Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Story
Intake Date: 31 May 2026 ----- Age at Intake: approximately 4–5 weeks old ----- Status: Owner Surrender ----- Compatible with: cats, gentle children, gentle dogs (with proper introductions) ----- Suitable For: indoor-only home ----- Behavior/Medical Needs: Manx syndrome; wears diapers ----- Additional Notes:
Meet Zaychyk!
If you're scrolling past Zaychyk because you saw the words "special needs," HOLD UP. You might just be scrolling past the purrfect kitten.
Zaychyk is cuddly, playful, curious, ridiculously sweet and an all-around fantastic little guy. He loves attention, loves to play and has absolutely no idea that he does things a little differently than other kittens.
Zaychyk has Manx syndrome, which affects the nerves controlling his hind end, including his mobility and bladder and bowel control. He wears a diaper, and honestly? His day-to-day care is much easier than people may imagine when they hear "special needs."
Diaper changes become part of the routine just like feeding any other pet. Keep him clean, change his diaper, give him the normal care every kitten needs and off he goes. He doesn't require his world to revolve around his disability, and we don't want his future family to treat him like it does.
His mobility certainly doesn't slow him down either. Zaychyk moves his back legs together in an adorable little hop—which is exactly how he earned his name. "Zaychyk" is a Ukrainian term of endearment meaning "little bunny."
And this little bunny has MASTERED THE STAIRS.
Yep. Stairs.
He plays, explores, climbs, follows everyone around and gets himself where he wants to go. He has adapted beautifully to his body and has become incredibly capable. Sometimes we think humans worry far more about his differences than Zaychyk ever has.
And then there's Sylna.
Sylna is our other special-needs kitten and Zaychyk's partner in crime. Their relationship is something truly special. They play together, cuddle together and navigate their slightly different little lives together. There is something pretty incredible about watching two kittens who don't know they're supposed to have limitations simply...live.
Zaychyk is the kind of kitten people hope for—affectionate enough to curl up and cuddle, playful enough to keep you laughing and curious enough to make everything an adventure. The fact that he wears a diaper is such a small piece of who he is.
We don't want someone to adopt Zaychyk because they feel sorry for him.
We want someone to meet him and realize how incredibly lucky they'd be to have him.
Yes, he has Manx syndrome. Yes, his bathroom routine looks a little different. But caring for him isn't scary or overwhelmingly complicated. Once you learn his routine, it's simply his normal.
And everything else about him?
Pretty darn purrfect.
If interested in meeting and potentially adopting, please read the adoption requirements and complete the adoption application located at forbellessake.org. Zaychyk's adoption fee is $125. Residents are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and treated for any known medical needs. Indoor-only homes are required. Declawing violates the adoption contract and is strictly prohibited.
