Fostering cats is a rewarding experience that helps unwanted cats and kittens find new homes and understand the power of love.
A cat fosterer named Mandy enjoyed fostering cats regularly when she heard about Willy Wonky through a fellow fosterer.
This special needs black cat had difficulty getting adopted because of his color and cerebellar hypoplasia condition, often referred to as CP in felines.
What is cerebellar hypoplasia?
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition where the cerebellum in the brain does not develop properly. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls motor skills, balance, and coordination.
This condition occurs when a pregnant cat gets infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. Fortunately, this condition is not painful or contagious.
Because this disorder is often not understood, many cats and kittens with this condition are rejected.
Willy Wonky gets a stroke of luck
As fate would have it, Mandy, a fosterer for a cat rescue in Kansas City, always dreamed of taking in a special needs cat.
Hearing about Willy Wonky through the foster program, she invited him into her home and never looked back. She and her husband fell in love with Willy’s personality soon after.
Together they adopted him and joined the rest of the family. He now has parents and siblings to start his new chapter in life.
Mandy loves the impact Willy Wonky has had on their lives. He’s got personality for days, and he loves to instigate fights and playtime with his siblings.
Willie Wonky and his owner communicate well with each other. She understands him and intuitively knows when he feels frustrated or needs help.
His owner raves about how he spreads positivity in this world with his ‘never give up attitude.’ He inspires everyone around him.
This special needs cat with cerebellar hypoplasia doesn’t know he is different from his siblings. He’s just one of the family.
You can follow Willy Wonky and his adventures with his family on his Instagram page.
Final thoughts
Cats and kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are often misunderstood, abandoned, or euthanized. It takes an extra special person with a compassionate heart to adopt or rescue an animal with special needs.
Despite their condition, the impact and love they provide a family is no different than a cat without such need. They are so grateful to be part of a family where they can spend their lives.
Felines with special needs are not so different. They are family.
Do you have experience with cats with special needs? Would you help foster a cat with CP?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts.