Chicken McNubbins “Nubby” came into our lives just seven days old—and from the very beginning, she made it clear she was a force to be reckoned with.

She was found with a missing back leg and brought to a local veterinary clinic. A WSU tech student, concerned about her breathing and swelling in her front left leg, took her in. By the next morning, the swelling had spread to both front legs—and that’s when she was surrendered into our care.

We still don’t know exactly what caused her initial injury, but what we do know is this: whatever happened led to an infection that took her left hind leg. That same infection likely traveled through her bloodstream, settling into the capillary beds of her front limbs. Despite our best efforts with antibiotics, bandaging, and epsom salt soaks, we couldn’t save her left front paw. But we did save her right front leg—and Chicken never let any of it stop her.

Oh—and did we mention she has cerebellar hypoplasia?

It’s a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination due to underdevelopment of the cerebellum. In Nubby’s case, it means she’s a bit wobbly and possibly has some vision impairment. But to her, it’s just another part of who she is. She is loud, loving, opinionated, and impossible not to root for.

💬 Favorite activities include:

• Screaming

• Drinking milk

• Screaming some more

• Biting (lovingly)

• Passing out in shirt pockets

With all she’s been through, we knew Chicken would need extra support to stay mobile and pain-free as she grows. That’s where her prosthetic journey began.

🔧 Custom Prosthetics, Custom Love

Thanks to an incredible collaboration with Manhattan Metalworks, we created her first prosthetic prototype. The goal? To help her move with more ease, prevent long-term limb deformities, and give her the mobility she needs to grow, play, and thrive. Watching her try it for the first time was nothing short of inspiring. Wobbly? Yes. Determined? Absolutely.

She’s now upgraded to a second, more advanced version—and let’s just say: she’s learning to zoom again. Whether she’s chasing toys or sunshine, she’s always moving forward.

🐶 A Best Friend Named Icky

Along the way, Chicken made an unexpected best friend: Icky, a big, gentle dog with a soft spot for tiny kittens. They cuddle, play, and nap together—reminding us every day that love doesn’t care about size, species, or number of limbs.

🛁 Bath Time, Nap Time, and All the Little Moments

Chicken’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about the joy of everyday victories. She has tolerated her first bath (barely), perfected the “Nubbins Curl” nap, and continues to earn new fans with every milk moustache and dramatic meow.

🌟 Why Her Story Matters

Chicken McNubbins is more than a miracle kitten—she’s a symbol of what’s possible when veterinary care, innovation, and compassion come together. Her journey has opened new doors for us in prosthetic development and special needs care. It’s changing how we think about mobility, quality of life, and the limitless potential in even the smallest patients.

💛 Thank You for Being Part of Her Journey

Whether you’ve donated, followed her updates, or simply cheered her on from afar, you’re part of Team McNubbins. We’re so proud of how far she’s come—and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.

Because freedom, for Chicken, looks like this: a sunny day, a custom prosthetic, and nothing in her way.

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📸 Follow Chicken McNubbins’ journey on social media @VetWichita 🔁 Share her story to help us bring care like this to even more animals in need.

#ChickenMcNubbins #TinyButMighty #VESHFamily #ProstheticPets #SpecialNeedsKitten