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 #1771241


TutThePlatedLizard
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 Brain defect?

so im looking into adopting a cat that has cerebellar hypoplasia which is a defect of the brain that affects a cat’s sense of balance among other things. i was just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this and what its like and if it causes any more problems like the amount of vet trips, etc.

thanks!

oh, and this is the kitty: Annabelle she’s been on there for months and my mom is finally starting to give way a bit into the getting a cat thing
06/23/08  08:59pm

 #1771294


KrazyKelli
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   Message To: TutThePlatedLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1771241


 Brain defect?

It’s a large pain to go through. The cat will often fall down stairs, run into walls, and fall off things. And keeping the cat off things will be considerably tough. If the cat wants to go up on a chair or table, nothing will stop it. There’s also a chance that the cat may not live nearly as long as regular cats - the last one I ran into with the problem didn’t live past a year.

If your mother is just starting to want to get a cat, I really recommend you get a healthier one without brain damage. It will be far less painful on her should she get attached.
06/23/08  09:29pm

 #1771366


Dragongirl6
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   Message To: KrazyKelli   In reference to Message Id: 1771294


 Brain defect?

I work in a rescue and have dealt with a few of these cases. In some cases, the cat has a severe enough problem that it needs to be put down, but in many, they can lead perfectly happy (though often not completely normal) lives.

I wouldn’t recommend that you not get the cat because of this issue, the cat needs a home and as long as all members of the family are educated and aware of the problem you could give him/her a great one.

I would call up your vet and talk to him/her about it, as well as talk to the people with the cat. They will know most about the condition and be able to tell you most about his/her individual problems.

The last kitties we adopted out with this problem were Flaura and Fauna, two sisters with little control of their back feet. Their new owner put them on hold while she put wall to wall carpeting in her house so they could move around easily. Fauna also needed a special ramp type of deal to get into the litter box. Again, it depends on the individual cat, so it’s hard to say.

Just know what you are getting into, understand that the cat should stay indoors, and educate yourself before getting the cat. I suspect you could provide an excellent, loving home as long as you are prepared. I also suggest kiddie gates to block of stair cases : )

Good luck!
Anna
06/23/08  10:11pm

 #1771434


TutThePlatedLizard
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   Message To: Dragongirl6   In reference to Message Id: 1771366


 Brain defect?

well this is not our first cat, just the first cat since our siamese Asia died last year. and we dont have stairs and she would definately not go outside. from the profile description it doesnt seem like shes too severe. im very excited to get meet her on saturday.
06/23/08  10:58pm

 #1771496


KrazyKelli
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   Message To: TutThePlatedLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1771434


 Brain defect?

I’m just saying you should think about your mother, especially if you lost a siamese only recently. It’s a terrible thing to get bonded to a cat to then have something bad happen in the end like the cat getting hurt or having to be put down. It’s even worse if you had this cat to make up for one recently lost. Kind of like a double-whammy. You’re not a bad owner if you happen change your mind, as I’m sure the breeder of the cat would keep it or give it to a friend. So the cat will end up in a good home regardlessly.

On the same topic, make sure your mother is 100% in agreement with this. For the same reasons above.



06/23/08  11:52pm

 #1771564


Dragongirl6
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   Message To: KrazyKelli   In reference to Message Id: 1771496


 Brain defect?

KrazyKelli, do you know much about cerebellar hypoplasia? It is a birth defect, not something she is going to drop dead from. She is a perfectly healthy RESCUE cat (not from a breeder!!), in a shelter where her chances of adoption are much lower than that of a "perfect" cat.

She is perfectly able to move around, play, eat, love, etc. she just can’t move her back legs as well as cats without cerebellar. She has also been fixed, vaccinated, tested, wormed, flea treated, microchipped, etc. and would be a great cat for a family willing to give her a good home.

This cat will live an entirely normal, healthy, lengthy life if she is kept indoors and taken care of, and it seems like she could find a great home with you! Good luck on your meeting, I hope you like her : )

If you do get her, post photos!
06/24/08  01:34am


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