There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
Anna and Versaire are beautiful 18month old siblings who were being surrendered to a shelter where they were going to be euthanized because the shelter was very full and their special needs qualified them as 'less adoptable'. Well, special needs or not we think these two are about the sweetest cats we have ever met! Anna and Versaire have what is known as Cerebellar Hypoplasia or CH. Their CH is a result of their mother being vaccinated during her pregnancy and it is a born disability that results from the crebellum not being properly formed/functioning. CH can occur in varying degress and on the scale these two would be considered mild/moderate. The CH does not predispose them to any other health issues that a 'regular' cat wouldn't incur. For the most part they do not seem to know that they are special and different from other cats. They can both get around pretty well and will run as fast as they can to you in hopes of engaging you in a game or getting you to pick them up for some cuddling! Their CH does limit their ability to jump (no kitties on the counters!), but they will want to be with you on the couch or bed and will climb their way up unless they are accommodated with and easier way. If you would like to see a video of Anna and Versaire, have further questions, or would like to set up a visit with Anna and Versaire please contact Sarah at riverwoods360@gmail.com
If you have known a CH kitty before then we don't need to tell you how wonderful they are and what a wonderful community of people advocates they have. If CH kitties are new to you here are some wonderful links to learn more.
www.chkittyclub.com
www.facebook.com/181495576436
http://lifewithchcats.com
Some additional information:
Cerebellar Hypoplasia (cer·e·bel·lar hy·po·pla·sia) is a disorder found in cats and dogs which causes jerky movements, tremors, and generally uncoordinated motion, just like ataxic cerebral palsy in humans. A cat with CH often falls down and has trouble walking or cannot seem to walk at all. CH in cats is non-progressive, meaning it does not get worse with age.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia occurs when the cerebellum, the part of the brain which controls fine motor skills and coordination, is not completely mature at birth. Symptoms of CH can usually
be seen immediately at birth. Cerebellar Hypoplasia is most commonly caused by the kitten’s mother being vaccinated for or contracting the Panleukopenia virus while pregnant. If the mother passes on the virus or is vaccinated for the virus during the end of pregnancy, the kittens can be born with CH. Kittens with CH are not infected with or carriers of thePanleukopenia virus, it has only stunted their cerebellum's growth while in the womb. Cerebellar Hypoplasia can also occur if a trauma, including malnutrition, occurs to the kittens while in the womb.
Cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia are often euthanized, as people misunderstand the condition as being painful and/or contagious. However, they have a normal life expectancy and are very affectionate, sweet, and loving. They return the extra care they need with an intense love for and bond with their adoptive families.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CH CATS
At this time, many veterinary and rescue professionals are still
unaware of CH. Many CH cats are needlessly euthanized before
given a chance at a proper diagnosis and life, making it harder for
awareness about the condition to grow.
Cats with CH:
- Are not in any pain
- Are not contagious
- Have a normal life expectancy
- Live happy, healthy lives
- Learn to adapt their abilities and compensate over time
- Need to be indoor-only
- Should never be declawed
- May require no extra care, or a great deal of extra care,
depending on their severity
- Can be more prone to accident-related injuries, like chipped
teeth or broken nails
Find a pet to adopt
Other pets at this rescue
Pet Type
Age
Sex
Pet Type
Age
Sex
This rescue hasn't posted any pets that match these criteria.
