Copyright newsweek
A paralyzed cat stunned viewers online after leaping out of his stroller and making a daring crawl across a park. The cat’s owner, Lisa (@lowryderkitty), 35, from Connecticut, shared the video of her adventurous orange cat, Ryder, which has since amassed over 451,500 likes and 476,400 views. The viral clip shows Ryder suddenly jumping out of his stroller and dragging himself along a park path before a nearby dad gently scoops him up to safety. “As someone that deals with chronic illness for the past 14 years, this has led to my passion to save animals like Ryder. Those who may not be given a chance due to illness or disability,” Lisa told Newsweek. A split image showing Ryder from behind whilst in the stroller. Lisa co-founded Fur-Gotten Tails Animal Rescue, based in Plainville, Connecticut, an organization that focuses on rescuing cats with special needs, those deemed unadoptable, or at high risk of euthanasia. More than half of their cats are sanctuary residents. According to Lisa, Ryder was rescued through Fur-Gotten Tails after being found at just four months old by a good Samaritan in Waterbury, Connecticut. The kitten was discovered in a parking lot tied inside a bag, dragging his back legs and covered in severe wounds. It appeared that someone had intentionally hurt him before abandoning him. When Lisa saw the plea for help, she knew her rescue was his only chance at survival, as they were one of the few in the area experienced with paralyzed cats. Despite his traumatic start, Ryder showed resilience and curiosity from the beginning. Within days of coming home from the emergency vet, he learned to adapt to his disability—dragging, playing, and climbing on his own terms. Lisa said she quickly realized he was special and decided to make him a permanent part of her family. Today, Ryder is a “happy, funny, and confident cat” whose story has inspired thousands. In the viral “Stroller is Optional” video, Lisa explained that she had taken Ryder for one of his regular walks in his stroller. “He is a very intuitive cat and loves all the sights and sounds on his walks,” she said. “We’ve taken him many times, and he’s never tried to get out. Being a paralyzed cat, we never gave it a second thought to strap him in. But apparently, we were wrong. This time, he decided he’d rather explore in his own way. No harm was done, he knew exactly what he was doing.” A split image of Ryder leaping from the stroller. Lisa added that Ryder is incredibly athletic despite his disability and regularly climbs and jumps off things at home. “We believe this video resonates with so many people as it shows how special needs animals can thrive and do pretty much anything any other animal can do, just in their own way,” she said. TikTok users were quick to react to Ryder’s bold move. “I love how cats don’t seem to notice their disabilities, they just go on like everything is normal,” said one user. “I don’t need this damn stroll—nvm I do,” shared another viewer. “He’s like ‘I’m only a little paralyzed, it’s fine,'” wrote Elissa. “My paralyzed cat was like that too!!! They’re so adventurous,” added Aisha. “Time for a seatbelt,” joked Ren. “Poor baby, I just want to run mom,” said another user. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
