About Us
About Me
My husband and me
Hi, I’m Amanda Woodhead (formerly Maurer). I’m the proud mom to CG and Ellie, special needs cats with cerebellar hypoplasia. In 2011, I married the best guy I know – and he totally digs our cats, too.
A few years ago I didn’t know anything about cerebellar hypoplasia. That is, until I was looking to adopt a cat and found a special needs kitten’s profile on Petfinder. He had CH, and I figured if I was going to love any cat, it may as well be one that needed love the most. At that moment I felt we were meant for each other, but I had no idea what I was in for!
I’ve learned so much from adopting CG — about cats, their special needs, love and patience. This experience has had such a profound impact on me, that I wish everyone knew about CH cats. This blog is a step toward spreading awareness about the condition.
When I’m not spending time with my husband, playing with my kitties or off on some adventure, you can find me working as an editor for an Internet marketing company in Chicago.
About CG
CG (3 years)
CG’s the reason why this blog exists. A year or so after I adopted him, it dawned on me that I should have chronicled our adventures and lessons together. This blogging adventure has since transformed into a resource and a tool to spread CH awareness. And it’s all thanks to him.
CG, who is named for the actor Cary Grant, had moderate CH as a kitten, but he has learned to compensate a great deal as adult. As my first cat (as an adult), this guy has a very special place in my heart.
You can learn more about CG here. Friend CG on Catster.
About Ellie
Ellie (3 months)
CG’s adoption was very special for us, and I never could have imaged that we’d have another “meant-to-be” moment with an adoptable kitten. But that’s what happened with Ellie!
My husband and I were considering adopting a companion for CG when we heard about Ellie. Her story is just incredible, as we probably wouldn’t have adopted her if some bizarre events hadn’t happened.
Anyway, she’s our silly little girl. She has moderate CH, but she doesn’t let that stop her! Her hind legs may not know what her front are doing, but she keeps up with all of us — even if that means a few flips, tumbles and bumps!
You can learn more about Ellie here. Friend her on Catster.
Thank you so much for letting us share our story with you. I hope that my experiences and the stories of others will help you better understand this condition, and possibly open your own heart and home to a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia.
Note: This blog is built on my personal thoughts. While I may offer advice, please understand I am not a professional. This blog is also a non-profit project of mine; I don’t endorse or represent any products mentioned.
Hi, Amanda. Thank you for having this site. I too have litterbox problems and am hoping you can send me your experience, or direct me to another source. I have only had my little guy for 3 weeks – he is about 9 weeks old now and has what I would describe as moderate CH, based on what I have seen on the web (the vet said he was “severe” but he can walk with alot of tumbles, similar to how you describe CG). My boy is sweet and very adventurous. Doesn’t seem to know he has a problem! He and I together have learned so much in the last three weeks but we have not hit on the right litter box option yet. I have built three different options, and my husband has just finished building another option – haven’t seen results yet. Have you any advice or places I can look?
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for visiting! I’m sorry to hear about the litter box problems, they can be quite trying! Here are two resources I have: the Litter Box resource page and some other Litter Box tips. I’ll also email you so we can continue this conversation. Good luck!
Amanda
Hi Amanda, I just wanted to share this short video with you about a DOG with a disability and how her parents have trained her to eat. Its sweet. Please open this link: http://www.wimp.com/dogchair/
This is amazing! What incredible pet parents and what an intelligent dog! Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring link
Clever dog! feeding raised works well with megaesophagus cats too [I can't spell the damn word] our vet told us to turn a soup bowl upside-down and put the feeding plate on top of it, worked a treat. Our lovely Sophie, who would have been put down at just 2 for this problem, had five wonderful, happy years until cancer took her.