Orphaned disabled kitten named Pretzel whose back legs didn't work gets heartwarming second chance at life

By ALEX HAMMER, US MEDIA CORRESPONDENT Published: 01:38, 1 August 2026 | Updated: 04:26, 1 August 2026 An adorable kitten born with fused, malformed back legs can finally pounce a little easier and pain free after undergoing surgery.  Pretzel the cat was born an orphan in a Hawaii garage back in February, according to foster-based animal rescue organization Action 4 Animals. The group of volunteers, fosters, caregivers, took her in. Pretzel then found herself with foster parent Allie Fishburn.  'From the beginning, though, she really still could get around,' Fishburn, now Pretzel's forever parent, explained how the two twisted back legs that dragged behind her at first didn't slow her down in a filmed interview on Friday. 'As she grew, her legs grew, and they became heavy, and she had to pull them around, and it got more difficult as time went,' Fishburn told Hawaii News Now. Action 4 Animals paid roughly $1,500 to have Pretzel’s back legs removed at a veterinary clinic in Keeau in order to give her the best life possible. 'Each day she gets better and better,' Fishburn said, showing off Pretzel at points. Pretzel the cat was born an orphan in a Hawaii garage back in February. She recently underwent surgery to help live pain-free She was born with fused, malformed back legs that dragged behind her and caused her pain Footage of Pretzel running around Fishburn's property in Pahoa was included. 'She’s moving around. She seems happier than can be now. You can tell, it's like a weight lifted,' Fishburn said. Pretzel's disability stemmed from a birth defect.     Fishburn told the outlet how she still provides Pretzel with daily medication and even made her a ramp to move around the house easier. She also explained how she came to the decision to fully adopt. 'Basically, I mean, just as time went on, I just was kind of like, "I can't give her away. I just felt it would be too sad. Too heartbreaking,"' Fishburn explained. She showed off the cat in her arms as she spoke. 'I think we're attached to each other. So, it just made sense.' Pretzel appeared happy at her new home. Pretzel's disability stemmed from a birth defect Footage showed her running and enjoying her new home in Pahoa, Hawaii, with forever parent Allie Fisbhurn. Fishburn initially fostered the cat, but the two fell in love Action 4 Animals President Elaine Partlow explained how the outfit is accepting donations and volunteers to keep helping animals like Pretzel. 'We have constant expenses of course, with just food and medical care. We always say, volunteer, adopt, and donate,' she told Hawaii News Now over the phone. Animal lovers can donate at www.action4animalshawaii.com.