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.
![](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jam_Press_JMP185278-1024x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jam_Press_JMP185301-1024x768.jpg)
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.
![](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jam_Press_JMP185291-1024x862.jpg)
“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.”
![](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jam_Press_JMP185297-1024x1024.jpg)
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]