Contact Me
Thank you for your interest in contacting me. Unfortunately at this time, I’m not able to reply to emails in a timely manner.
Feel free to comment on the site if you have a learning or good news to share.
If your cat is in need of medical advice or attention, please contact your veterinarian.
If you are considering giving up/re-homing your CH cat, please read this resource first.
Thanks,
Amanda
76 Comments
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Life with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats 
Amanda, I really enjoy reading your articles. It is so supportive and so much help! I like leaving comments about my own CH kitty, Percy. It would be fun to get everyone to send in pictures of their CH kitties so we can all see everyone’s beloved ‘children’. I adore my Percy, he is so special! I just want to show him off I guess. He was one of three in a litter of feral kittens and he was the only one to survive.
Anyway, what do you think about all of us sending in a picture of our special ones?
Thank you for your wonderful helpful blog!–JacquieB
Oh, please do! On my earlier blog I would do profiles of CH kitties! I’d love to profile Percy if you’re up to it! I’ll send you some questions, etc today. Thanks for the reminder!!
Hey Amanda!
Great site you have here, some really helpful tips!!!
I have a cat named Bowie who has mild CH. I also thought that you may want to check out these pinback buttons I made for all of us who ‘Heart’ our CH Kitties ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/77690020/i-heart-my-ch-kitty ).
Thanks for the link, Megan! They’re absolutely adorable, and I’m proud to say I have one at home, haha 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Hi Amanda, I was so excited to find this website. I have a 13 week old kitten with CH named Harvey. I had never even heard of CH until he came along. Everybody I know kept telling me to find him a new home and that he was too much work, etc. But we bonded instantly and I could never give him away, especially after all the time and effort I have put into his care. I have been doing a lot of research, but I still feel in the dark about the best way to care for him. If you have a few moments, I have a few questions…. My vet recommended that I mix his dry food with warm water and wet food so he doesn’t choke. After researching, it seems like he has a mild case of CH. Do you think he can eat plain dry food without it being hazardous? Also, during the day I keep him confined to my bathroom for his own safety. But I always feel guilty leaving him in there. He is still young, but eventually would it be okay for him to roam the apartment? I am just constantly worried about him falling off the furniture and breaking his neck (I cringe at just typing that). He learned to climb on my couch about a week ago – but he can’t get off without tumbling to the floor. Will he eventually learn? I also worry that after the falls that he has had, he will bruise and is in pain. Do you know if that’s possible? Also, at night I put him in the bathroom (again for his safety), but as it is getting colder, I wish he could sleep in my bed and cuddle / be warmer. But once again, I am too worried he will off. Do you think it’s best to keep him in the bathroom or would he be okay to sleep with me? I also worry about keeping him away from his litter box while he is in my bed, but he is working on the whole litter box thing and I have seen a lot of improvement in the 6 weeks that I have had him. Sorry this is so long, please don’t feel obligated to answer everything. Thanks for your site! It’s great…
Hi Amanda. I have a new issue to ask about regarding my CH kitty (Percy, of course). Now that Percy is beyond the kitten stage I expected him to outgrow that frisky kitten behavior of attacking us playfully with all claws and teeth, like typical kitties do when they grow up. But he still likes to demand attention by grabbing our legs, feet or arms with full claws and teeth extended which is very painful and causes bloody lacerations. Sometimes I’ve responded to him with shouts of dismay and pushing him away from me (and he seems to react so hurt and I feel rotten for yelling at him). I would never smack him for behaving this way but sometimes I’ve wanted to! Amanda, do you know the correct way of teaching CH kitties to stop this type of bad behavior? I’d like him to learn to keep his claws in when he feels playful. My other kitties even refuse to play with him because I assume they are overwhelmed by this behavior. I am thinking this is a trait of CH cats, but I do not know that for a fact. Any thoughts on this?
Hi Jacquie,
Actually, it sounds like normal kitten behavior — but you’re right — it doesn’t need to be like that! This ASPCA page has some excellent solutions: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/29/Cats-Who-Play-Rough-.aspx. I’d personally try a few like increasing the amount of playtime he’s receiving (play with toys, not your hands, etc.), giving him time outs every time he plays too rough, clapping loudly at bad behavior and rewarding the times he does play and get your attention in appropriate ways.
Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
My husband and I have recently adopted our Kitty, Nova, who has CH. She’s adorable and I am totally attached to her but, our apartment manager tells us if we keep her, she would need to declawed, trimmed or capped. Having Nova declawed is not going to happen because she likes to climb the couch and bed to lay down and she also uses them to keep balance when she is playing. I don’t want to lose her but I’m unsure what to do. I don’t what her to be stressed out because she can no longer help herself keep balance. Advice, please?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for commenting.
I wouldn’t stress out about this – as you said, you can try capping or trimming her nails. Capping should keep most of the length, and you really wouldn’t have to cut off too much during a trim. I would also suggest having a heart-to-heart with your apartment manager explaining the situation (maybe he can even meet Nova so he can see how important her nails are to her). If those solutions aren’t enough for your apartment manager, I would suggest considering offering him a pet deposit. That way, if there is any damage, you’ll help take care of it financially.
Good luck!
Hey, I’m not looking for a diagnosis or anything, but I just got a kitten with CH. I’ve previously never had a cat with CH. However, from past experiences with cats, I’ve always found special needs cats to be really special, so I didn’t hesitate to get him. We’ve had him for about 3 weeks now, and I’ve noticed that his rear legs tremble/spasm when he’s not on them. Is this something that goes along with CH? His head trembles a lot when he’s focusing on stuff, and he frequently falls over, so I would say he’s a moderate case of CH. the tremors/spasms don’t seem to bother him, but they happen frequently. Just wondering if anyone else has had this with their cats. Thanks!
Hi Julie!
I haven’t heard of anything like that, so you may want to check with your vet. Before you go, try taking detailed notes of exactly when it happens (if it’s all the time, certain positions, etc), what happens (what it looks like), etc. That will help a good deal. You can also consult the CH Cat group on Facebook, if you haven’t yet. You can find it here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/CHcat/
Good luck and thanks for taking this little one in!
One more thing, the kitten has a very bad habit of making a huge litterbox mess. He spreads his legs wide, like he’s doing the splits, and hunkers down super low, so that his gut and butt are touching the litter, and then he goes potty. This usually results in urine/poop/litter to be smeared all over his rear end. Any ideas with how to maybe train this out of him? So that he will use the litterbox a little less close to the litter? I realize that if he falls over in it, that’s a different matter, but he always has litter matted in his belly/booty area just because he is touching the litter.
He doesn’t appreciate the daily baths!
Здравствуйте! Я недавно подобрала и выходила котёнка – девочку, назвала её Бусинкой, так как глаза у неё-вылитые бусинки. Оказалось, что у неё атаксия мозжечка в лёгкой форме. В целом игрива, хорошо кушает, очень ласковая и умненькая. Ищу ей самые заботливые и ответственные руки! Вот здесь её фото и история http://www.mirann.ru/viewtopic.php?t=511.Ольга, Россия
Спасибо, Ольга! Я надеюсь, что ваша кошка делает хорошо!
For those who don’t understand Russian, here’s what Olga said:
“Hello! I recently picked up all the kitten – a girl, named her beady eyes as she poured-beads. It turned out that she had cerebellar ataxia mild. Overall, playful, eats well, is very affectionate and clever. Seeking her most caring and responsible hands! Here her photo and story http://www.mirann.ru/viewtopic.php?t=511. Olga, Russia”
Hi,
I have been working with a moderate to severe CH cat named Tiny Tim since December. He had an URTI and ear mites, but all is well after antibiotics, an ear mite protocol, etc.
His foster home fell through, and I agreed to take him back in December. I have tried so many things regarding his litter box issues, but I have not had any luck. Believe me- I have tried everything except diapers.
I am in graduate school, working plus I do volunteer work. I hate to ask, but is anyone out there willing to adopt him? He is a cute orange tabby, and I think he would do better in a situation where he had more company- canine and human. He also gets along well with dogs.
I am in Maryland….
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear about Tiny Tim! Fortunately, there are several options. You can read about them here:
Can’t Keep Your CH Cat? Here’s What To Do.
Lisa,
My wife and I have to firm up our decision but may be able to accomodate in the next two months at the most and already have a ‘feline element’-lol in our home.
We live in NJ..would you be willing to advise more on details or email me at linkup77@yahoo.com to take this offline and perhaps we can come to an agreement some time in the near future.
Am concerned about the litter issues but where there’s a will there’s a way-we don’t expect perfection! That’s why we want a CH kitten in the first place.
Thanks.
