The Wonderful World of Wobblers
Some of VOKRA’s cats may not be looking too steady on their feet…but don’t worry! These small sweethearts are doing just fine, and, in fact, they’re looking for the right adopters to give them their own happily ever after.
CH kittens Bea, Heidi and Terrance
These clumsy cuties have cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a noncontagious, nonprogressive condition that causes problems with balance and coordination.
Kitties are born with CH when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls equilibrium and fine motor skills, doesn’t develop properly. This lack of development most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. CH can also be caused due to trauma to the young kitten while in the womb.
CH doesn’t hurt the kitty and, unless there are other health issues, his or her life expectancy is the same as a cat without CH. Kitties with CH (“wobbly” kitties, as they’re affectionately known) do can have difficulties getting around though. The level of disability varies, as some cats have only an odd way of walking, while others have significant trouble with mobility, including getting in and out of the litter box.
Depending on the severity of the condition, adjustments usually do need to be made in the home to accommodate for a CH kitty. Because they have no fine motor skills, they can be very messy eaters, so some patience and a washcloth are generally required! Slippery floor surfaces, such as hardwood, can also be a challenge, so it can be helpful to lay down mats for some extra grip. CH kitties have the same desire to use the litter box as other kitties, but they may require a box with low sides, or, in some cases, pee pads may be the best option.
This lack of mobility may be a benefit for some adopters though. CH cats can’t usually jump on the furniture or counters, which might be a trivial reason for some, but may be practical and serious for others.
Wobbly kitties may look a little unusual and be some extra work, but they make the most amazing companions! One of the best things about them is their nature. As many CH kitty owners say, these cats are some of the sweetest, bravest kitties ever.
Aaron Rendina, who, along with his girlfriend Barron, is a proud cat-parent to two wobblers adopted from VOKRA agrees with this assessment.
“As kittens, I saw our cats figuring out the world,” he says. “And now they’re so appreciative when you help them do things they couldn’t do before. They’re so affectionate. We get a lot of head-butts!”
Wobbly cats may look a bit different than other cats, says Aaron, but they don’t see that.
“To them, this is just how things are,” he explains.
Mickey Carrington, VOKRA foster coordinator team lead, has seen her share of CH kitties over the years. She has this to say:
“They’re loving and affectionate. It’s so much fun to help them learn how to navigate life and figure things out. They’re the most easy-going kitties I’ve ever had. I just love these kitties. I wish I could keep them all.”
If you think you have what it takes to be the cat-parent of a CH kitty let us know by applying to adopt at vokra.ca/adopt. When applying specify you’re interested in adopting a CH cat or kitten.