In sunny Los Angeles, there’s a tabby cat named Aoife who’s stealing hearts left and right. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down and sporting a stylish diaper, this feline dynamo doesn’t let her disability slow her down!
Her human, Sabrina de Matteo, a 45-year-old fitness trainer, can’t help but gush about Aoife. In a chat with the New York Post, she shared, “Aoife has stolen the hearts of millions of people.”
Aoife, with her back legs out of commission, requires a bit of extra care, including having her bladder and bowels attended to twice a day. But don’t let that fool you—this cat is a bundle of energy and mischief.
De Matteo proudly showcases Aoife’s antics on Instagram, where a recent video of her racing to the kitchen to beat her fellow feline siblings to treats went viral. Set to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” the clip garnered a whopping 3.7 million likes.
Fans on Instagram marveled at Aoife’s tenacity, speed, and her triumphant victory over the other cats. De Matteo uses these videos as a way to show the world that disabled animals, like Aoife, can lead full and joyful lives within loving families.
Despite some critics suggesting it’s cruel to keep a disabled cat, de Matteo firmly defends Aoife’s happiness. “Aoife is not in pain – she is very happy. You just have to look at the videos to see that,” she emphasized.
With a total of six kitties in the de Matteo household, Aoife stands out with her hilarious, fun, and feisty personality. The couple fell head over heels for Aoife during the pandemic, adopting her after fostering and working closely with the shelter to understand her unique needs.
“Aoife has a hilarious, fun and feisty personality, and she is definitely the boss of the house,” de Matteo proudly declares. Aoife’s story is a testament to the fact that every cat, regardless of abilities, brings immeasurable joy and love into a home.