Dave
My cat’s name is Ziggy. My spouse named her after the way she would zig zag when she tried to walk. Ziggy was born in July under a shed along with her four siblings by a stray in my sister in law’s yard. Unfortunately, her mother died about two to three weeks after birth so my sister and law and myself “raised” them from birth. Her husband brought them inside and we did the feedings with syringes and made sure they were comfortable and warm. It was a lot of work but we loved every minute of it! Her and I are both avid cat lovers.
As the weeks went by, we found homes for them. Unfortunately, one of the kittens didn’t make it. Debbie kept the runt, who she named Peanut, her friend took the strongest amd most feistiest of them, Georgie, and I kept Ziggy.
It was not until October that Ziggy started showing signs of CH. She was having trouble walking and her head kept shaking. I looked up “wobbly” kittens on the internet and that’s when I first heard of CH. I was so relieved to find out that she would be okay. Her condition was mild to moderate but I would have to say that now she is mild. She has gotten stronger and her head only shakes when she is trying to focus on something or excited. We all love her so much and she provides us with a chuckle or two when we watch her try to jump onto the furniture. She has no depth perception so when she jumps, there is no telling where she will land and she can jump so high! When we have company, she is the center of attention. Everyone wants to see her jump :-).
She has had to have her fair share of baths, as she sometimes falls into the litter box. She has her own little one now with shorter sides. She can eat out of her dish now but pecks at her food like a chicken. I had to feed her by hand when she was younger as her head would not stop shaking.
Her claws are razor sharp as she uses them to climb onto everything. I don’t dare cut them for fear that she will lose her ability to get up on our laps. She loves to sit on us and have behind her ears scratched:-)
I have four cats and love them all dearly but Ziggy holds a very special place in my heart.
Hi Krista,
Thanks for sharing! If you send me a photo of Ziggy, I’d love to publish your post on her!
Amanda,
I just adopted an 8-week old kitten with moderate CH. I named him “Weebles”, as in “weebles wobble but they don’t fall down”. I’m totally new to this. My family has had several dogs and cats, but none of them had any disabilities. We have two other cats that have been part of the family for several years, and they’re not sure what to make of Weebles. Right now, I’m trying to get him adjusted to the house and especially litter box training. I place disposable chucks under the box because he can’t manage to maneuver into it yet. Sometimes he can get his legs under him, other times he can’t . It’s a real adventure trying to read his body language and time it so that I can get him to the area around the box. He’s eating pretty good but he has to lay on his side to do it and he pecks at the food to get it into his mouth. I think he’ll manage to make adjustments to the way he moves as he grows. In the meantime, I’m giving him as much care and attention as I can. I really like your site and I’ll make sure to visit again when I need more tips.
SFC MAC
Thanks for commenting and sharing about Weebles! I think you’re right – I’m sure he’ll make lovely progress over time. I adopted Ellie, my CH girl, when she was about that age, and for a month or so we struggled with the pan until she was finally big enough to get in and out of it fine. Today she still goes potty while laying on her side, but she makes it work 🙂 Please keep me posted about him! It’s always so exciting to adopt a CHer!
Amanda,
Weebles is now 10 1/2 weeks old and he’s making great progress! He’s getting big. He’s using his litter box just fine and he scoots like crazy when he wants to get from point A to point B in a hurry. He can actually stand on all fours for a few seconds and runs a bit before he flops over on his side. It’s funny to watch. The only two things he has yet to master: drinking water from a bowl (I still give him water in an eye dropper) and the stairs. My home is carpeted, so when he takes a flying leap (tumble) off the bed, a chair, or the couch, he gets up, shakes it off, and scoots away. He’s slowly expanding his exploration of the house. I’ll keep you posted.
Amanda,
Weebles is now going on 5 months old. This morning he passed another milestone. About 0515 this morning I heard a commotion on the stairs. Cloe, our female cat, who is spastic as hell, was coming up the stairs and hissing up a storm. I looked and Weebles was climbing the stairs behind her! It took him a little while longer, but he made it. He’s a very vocal cat and when he wants something and you ignore him, he’ll wrap himself around your leg and make a racket. He’s a great cat and I’m so glad I adopted him.
Per your post this am – check out Hayneedle.com for ideas re litter boxes.
