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Two-legged ‘bunny cat’ becomes Instagram sensation

Roux the bunny cat resting on the floor. (Instagram/lilbunnysueroux)

This cute cat proves you don’t need four legs to be a star.

Lil’ Bunny Sue Roux Hendrickson Deak Akey — also known simply as “Roux” — has more than 63,000 Instagram followers.

The adorable two-legged online sensation is the adopted pet of Jackie Deak Akey, who first learned of the “bunny cat” while working at a veterinary clinic in New Orleans.

Roux, a Siamese mix, had been surrendered to another shelter because her congenital deformity — she was born with only two hind legs — made it impossible for her to bury her waste in her litter box.

Akey wasted no time in adopting the kitten, who was otherwise healthy, not in pain, and able to get around on her own.

“Roux has adapted her special walk by not just walking on her back paws but by keeping the lowest portion of her hind legs flat for more balance, like a kangaroo,” Akey told meowbox.

“Her nubs swing back and forth while she walks but they do not touch the ground. When she wants to move quickly or play (her favourite move is to run after and tackle her sister Graybee) she hops with both back legs in unison like a rabbit. She can move very fast when she wants to!”

Because Roux, now a year old, hops around with ease, Akey is in no rush to seek out prosthetics for the kitten.

“Since she is quite active and mobile without the use of prosthetics, it does not appear that she needs them at this point. Her back legs are quite strong and she can leap impressively high! I do plan on having her evaluated by a veterinary orthopedic specialist, as she gets older,” she said.

Akey insists that the internet fame has not gone to the cat’s head.

“Roux has not changed a bit! I keep telling her about how many people around the world love her and are so inspired by her, but she remains modest and mostly just wants to know when she can eat next,” she told meowbox.

Akey hopes Roux’s popularity will encourage people to adopt special-needs kittens from animal shelters:

“There are so many wonderful cats in animal shelters that need loving homes. And certainly don’t overlook the special needs kitties! We are so grateful little Roux is in our lives.”