Meet the cat who wears boots

While Adonis may not wear a jaunty hat with a feather like the animated character, this modern “Puss in Boots” still enchants everyone he meets. With his custom rubber booties, he zooms around stealing hearts with his boundless charm and determination. These adorable booties aren’t just for show — they give him extra traction, making it easier for him to stand on his wobbly, partially paralyzed back legs.

Those zoomies take place in Quincy House at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary's Cat World, which supports shelters in reaching no-kill by taking in cats like Adonis who need a little extra care due to age or physical issues. Adonis came to the Sanctuary from a shelter in Wyoming after being found outdoors, scooting on his back legs. An old injury or congenital anomaly affecting his spine causes him to have limited mobility, but it doesn’t slow him down one bit. In fact, while his booties provide the extra grip he needs to stand, Adonis can still pull himself along by dragging his back legs — and when he gets moving, he’s incredibly fast.

Adonis’ caregivers shower him with love and creative solutions to keep him thriving. His adorable rubber booties improve his mobility, though he’s convinced he doesn’t need them. “Sometimes he’ll kick them off, which is great for stimulating his leg muscles,” explains caregiver Catey Patrolia.

[Just call her chicken pants: Hen’s fashions help her get around]

With his determined spirit and swashbuckling style, Adonis leads an active and joyful life. He’s a sunbeam chaser, a champion cuddler, and the reigning king of Quincy House’s med closet. “The med closet is where we sort all the daily medications for the kitties,” Catey explains. “Lately, he's been demanding to be lifted into my lap whenever I’m in there sorting meds.” It’s almost as if he’s claiming the med closet as his personal throne room with every insistent snuggle.

Adonis’ playful antics bring laughter and warmth to everyone at Quincy House. Whether scaling scratching posts, tumbling in cardboard boxes, or darting across the room with the daring flair of a cat who might declare, “Fear me, if you dare,” Adonis shows that life’s obstacles are just opportunities for fun and mischief. “He loves cardboard, and he has gotten into a new routine of knocking over our recycling box to play in,” laughs Catey.

[Kitten with unique walk lives life to the fullest]

When he’s not adventuring, Adonis delights in simple pleasures like basking in sunspots on the enclosed outdoor patio or rolling around with catnip toys. His caregivers marvel at his determination to make the most of every moment. “He doesn’t let anything slow him down,” notes Catey. “He’s so funny and sweet.”

Adonis’ name, meaning “handsome man” in Greek mythology, couldn’t be more fitting. His striking looks, spirited personality, and big heart have made him beloved among staff and visitors alike. Whether decked out in his boots or flaunting his natural charm, Adonis proves that a big heart can turn any challenge into an adventure — no jaunty hat required.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.