Meet Bowie

Talk about a rescue story! When Bowie’s former owner had to give him up, Megan stepped up and gave this boy a home. Here’s their story:

A friend of mine was moving and wasn’t able to take Bowie, formerly named Louis. So I took him in thinking he was regular cat – he was a little uncoordinated, but friendly enough.

I ended up changing his name to Bowie because of his left pupil, which when it contracts looks deformed. We think he has a little bit of blindness in that eye. But you wouldn’t notice it to see him move around. The name was inspired by David Bowie (although technically David Bowie’s pupil is paralyzed not deformed).

Cat’s name: Bowie (Nicknames include: BowieCat & Bowiekins)

Sex: Male

Age: 4-6 Years

How severe is his CH?

He would fall under moderate-severe. He has good days and bad days; he often falls over, but can run and jump without issue if he feels like it or sees a flying bug.

Does he have certain limitations?

Going downstairs is the biggest one; he has no problem getting up them. So he has learned that if he sits at the stairs and meows we will carry him down the stairs.

How does he manage the litter box?

I bought a larger, 30-lb. capacity litter box because it has raised sides; he manages really well in this one. The previous small one he would often fall out of, and a cat pee fountain is not pretty.

Eating and drinking?

Both of these things he does fine, I’m not sure if it is a condition of CH, but I get him a high-fiber specialty cat food, otherwise he has trouble doing a #2. And when he eats, he’ll be sitting down with his legs far apart, think of bat wings. And as far as drinking goes, he will drink normally, but sometimes knock over his water and drink it from the floor.

Has he ever hurt herself because of his CH?

Oh yes! He has chipped both of his canines, one of which had to be removed completely.

What’s one funny story about him (related to CH)?

When I took him to a new vet, he was SO EXCITED to see this type of cat. The vet actually brought in a few of his staff and made Bowie walk around, just so they could see a CH cat. And when I had to have that broken tooth removed he gave me a discount because my cat was quote “Cool,” which is pretty awesome!

Each animal is special in his own way. How is he special?

I would say that Bowie is more temperamental than a regular cat. He demands attention, likes to have full access to the house and has little quirks regarding his water dish.

As well, he has random moments of aggression, usually late at night when I am trying to sleep. Bowie’s ears will go back, a low groan and next thing you know he is trying to bite your arm — I often refer to this as VIPER KITTY, he is like a viper in the way he tries to bite you.

Have you found ways to help him with CH? How?

Other than buying a larger litter box, there isn’t much more I could do.

Do you have any words of wisdom for other CH parents?

If you have a two-story house, pick one level for them to live on – makes life so much easier. I really wish I trained Bowie like that when he was younger, now if you gate an area he will yowl until he has access.

What do you think people need to know about CH?

They are not in any pain when they are wiggling/shaking, and generally they lead a normal cat life – you just have to be aware that these cats depending on severity need modifications of their environment. You may experience feelings of sympathy or feeling really sad for the cat, but this will pass and you will start to really enjoy a CH cat. They can be an absolute riot and source of entertainment (in a nice way!).

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about his having CH?

Favorite about Bowie having CH, is the looks he gives you when he falls over but doesn’t mean too – just classic! And my least favorite thing about him having CH would be the falling or crashing into things – he can’t completely control his movements so it is bound to happen, 99% of the time he gets right back up.

Click here to read about other readers’ CH cats or tell us about your CH cat!