Quadriplegic Cat Strikes Up Unlikely Friendship With Dachshund

A PARALYSED cat who was abandoned as a kitten has bounced back thanks to her best friend - a sweet-natured dachshund

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Joining paw-ses: the unlikely friendship is credited with keeping alive the quadriplegic moggy, named Ruth, who can only get around by using her front legs to crawl

The unlikely friendship is credited with keeping alive the quadriplegic moggy, named Ruth, who can only get around by using her front legs to crawl

I'll be there for you: the pair have formed a strong friendship

Dogs are usually known for being a man’s best friend, but young Idgie seems more devoted to the black-and-white cat - and never leaves her side

Cat-nip: the inseparable animals love to cuddle, share toys and even food

Ruth was abandoned at the bottom of a driveway in Florida, along with her puppy protector

Now the companions live with Jacqueline Borum, head of the Project Paws charity and owner of the Hollywood Houndz adoption facility

At first rescuers at Seminole Animal Services separated the pair into cat and dog facilities but Igdie soon pined for her feline friend.

Young Idgie seems devoted to the black-and-white cat - and never leaves her side

Now the companions live with Jacqueline Borum, head of the Project Paws charity and owner of the Hollywood Houndz adoption facility in Lake Mary, Florida.

Jacqueline hopes the popularity of the pair will encourage more people to adopt pets in need, even if they have a disability

Cat meets dog: Jacqueline poses with the unlikely duo

They were named after the characters in the film ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ and the inseparable animals love to cuddle, share toys and even food.

Jacqueline said: “People discredit the ability for animals to feel emotion and attachment.

“These two share everything. Ruth has a handicap and so Idgie senses Ruth’s vulnerability. I think Idgie would give her own life for this cat.

“For Ruth and Idgie this story has turned out to be nothing short of a Disney movie, but thousands of other abandoned and abused animals are not so fortunate.”

The paralysed cat who was abandoned as a kitten has bounced back thanks to her best friend - a sweet-natured dachshund

Jacqueline hopes the popularity of the pair will encourage more people to adopt pets in need, even if they have a disability.

At first rescuers at Seminole Animal Services separated the pair into cat and dog facilities but Igdie soon pined for her feline friend

Jacqueline has set up a new website (ruthandidgie.org) where those inspired by the story of Ruth and Idgie can support organizations like Project Paws in their efforts to help abandoned and abused animals.