Amanda, I have a question. Weebles is now 9 months old and he’s progressing pretty well. He’s also growing big. The problem is, I switched him to a new litter box with a higher front and he doesn’t seem to like it. He can get in it if he wants, but lately he’s been urinating and defecating outside the box, which is frustrating for me. He’s also meowing, incessantly, at times and wandering all over the place. The other two cats are fine and they have adjusted to him. I’m getting him neutered this month, so I’m wondering if he’s going through a male form of “heat”. Any suggestions?
Hi –
I’d recommend chatting with your vet. Odds are, he simply may not like the change in litter boxes. Perhaps you could put out the old one so he could at least use it some of the time? May make the transition a bit easier. That said, since this behavior is rather drastic, I think it’s worth mentioning to your vet just to see what he says. Good luck!
Hi Amanda!
I have a cat with mild CH that I rescued about a year ago. He was brought into the Vet clinic that I work at and once he was diagnosed with CH they were going to euthanize him. I just couldn’t let that happen after working with him and seeing that he can function pretty normally with this condition. My plan was to foster him until I could find him a home. Well with his condition that has not been the easiest thing to do. I already have 2 other cats and a dog and my house is small. I have made it work for now but I would love to find this little man a home. I have been looking for rescues that take CH cats and even talked to a few people who are familiar with CH but I am having no luck. I have joined the CH group on Facebook and am waiting to be accepted so I can tell Louis’s story there, What I was wonder was, could you give me the name or help me get in touch with some rescues or people that might be able to help me? I need to find someone who understands CH and will love and care for this little guy. I have never heard of this condition until I met Louis and he has just stolen my heart! I hope you can help me, even if just for advice. I will take any help I can get to get Louis a forever home!
Thank You,
Savannah
Hi Savannah,
Thanks for reaching out! You’re doing exactly what I would suggest — normally I’d pass along this post: https://lifewithchcats.com/2012/08/19/cant-keep-your-ch-cat-heres-what-to-do/, but I think you’re exploring all of your options. Once you hear back from the Facebook page, your options should increase. Until then, I’d recommend reaching out to shelters in your area or even chatting with folks or friends who may be interested in adopting a special kitten! Good luck!
Hey,
we have two adopted cats and after a bit of research and reading about CH on your site I’m 99% positive the younger one, Toto, has a really mild form of it. It took us some time to figure there is something “out of order” since they are our first cats ever (and first one was not planned – she just happened to find and charm us on the streets) and since a little discoordination of hind legs and tail didn’t seem to bother Toto at all, we just let him to develop with his own pace. Recently I found out his sister shakes while walking – according to organisation we adpoted from, it’s because of some sort of virus the litter was exposed to; and other two siblings are ok. So at that moment we did a bit of a + b and here we are, reading about feline CH and watching CH cat videos and giggle and squeak that this is totally our Toto! Ofc. we will ask the vet if that’s really the case, but I’d still want to ask a question. With all the other signs of mild CH is it usual that head tremors are not among them?
Also, thanks for your effort put in this site, it’s really helpful!
Have a nice day,
Anja
Hi Anja, from all I’ve seen of CH, most cats have head tremors. That said, CH cats each have different degrees of CH, so maybe that’s not the case with yours?? I think it’s wise to get Toto checked out just to be sure, but I’m glad if this site has been helpful!! Good luck!
Thank you for your article about what to do in the event of a chipped canine tooth. One of our kitty’s has epilepsy and was started on phenobarb recently. She is very wobbly and although we watch her closely, she managed to chop one of her canine teeth. Sadly, her canines are the only two teeth she has since she also suffered stomatitis and had to have her teeth surgically removed. I am hoping the DVM dentist can file it smooth and bondo, per your article. Thanks again for the information.
I found this kitten she so skinny and falls a lot a think she has ch what I read that’s her symtoms . I will like to know if they can pee in there cat litter cause she’s pee in my bed.
My CH cat, Shakespeare, because he shakes All the time, iv had him since his mother had him. She stopped having anything to do with him just after he opened his eyes. I fed him on bottle n kept him with me. He really thinks I’m his mom. I read CH cats don’t progress worse. I disagree. He used to walk better & he eventually started using the letterbox. Then about 3 months after potty training using letterbox, he stops. Iv tried every kind of litter. Thinking litter was hurting his paws. He has always had diarrhea. He just leaves a trail walking! He acts like he is unaware of him pottying. I have to feed him soft & hard food for him to keep weight on. He’s very picket eater. He only likes seafood flavors n a pouches up chicken. I thot he may have IBS, maybe that’s why he nearly poops himself to death! I mean this literally! He can only see out of 1 eye. About a month ago he started having these seizures. They last about a minute or so. He has em several times a day. I don’t take him to a vet cause I’m scared they wld make me put him to sleep! I LUV him!! He’s A LOT of work but he’s my lil boy!! I’d miss him awfully bad!! My concern is the diarrhea, him pooping every time he turns around (& me too)! I go thru a gallon bleach Every week! His bottom is so raw,swelled out,red & so sore infected looking. I felt so sorry for him last week, I squeezed peroxide onto him there, the best I cld. I’ll snd u sum video n pics of him tomorrow. Maybe u can suggest summin I haven’t thot of or tried yet!! Thank u soooo much for ur time.
