Ashley Kelly, a volunteer with Wrenn Rescues in Southern California, took in a black and white kitten found in a car’s engine compartment two months ago. He was born with a cleft lip and had a great determination to live from the beginning.
As part of her maintenance therapy, Ashley tube-fed the kitten 24 hours a day. Odahviing, a little boy, overcame a mild cold and continued to improve. It was evident from an away that this guy needed a decent friend.
Ashley was notified a few weeks later about a shaky kitten, about Odahviing’s age, who need immediate care and monitoring.
“This guy (named Attis) has cerebellar hypoplasia,” says Ashley. “This happens for various reasons, but most often when a pregnant cat catches the panleukopenia virus, and the infection is transmitted to kittens in the womb.”
The new kitten was delighted with the home environment and became incredibly affectionate.
“He has all he needs to live a long and happy life. Cerebellar hypoplasia is not unpleasant or infectious, and cats that have it adapt well to their perilous situation. He’s one of the happiest kittens I’ve ever seen, being friendly, cuddly, and continually purring.”
Ashley chose to pair up two singles that had a good chance of getting along.
Odahviing had already become enthusiastic about wrestling with his new buddy and was attempting to assault him through the barrier panels before they were ready for a face-to-face encounter – he was that anxious to play.
And now, at long last, the day of the much-awaited meeting has arrived. The two quickly established a shared language, fussed sternly, and then embraced.
“I think it’s safe to say that these boys will become an inseparable duo,” wrote Ashley. Over the next few days, they finally became friends. And then Ashley noticed that Attis’ eyes were clouding …
Attis appeared to be blind in both eyes, according to the vet. However, the kitten can perform all of the same tasks as its sighted ancestors by using the other senses.
“He can’t see well and staggers, but he’s an outstanding navigator, depending on the vibrations in his mustache to guide him!” “She runs and hops as well as any 8-week-old cat,” Ashley explains.
Best friends flourish under the protection of their guardians, and their bond gets stronger with each passing day. Odahviing continually encourages his colleague to play and keeps him company.
Attis’ motor skills steadily improved with his brother’s assistance. “His wobbliness gradually decreased to a manageable level. He could hardly walk when he arrived. It’s been fascinating to see him grow and develop.”
“Attis is terribly energetic, but Odahviing doesn’t mind and will fight him for as long as he wants. And then they’ll lie down for a nap, and Odahviing will lick Attis thoroughly.”
