“They Need You” Fundraiser
Cheeko is GPC’s first “wobbly kitty,” and we’re so happy to support him on his journey to a wonderful, loving home.
When Cheeko first came into our care, we had been told he had some “weakness” in his back legs. But when he arrived at his foster home, it quickly became clear that it was something more than that.
As he explored his new surroundings, his back legs stayed far apart and bounced a bit – his “cowboy wobble.” He slipped every once in a while and instead of jumping onto the couch, he pulled himself up with his front legs.
His foster mum picked up on it straight away. Having never seen some of the movements that Cheeko displayed in other cats, she messaged Caitlin at GPC with some concern.
With 10 years in feline rescue, Caitlin has seen a number of CH kittens. Cheeko’s movements looked pretty classic. Caitlin was able to reassure the foster mum right away that it was most likely CH – something that he was entirely used to, would not get worse, and does not cause pain or distress.
More about cerebellar hypoplasia: also called CH or “wobbly cat syndrome”. It’s a congenital condition, which means Cheeko was born with it. CH occurs when part of the brain doesn’t develop typically while the kitten is in the mother’s uterus. It affects coordination and balance, but it is not painful and does not worsen over time.
A vet later confirmed that CH was the likely cause of his wobbly movement, giving us the clarity we needed to support him properly.
Disabled cats are superbly adaptable and well equipped to navigate their world. Cheeko is no exception.
This little guy uses all the tools in his chest, dexterous paws, magical cat “right siding” instincts, especially keen senses and an alert little brain, to confidently navigate his home.
And then he plays. He chases a wand toy across the floor, with regular tumbles or slides as he goes. Happy as can be, totally without bother. He cuddles up with his brother Waffles for mutual grooming sessions. He is affectionate, confident and full of life.
Cheeko and Waffles came to us when their owner became seriously unwell and could no longer care for them. They were clearly deeply loved boys, and we made sure they stayed together and found their way to a new home. They now have exactly that.
Adopted by a Glaswegian couple, Cheeko has settled in quickly. His new family told us, “He got comfortable really fast. He’s a really confident boy. You wouldn’t think he has a disability.. he just lunges forward without a care in the world. He’s such a cuddly boy” too.
To set Cheeko up for a happy, healthy future in his new home, GPC had to get a good amount of care done for the boy@
The cost of Cheeko’s care is £242 including
- veterinary exam with a special focus on his mobility, balance, and coordination
- all preventative veterinary medicine and neuter surgery
- care supplies for his time in foster
If you can help support his vet services and care items, you are directly giving this amazing beam-of-light of a cat everything he needs for a great start at his new home!
Amazingly, we are over 70% of the way there. Just £66.70 left to fund Cheeko’s full care! Will you help fund it?
Watch out for Sooks and Nibby’s story in the coming days! And check out stories from Smokey and Keeka here.
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