Cat's Name, Age at Adoption and Now, and Gender
Thumper, adoption age -1, now 4, male
Lucy, adoption age 8 weeks, now 2, female
Name of Special Needs Condition (Blind, Deaf, FIV, etc)
Both cats have cerebellar hypoplasia. Usually symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia can be seen immediately at birth in cats. Cerebellar hypoplasia causes jerky movements, tremors and generally uncoordinated motion. They fall down frequently. It varies greatly in severity.
How I Came to Meet my Special Needs Cat
My daughter fostered Thumper (they make noise (thump) when they walk), and couldn't have a full-time indoor cat. I was asked to take Lucy because I already had one "floppy cat", as they are often called, and my house is set up to handle their needs.
How I Care for my Special Needs Cat
These cats need very little special care, but they must NEVER be allowed to go outside unattended. Lucy can run very fast, but can't stop. And they tend to fall a lot. It varies in severity...Thumper can jump up on a low stool; Lucy cannot...I have a low table (6" high) so she can have something to climb on like the "normal" cats, but as far as Lucy and Thumper know...they are normal. They are all cat and do everything the other cats do. (I have 8 total) The biggest fear I have for these cats is that they might fall down the steps. Thumper manages the steps well; Lucy seems to know that she doesn't do well on steps and stays on the main floor. I have little "doggie steps" (7sets of them) so they can get up on furniture, etc. Lucy has trouble eating from a bowl because she has little "fine motor control" in her head...it wobbles a lot, so I put her dry food on a carpet square. Both cats can use a regular litter box, which is a blessing.
Advice
- There are many of these kittens born...usually to a mother who has had distemper during her pregnancy. As I understand it, the entire litter will be affected. My advice is to go and search for these kittens...they need homes and people are reluctant to take them. Know your limits in how much you are able to accommodate and take one with needs that you can handle. The more the better. My two are wonderful cats. I have to watch the luggage of any overnight guests at my house...they all want to steal Thumper!! Oh, by the way, I also have a deaf (white w/blue eyes) cat, Amy. "Special needs" cats rule my house.
