Another Dumpster Kitten

This one was not left in a box that had been taped shut and put on top of a stack of flattened cardboard in a recycling dumpster, like Kristina Kringle who we got on November 12th. Instead, Weebles was found on the cold hard pavement behind a dumpster at a BP gas station in Robertsville, Missouri. Fortunately, a customer heard her faint meow and jumped into action.

We learned about Weebles just before Christmas and because we did not have a spot for her at the time we asked if she could stay with the person caring for her until the first of the year. They were agreeable to this, and on January 2nd the 6-week-old kitten moved in with our Foster Care Volunteer, Kim.

Weebles is another special need kitten, which is why we are glad to now have her. SNUGGLE Pet Rescue specializes in taking kittens and puppies who have physical challenges. We will do whatever it takes to give them the best quality life possible, no matter the cost or the extra hours of care required to meet their daily needs.

Our newest arrival has Cerebellar Hypoplasia or wobbly cat syndrome. This condition affects the cerebellum part of the brain, which is responsible for balance and coordination. It is most commonly caused when a pregnant cat has panleukopenia, or feline parvovirus, which destroys developing nerves in the fetuses' cerebellum. The result is a kitten is born with an underdeveloped cerebellum. Toxins can also affect fetal development and cause brain defects too.

Symptoms of CH may include a wobblily gait, head tremors and difficulty controlling movements. While CH is not life-threatening, it cannot be reversed but it can also not get worse. Cats with CP can live a long life, as long as they get the special care needed to manage the ongoing challenges they will face.

Weebles has the typical symptoms making it difficult for her to walk or stand for any length of time. She needs support when eating or drinking from a bowl and once she starts to use a litter box, she will need help getting in and out and standing while she is in it. This can be difficult to manage, so most cats with CH end up having to wear diapers specially designed for felines.

In spite of the limitations, Weebles is active and wants so much to play. She is by herself right now for quarantine reasons, but once she is no longer having to be kept separate, we are hoping to introduce her to another kitten so she will have some companionship. Choosing the right kitten will be extremely important to prevent the risk of Weebles getting hurt if the playing gets too rough. Weebles will also always need to be confined in a safe and secure place to avoid accidents. It will be especially important that she always be kept away from stairs to prevent falling down them.

SNUGGLE Pet Rescue has had other kittens with CP and in fact one of them was adopted by our Founder and Executive Director, Sharon. Lucas has a good a life and as long as he remains happy and healthy, he will be a very special member of Sharon's family.

Eventually, we expect to be looking for a very special home for Weebles. For now, Kim will be keeping a close eye on her to better access her limitations and learn what she will need, to be able to provide her the best quality life possible. If you have an interest in learning more about Weebles and being considered for adopting her, please send us a private message.