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A disabled foster kitten is melting everyone's hearts as he tries to play with his siblings.
In a TikTok video posted by his foster mom, the kitten, who has Manx Syndrome, did his best to join in on playtime with his siblings. His legs didn't work as well as his siblings', so he wasn't able to run with them as they wrestled, but he never gave up.
In the video, his foster mom explained that although he couldn't always catch up, "his siblings try so hard to include him" in their fun and games. He even wrestled with his siblings, but once he was tired, he also loved to watch them play together.
"There's so much fight in this little guy," she wrote in the text overlayed on the video. "Never underestimate a kitten with grit."
In the video's caption, his foster mom asked users for name suggestions and also added, "He doesn’t know he’s different, and that’s the beautiful thing about it. His grit and determination is so special."
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The internet quickly fell in love with him and urged her to "protect the kitten." Others wanted to give him a hug and also loved "The way all kittens respect the disabled kitten 🥺❤️."
One user suggested naming him "Nakoa - it means ‘the warrior’ and ‘the brave one’ " in Hawaiian. Others suggested different names like "Skittles" or "Wiggly."
All about Manx Syndrome in cats
According to PetMD, Manx Syndrome causes several problems linked to "tailless cats." The condition, which is also called "sacrocaudal dysgenesis or spina bifida," is caused by a genetic mutation that can typically result in issues specifically with a cat's hind legs.
These issues are caused by the "poor formation of the bottom portion of their spine (backbone) and spinal cord, the bundle of nerves carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body." Along with back leg issues, a cat with Manx Syndrome can also have bladder and bowel problems.
In another video posted by the kitten's foster mom, she explained that because he doesn't have a tail, he doesn't have a specific nerve in his spine that helps him control his bowel and bladder, so he can't control when he pees or poops.
One of the biggest hurdles his foster mom has had to deal with is "keeping him clean and dry," but he is otherwise a healthy kitten.
While Manx Syndrome doesn't have a cure, symptoms can be managed over time, and cats with the condition may need extra care. Otherwise, they can still have a good quality of life as they grow up.
Related: Disabled Foster Kitten Meeting Another Disabled Cat for the First Time Has Everyone Sobbing
