Caffrey, who lives as a two-legged cat, lost his left hind leg in a car accident ten years ago and his left front leg to a tumor four months ago. When Caffrey’s veterinarian found the malignant tumor on Caffrey’s left front leg, Caffrey’s owner had to make the choice between life and death for her beloved pet, reports Travelers Today on Feb. 12, 2013.
Despite the veterinarian’s advice to put Caffrey down, Caffrey’s owner chose life.
Today, the two-legged cat who is a 13-year-old Persian, does not only enjoy his life but also teaches others about life.
As the YouTube video of Caffrey, the two-legged cat, shows, Caffrey enjoys doing what other cats like to do; put their owners to work.
Open the door, I want out. Open the door, I want in. Give me food, I am hungry. Give me fresh water, I don’t want that old one. Get out of the way, I want to run. Pet me, I want your attention. Leave me alone, I'm busy grooming myself. Stay away, I want to sleep.
Interestingly, watching the two-legged cat eating, running, licking, and sitting dominantly in his cat bed does not evoke the word “crippled” or “handicapped” but rather the words, “now this is what you call life.”
When Caffrey’s veterinarian gave Caffrey’s owner the advice to put the two-legged cat to sleep four months ago, the vet very likely used the words, “quality of life.”
Many long-term pet owners unfortunately have heard a veterinarian’s phrase “quality of life” at some time. Most often than not, it means the end for one’s beloved companion.
Caffrey’s owner says about her two-legged cat and Caffrey's quality of life that “Everyone who sees him is astonished at what he can do. … He doesn't seem bothered at all by having only two legs."
Maybe, since a cat has nine lives, it also knows nine lessons about the “quality of life” -- the need for food, the need for fresh water, the need for one’s own bed, the need for privacy, the need to be the boss at times, the need to get attention, the need to be left alone, the freedom to run, and, most importantly, the chance to live.
And while there is no guarantee for a tomorrow, it is today that counts; at least for two-legged Caffrey.
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