Johnny Stecchino the cat is happy even with splinted paws, but what he has suffered will surprise you

Learning to walk was not as easy for this cat as for its peers. But it is a true miracle that he is still alive and running around today, showing all his playfulness and desire to live. This is because Johnny arrived at Animal Control in Frederick County, Maryland, his body completely devastated. He was run over by a lawnmower and came out alive but with countless injuries. He was injured near his eyes, lost a third of his tail, had deep cuts on his back and chest but above all his front legs were completely fractured.

He needed specialized care and special support, which Ellen Carozza of the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation decided to offer him. That accident could have cost him his life and despite the pain and suffering caused by his injuries, this little furball remained extraordinarily calm and unperturbed, immediately becoming attached to the people who helped him, thanking them by purring and showing all his affection .

The veterinary team welcomed the little fighter with open arms. They created a pair of “custom” splints for him by using tongue depressors and attaching them to create a V-shaped cavity for his arms, which allowed him to use his feet comfortably. Ellen also specializes in the rehabilitation of the smallest and most vulnerable kittens. And she became very fond of Johnny, who bonded with her from the first moment. “His name was originally Johnny Deere, after lawnmowers. Then we renamed him Johnny 2 Sticks, in homage to the movie Johnny Toothpick, because his little sticks looked like toothpicks.”

And despite wearing splints, he was always happy and active. “I can’t understand how this kitten can be happy to be in splints, which any other cat would hate. He’s such a happy guy, it’s just his character.” And what amazes most of all is the fact that he always had any medication done without ever objecting or complaining. Even in the most difficult moments he was happy and affectionate.”

In just a few weeks, Johnny’s health made notable progress. And when the x-rays came back “he was thrilled to use his front legs without restriction.” He had to relearn how to walk, of course, but this freedom allowed him to reach places that until then had been closed to him, but above all he was able to meet the other resident cats, learning the art of socialization, that is, “puffing up his fur and walking like a crab in front of them, trying to appear twice as big as he actually was.”

Despite the harrowing start, Johnny never let it hold him back. He was a tenacious fighter with an unwavering attitude. And now that he’s won this battle he’s ready to find a home of his own where he can reign supreme, entertain his people and be pampered like the king he already believes himself to be.

v