Kitten with disability

[crazycathy2]

An friend of a friend has a kitten which has been born disabled (I'm not quite sure that is the right word but I don't know how to describe her)

When she walks she sort of stumbles and goes to the side. She's been to the vets who says she isn't in pain and she certainly isn't crying. They can't keep her and are thinking to have her put to sleep.

I've brought her home as I couldn't bear to think she might be put to sleep and I'd like to think she will have a good life.

My 3 old cat after a few hours has picked her up in her mouth as though she is her kitten and carrys her (she's never had kittens herself) is this normal ?

Do you think it is possible for a kitten like this to grow up and live a happy Life?

[Schutzengel]

Cathy. Poor little puss. It's so good of you to offer her a home, and it's brilliant that your 3yr old has taken to her, and she will look after her. Did you take her to the vet yourself, or has the information been given to you by the people who wanted to have her put to sleep. If so I would take her again to the vet and ask what chance there is of the kitten living a normal, or near normal life. Also ask if the vet can discover what is causing the imbalance, as it could be something to do with her ears. I do hope she'll be OK, have you given her a name yet. Having said all that, there's no way I would give her up without fighting for her.
Please keep me in touch with progress. Good luck. Schutz.

[crazycathy2]

No Schutzengel I didn't take her myself just what was I told. I'm going to try to take her tomorrow but I am looking after my friend's 4 children so might not be easy , in which case I will take her on Tuesday.

She's quite fesity though and has already smacked my dog round the nose so I think she'll be a little fighter.

Haven't named her but hubby wants to call her Boozie which I think is abit cruel. Will let you know.

[Schutzengel]

Cathy - Hope all goes well. As you say she is feisty, and has already put your dog in its place, why don't you call her Chula (nice name) and it means Cheeky. Please let me know what the vet says. Cheers. Schutz.

[gelda]

What a lovely person you are Cathy. It really gets to me how anyone could put an animal to sleep just because they're disabled in some way, good for you for rescuing her :-}

[wolf63]

I have a friend who has a disabled cat too. The cat doesn't always know where her back end is and sometimes she stumbles and falls or fails to notice that her rear isn't in the litter tray when she goes to the 'bathroom'. He cat is happy and that is the most important thing. The cat is an indoor cat for its own safety.

I hope things work out - whatever is wrong with puss she was born this way and knows nothing else.

Boozie Soozi?

[LoftyLottie2]

Bless you for giving the kitty a home. We took on a disabled kitty, partially sighted with epilepsy, and later discovered he also had kidney problems. He had twelve years of a very happy life with us and gave us so much pleasure in return.

I would never keep an animal that was distressed in any way, but obviously your kitty is happy.

(We tend to rescue animals with problems - so much more worthwhile!!)

I like Wolf's name suggestion.

[pastafreak]

Oh craaaazzzzyyy...what a wonderful thing to do!!

Yes-you are doing the right thing. At least you know that you are giving her a chance at a good life. If your own vet disagrees.then so be it. But I somehow doubt that her condition is life-threatening...so go for it!

Actually-I think 'boozie' is a great name.....it is as if she is saying " so what if I am"

[crazycathy2]

Hi All

Came down middle night to find the kitten and my cat cuddled up together inbetween my dog's paws. They looked so cute.

Took the kitty to the vets and he said he had seen her before and said she wasn't in pain and should live as normal a life as any other cat. He said her ears were as clean as a whistle but he could do some blood tests if I wanted but he really didn't think it was necessary, so I didn't get them done. He's a lovely guy my vet didn't even charge me although did donate into the charity box on his reception.

He just advised to get her spayed later on which I would do anyway.

My son suggested crab as a name as he says she walks like a crab - he's only 3 - think I prefer Boozie to that!

[wolf63]

When I got my first cat he was over 10 years old. He had been a stray.

The cats protection named him Stumpy because he only had half a tail. He was a funny shape - the vet actually laughed in astonishment when she saw him. His back was arched and his chest stuck out.

Because he was old he was grumpy, because of his back he was unable to jump, because he was stupid he always tried to jump and because he was a cat he hated being laughed at when he was left hanging onto the side of the bed after a failed attempt to leap onto it.

I called him George. He lived 5 years and was a lovely, grumpy old cat.

Never judge a cat by its...... whatever.

[Schutzengel]

Wow!! Cathy what a relief, that the vets said kitten is OK. What a lovely picture the dog, cat, and kitten must have made, the kitten has certainly made herself at home. I hope she has a long and happy life with you and your family. An update would be nice to hear now and again.
You're a star. Cheers. Schutz.

[caththecrazy]

That's Schutz - I will do.

Wolf what a lovely story

[pastafreak]

Briliant news hun!!!

We want piccys!!!

[daffy654]

Disabled cats can live happy and long lives as long as their disability isn't too bad,i'm glad you have taken on this one :)

I had a kitten a while ago that had twisty cat syndrome
http://www.geocities.com/rustyjo429/twisty.htm l

She was not able to walk at all and had to be put to sleep or she would have suffered immensely,it broke my heart to let her go but I knew it was for the best.

[Schutzengel]

Cathy. Missed answering your question as to whether it is normal for a 3yr old cat who has never had kittens, to adopt and carry a small kitten about. Well, yes, it is absolutely normal, even if a she cat has never had kittens the instinct is still there. My Mitzi (sadly now in cats heaven), was a spayed female, and every summer she would go into the fields behind our house and carry home tiny baby rabbits in her mouth just like a kitten. But the best bit was that Mitzi would put the baby rabbit down on the hearth rug, and then lie beside it looking so content as the little rabbit sat there washing its face. I can't remember how many times I said "You can't keep it", and then had to take it back to the fields. Thought you might like that little true tale. Schutz.

[caththecrazy]

Schutz that is so sweet.

I just thought it was odd as I've never seen it and the only cats I've heard of doing it had already had a litter.

I'm sure she's going to have the other pets under control in a day or two.

Thanks again.

[Schutzengel]

Goodnight Cathy. Off to bed. I'll keep in touch, and when I get a couple of minutes I'll tell you about my Frankie, a gorgeous ginger tomcat who also has a disability.
Night Night. Schutz.

[Rosetta]

Well done you for giving her another chance. If she isn't in pain or distress she will adapt to her disability but you vet will advise you. She sounds delightful and will have you into normal slave status before you can bat your eyelids.
xxx

[paraffin]

This is the kind of gesture which restores my faith in humanity!

Good on you, cc, why should the little soul not have the gift of life just because she has a little "imperfection".

One of my dogs is epileptic but his quality of life is undiminished, as is obviously that of your little treasure.

The best of luck - spoil her rotten - she deserves it !!!

[Kleiber]

Cathy, just caught your post - what a lovely kind thing to do! I've got a little disabled kitten, Mischa, who only has 3 legs and no tail. She was born normal, but was horribly ill-treated before I got her at only 5 weeks old (I can't understand how anyone could be so cruel to a little animal like that!). She's brilliant now and has become a right little madam! I've also got a ten year-old spayed German Shepherd bitch, who is just like your older cat. She's adopted orphan lambs, sick chickens and little, disabled kitten too. If she could feed them, she would, but she just snuggles up with them and looks after them till they can get on by themselves. I wish your little lass a long and happy life (she's obviously in the right home!!) Love, K xx