NOVOSIBIRSK, RUSSIA

Nothing quite tugs at our hearts like animals in despair: such as the koalas who recently stumbled out of the bush during the Australian bushfires, begging for sanctuary and water.

Yet we sometimes underestimate the sheer persistence of our animal friends. They have powerful instincts to survive: and, like the koalas, know when humans are also trying to help.

The best of humanity, both our compassionate instinct to help, as well as our cutting-edge technology, came to the fore in the case of Ryzhik the Siberian cat.

Ryzhik (which means redhead) was found in -40°C conditions in Tomsk with paws so badly frozen they were beyond saving. Yet Ryzhik – and his new owner – refused to give up. The beleaguered cat was taken to a clinic in Novosibirsk that specialises in implanting artificial limbs.

Computer tomography and 3D modelling were used to 3D print him a brand new set of paws.

Now Ryzhik is taking his first steps on his new attachments, which are made of titanium and attached to his bones. His movements are tentative, but he is not trying to remove his new limbs: a welcome sign that he has accepted them. The pioneering operation also gives hope for other animals such as birds who could benefit from replacement 3D beaks.

Meanwhile, Ryzhik’s fame has spread far and wide around the world.

“He is definitely the first cat in the world who experienced such surgeries,” said his veterinarian, Sergei Gorshkov.