The three kittens have been seen by my feline specialist and diagnosed with several levels of Cerebellar Hypoplasia. In English; momcat likely had become exposed to feline distemper and since the brain stays open a great deal of time when the kittens are in utero, the brain is the first organ to become diseased. So, it looks like feline distemper has once again raised its ugly head.
This time, it is not the deadly form of the disease (thank You Lord) but a milder form of it- effecting the motor skills of the three. The little mack tabby, she has it the worst. I have decided to call her Tilt because she tilts her head to one side and when she falls over, she always falls on her left side.
The golden boy- Franklin has problems with where the ground really is located. He walks softly almost like walking on eggshells. The tortie girl- Stash has the least of the symptoms for now, but I have been told that as they develop, they might present with other issues.
So- they are here now and cute as a bug but they do have issues. But, then don’t we all?
Here is Tilt
Tilt, Franklin and Stash – great names!
I wish I wasn’t on the other side of the world. I would take them in a heartbeat.
Rescuing can be a heartache. Even when you’ve been through it all before and think that you can handle it emotionally, the tears still come. Please consider yourself hugged with great warmth and feeling.
My neighbor and I just rescued a stray pregnant female cat in Phoenix. As soon as the kitties were 6 weeks old we brought them all back to Denver and have found homes for all. My neighbor is keeping the mother, Missy, and one of her babies. They are all doing well, except for the mother cat is extremely shy and nervous and although she uses the litter box, she is also using the sofa. We wonder what can be done or if it’s too late to train her. She is a sweet cat, but doesn’t want to be petted or held. Any suggestions??
She is stressed, when they pee on soft items, they are stressed. When they pee in sinks and on hard surfaces, it is a health issue. Set up a routine with her and keep on it. Write down the times she will have food, fresh water, litter pan patrol etc and stick with it. Stop expecting her to want to be petted or held and except for the routine of seeing to all her needs, IGNORE her. Take the pressure off, Don’t look at her in her eyes at any time, if you do, then slowly blink your eyes, drop your head and move away. Add more litter pans in the house for her and be sure they aren’t covered pans and they are in secluded areas with a way she can escape if she has to. She will come around, but it will just take time. Use Urine-Off to work the stains and the smell on the bed or she will continue to pee there. If she does, sprinkle the area with catnip, or put a food bowl on top of the spot she is favoring. They won’t pee where they eat or play.