You nailed it!! Purrfection!” said one follower.
Another fan said: “You’re a perfect meowdel.” [sic]
