A stray cat with six legs has left vets stunned after undergoing a remarkable surgery to remove her extra limbs.
The unusual feline was first spotted looking dishevelled and distressed after wandering into a backyard.
It was first assumed the poor moggie, named Bitsy, might have been suffering from a tumour or possibly carrying a kitten on her back.
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But to her rescuers’ astonishment, she actually had two additional legs growing from her side – a rare condition thought to be the result of absorbing a twin in the womb.
“Not only is Bitsy a sweet and beautiful kitty but she’s one in one million,” said a spokesperson from Furget Me Not Animal Rescue, the shelter that took her in.
“Bitsy has six legs!
“his condition was most likely caused by absorbing part of her twin in utero.
“She was born with an extra pelvis and two extra legs.”
Despite being covered in dirt and sores, rescuers say the cat allowed herself to be gently scooped up and taken for help.
They believe her gentle and affectionate nature means she had once been someone’s pet before ending up alone.
Sadly however, no owner could be traced and the rescue centre took her in for further examination.
It became clear that the additional limbs weren’t just cosmetic – they were causing Bitsy real pain and making even basic movements difficult.
They said: “Unfortunately, in addition to her extra legs being atrophied and nonfunctional, her hind leg is also attached to the second pelvis that’s nonfunctioning.
“[It’s] rotated completely backwards, causing her to drag it painfully behind her, covered in sores.”
While she managed to hobble around, Bitsy’s mobility was impacted and day-to-day tasks like reaching her food dish were a struggle.
Vets later found she only used three of her six legs to walk with scans showing her back legs were actually upside down and backwards.
The two extra limbs were connected by a partially formed second pelvis, likely the result of an undeveloped twin absorbed in the womb.
They decided the best thing to do was remove three limbs – the two extras and the twisted back leg — to stop Bitsy’s pain and help her live more comfortably.
The complex operation lasted around two hours but was a complete success.
After the surgery, staff noticed a near-instant change in Bitsy’s behaviour.
For the first time, she was able to lie down comfortably in a bed without her legs sticking out in awkward angles.
After recovering at the clinic for two weeks, the cat was adopted by a veterinary manager who helped look after her.
Bitsy was discovered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The local Furget Me Not Rescue continues to support her recovery with medication, X-rays and checkups, while also raising funds to cover the cost of her treatment.
They added: “Despite having such a difficult and painful life so far, Bitsy is as affectionate as they come.
“Bitsy has had her surgery and is recovering like a rockstar.
“We’re continuing to raise funds for her ongoing care as she heals (x-rays, ultrasound, medication etc) – we’re so grateful for the communities support of our amazing little lady.”
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