A Post For New CH Cat Parents

Sometimes adopting a cat can be a little unnerving, especially if that cat is special needs and has cerebellar hypoplasia.

One of CG’s first photos. Notice how the nightstand’s shelf is covered with a blue towel, so he couldn’t hurt himself on the corners!

In the first few hours of adopting CG, I definitely had second thoughts, wondering if I could handle it, and if I’d be able to help him adequately. I soon fell head-over-heals for this guy, and I quickly realized that we were a team.

Fortunately, as we all find out, CH cats bring a certain joy to our lives – and soon we cannot imagine living without them! And thanks to that joy, we can get through some tough times: Figuring out litter box issues, how to keep our cats safe, and a host of other concerns.

So if you’re new to being a CH cat parent, this post is for you. Over time, I’ve written about many of the situations that I and this blog’s readers have come across, and I hope the information will be helpful. The truth is, being a CH cat parent can be difficult. But you can do it. And wow, is it worth it!

If you’re completely new to cerebellar hypoplasia, don’t worry! Start here with this Cerebellar Hypoplasia Basics Guide. It’ll fill you in on most of the information you’ll likely want to know right away like: How can you tell if a cat has CH? Can it be diagnosed? What are other conditions that have similar characteristics to CH?

Once you’re all set with the basics, it’s time to move on! Again, the links below include just some of the links you may find helpful. I’d suggest simply exploring one day by looking through the tags section (to the right) for more posts that may help and inspire you. Think there’s something I should cover that hasn’t been yet? Please contact me! I love to hear from readers. Good luck!

Before Adoption Day & Beyond

• Should You Adopt A Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cat? – Things to consider before bringing a special needs cat home.
• 10 Reasons To Adopt A Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cat – Just in case you can’t decide.
  

  Image courtesy nataliejohnson.

• Before Your Bring Your New CH Cat Home – A quick list to go over before bringing home a new family member.
• How To Cat-Proof Your Home – Simple tips to make sure your home is safe.
• How To Prepare A Room For A New Cat – Every new cat should have a space of his own when first introduced to your home.
• 8 Supplies You’ll Need For Your New CH Cat – A handy guide to help you remember everything you may need.
• How to Introduce Your New Cat to Your Resident Cat – Some tips on how to make the adjustment.
• More adoption posts

Finding The Right…

• Litter Box – It can be a big challenge to find the right litter box (there are many options) for your cat, not to mention the other challenges associated with litter boxes. Plus, find out how to keep the mess (somewhat!) contained.
• Food & Water Bowls – Yes, even these can make a difference for CH cats. Here are some food bowl/eating tips (and some more!) and water bowl/drinking tips (and some more!).

Health & The Vet

• How To Find A CH Friendly Vet Close To You – Some vets love CH kitties, others don’t know who they are, still others want them euthanized. This map may help.
• Diarrhea, diapers, and baths can become a part of your life. No big deal.
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  Photo courtesy ManhattanCatSpecialists

  What To Know About CH Cat Head Tremors – Never fear! Head tremors are just a part of having CH.

• Is Anesthesia Dangerous For Cats With Cerebellar Hypoplasia? – Some things to keep in mind when your cat has surgery.
• Post-Surgery Tips for CH Cats – Extra precautions to take, just in case!
• What If Your Vet Won’t Spay/Neuter Your CH Cat? – It may be a good sign that they want you to go to someone with more experience.
• Think Your CH Cat Had A Seizure? – Here’s how to respond.
• Staying At The Vet? Make A CH Info Card – It’s a good way to make sure everyone knows your cat has CH.
• Injuries are a part of life. Look through these injury posts to get an idea of what you may have to prepare for.
• Posts on broken and chipped teeth – A rather common occurrence with CH cats.
• Posts on scratching posts – Why your cat needs one, and how you can train him to use it.
• More health posts

Mobility & Getting Around

• Mobility is (obviously) one of the most tackled subjects here. I’d recommend looking through this list of mobility posts to find which may help you.
• Some CH cats can’t jump, so many resort to climbing.
• Life With CH: Good Days & Bad Days – Some days our CH cats may be more wobbly than others.
• Help your cat get around your home with the aid of homemade (or purchased) ramps and stairs.
• Over time, some of our cats have experienced improvement in their mobility. Check out these posts to find out more.
• Some more severe CH cats may benefit from a walker.

Safety Around The House

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  Photo courtesy createdbytn

  Our “Four-On-The-Floor” Rule – A gentle way to set your cat on the floor.

• Stairs & CH Cats – Some CH cats can handle stairs, others cannot. Read these posts to find out what may work for you and your cat.
• Posts on safety gates – They can keep your cat safe and confined, especially when you’re not around.
• Posts on how carpeted floors can help your CH cat.
• More safety posts

Exercise, Playtime & Toys

• Click here to find posts on the best reader-suggested toys for CH cats, plus toys you can make for free!
• While you’re at it, check out these exercise and playtime posts, too.

More

• As you get to know your cat, these personality and behavior posts may shed some light on some questions!
• Tips On How To Tackle Unwanted Cat Behaviors
• The Most Popular Names For CH Cats
• Does Your CH Cat Have “Frog Legs”?
• The CH Sitting Position
• Read About Other CH Cats!