For many people, the thought of caring for special needs animals is quite daunting. The additional care and attention they require is not something everyone can maintain. But for those kittens born with birth defects or overcoming tragedy, they deserve nothing less than others. With the amount of research online, case studies and everyday success stories, more and more people are open to caring for these souls. It can take a bit longer to find the purrfect human, but it’s worth the wait. So when 2 kittens showed signs of Cerebellar Hypoplasia, rescuers knew they would need to find the perfect adopter.
Their stray mama cat was found and rescued from life on the streets. Unfortunately by the time she made it to safety, she was already pregnant. Happens daily all over the world. She had her litter of kittens but for two of the neonates, life threw them a curve ball.
The two ginger kittens have Feline Cerebellar Hypoplasia, sometimes known as “wobbly kittens.” Veterinarians pondered on the reason of the incident. They assumed the mother had received a vaccination or had been exposed to a cat virus when the kittens were still in the womb. It’s also thought that giving flea and tick treatment to a pregnant cat might cause this birth abnormality. There are a variety of reasons for this, but it isn’t a death sentence!
Feline cerebellar hypoplasia is a non-progressive, non-contagious neurological disorder that causes walking and balance issues in cats. When the cerebellum, the portion of the brain that regulates fine motor skills and coordination, is undeveloped at birth, a kitten is born with “CH.”
As a result of the underdevelopment of the cerebellum, movement might be limited or complex. CH cats are affectionately referred as as “wobbly cats” because of their “drunken sailor” stride.
The severity of a kitten’s CH can vary greatly — even among litter mates. While some cats may only have a slightly impacted gait, others may have significant trouble getting around, if they’re able to walk at all. It’s important to remember that the cat isn’t sick, weak or hurt; she’s simply uncoordinated.
Out of the litter, these were the only two showing any symptoms. Their fosterer contacted Purrfect Cat Rescue, Inc. located in Crystal Lake, IL. The two were welcomed into their foster program where they’d eventually be up for adoption. They had no troubles snuggling into their new temporary home.
The sweet siblings easily won over the hearts of the staff, volunteers and visitors. They are absolutely a bonded pair and are always close to the other. It seems an easy task getting cute photos of them cuddling. What wouldn’t be easy, was finding a loving human who would welcome the duo into their life.
Caring for the CH kittens would require some specific things to ensure their safety and highest quality of life. Fortunately Purrfect Cat Rescue Inc. knew exactly what they needed.
They can live a long healthy life, but will live their life with this handicap. Their new owners will just need to do make some adjustments to help the kitty adapt to everyday life. Litter boxes with cut-out entrances and exits, elevated food and water dishes, and homes with carpet make for easier lives.
Amazing things were happening while Weebles and Belle were attempting to keep up with the other occupants. Sheryl, a lady, had noticed these adorable expressions and it had piqued her interest.
She had never cared for CH kittens before, but she was interested in learning more about the illness. Their adorable features tugged at her emotions, but she knew they’d require extra attention. And she was up for the challenge of looking after them… BOTH!
Sheryl had read up on Cerebellar Hypoplasia and found that she was ready for the challenge. There was nothing that was going to keep the ginger kittens from a long, happy life–with her!
We had a very special adoption tonight. Congrats to Weebles and Belle on their forever home! These 7 month old kittens are wobblers… born with a neurological disorder, they simply wobble and fall. They are the most precious babies full of love and life.
Their new mama fell in love, did some research on caring for these kitties, and ask if she could adopt them. Our hearts are just bursting with happiness. It takes a special someone and they have her! Thank you for giving them the home they deserve!???
Is there anything more adorable than the big smile on Sheryl’s face with her new kittens!?
I’d say Sheryl’s sphynx cat doesn’t seem to be the type to be bothered about a new brother and sister!
So I am happy to say these 2 are fitting into my family without as much as a hiccup. Asti (my sphynx) is having supervised visitation. They are all getting along great. Just had our Easter family get together, everyone is wiped out!
These days, Weebles and Belle can be frequently found indulging in their favorite past time–snuggling.
If you would like to donate to Purrfect Cat Rescue Inc., please visit their Amazon Wishlist HERE to see what the furbabies need. CONGRATS to Sheryl’s family, Weebles and Belle and everyone involved on another successful cat rescue. Special thanks to Sheryl for being brave and diving into the knowledge to help these amazing special needs kittens. The world needs more people like her!