Wobbles will be three in March. Her condition started when she was 2-3 months old, AFTER one of her litter-mates that had the condition from birth died from complications from a respiratory infection. After looking over your site a bit, she appears to have a more advanced condition and cannot walk at all, but she can crawl around if she needs to while my g/f and I are away at work.
We took her to two vets here in town. Neither of them had ANY idea what it could possibly be. One’s first suggestion was to put her to sleep. The other said as long as she has a healthy appetite, and I was willing to take care of her, she seemed like she could lead a happy and healthy (comparatively speaking) life. I told my g/f after this “if this cat decides to live to twenty, I will be there every single day for her.”
Best. Decision. Ever.
Wobbles is truly the brightest part of my days. She still likes to try to do things on her own, and I let her as much as possible, but it is a struggle. I was told by the one vet that if I had the money (which of course I don’t), I could take her to a large vet hospital for an MRI, but otherwise, I might never know what the disease was.
And then, just out of the blue on a random FB post from a person I don’t even know, there is a link to a video from your site. Even though it’s sad to know there is no treatment for her, it is comforting to be able to put a name on it and know that she is not alone.
I look forward to learning more, reading about other’s experiences, and maybe even get some tips on things I can do with and for her.
Thank you so much for being here,
David J.
I believe the cat I recently adopted has CH. He is the sweetest thing ever, even though my male cat would like to disagree! He doesn’t think that he is any different than my other two cats, and gets around pretty much without any issues. His walk is adorable (looks like a drunk sailor) and he doesn’t seem to be in any pain at all. My question is, does it hurt CH cats when you touch/pet them in a certain area or pick them up? I like to pick him up and cuddle for a few and he seems ok. But, then he wants to be put down right after a few kisses. Not sure if its just normal cat “put me down, ive had enough” or if he is actually feeling pain or discomfort. Please help, and thank you for the wonderful site!
Hi Amanda,
My 15 year old cat has a long list of health problems. The latest includes litter box accidents. He takes a diuretic, which makes him pass large amounts of unine. I am considering using cat diapers. I work full time and would not be available to change his diaper through out the day. How often do you change the diapers? How do you clean your cat when he has passed a stool?
A male black CH cat probably around 4 to 7 months old was found in Naches Wa. It has a mild case as it can jump up on benches and run but it bobs it head and eats. It has been neutered and declawed. We went to a lot of neighbors but no one claimed it. It was taken to the Yakima Central Washington Humane Society. He could not be left outside as he is declawed. He is really a very sweet and loving cat. He is wonderful with kids. His name at the Humane Society is Hershey. Please if anyone knows any one who would love to adopt this precious little guy Please call the Humane Society at 509-456-6854. Their address is 2405 Birchfield Rd and their web site is http://www.yakimahumane.org
our cat’s name is Wobbles and we just love her. we found her ouside a retirement residence in late October and it was getting cold outside . she was all alone and shivering so we thought. so we picked her up (no houses around) and brought her home. our new border collie dog Roxie took her in like her own , washed her and too good care of her .
we took her to our vet and she told us she was about 2 weeks old and we had to give her the milk with a seringe but she made it through and its been already 3 years ago . she is amazing , she gets on our bed by climbing and gets off but hanging down on the side. pretty smart cookie. if you have a chance to get one of those cats , do it , it will give you a
jolt of happiness.
thanks for reading our story
Brian, pierrette ,. Roxie and baby Wobbles
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the blog have enjoyed reading it. Writing because we have a 4 month old Mild CH kitten named Harry. Harry wobbles when he walks but moves rather quickly. While stairs are a challenge he is very good at Climbing. We have an issue with him using the litter box. He has no problem getting in or out and has been seen pooping in the box however, he pees all over the place especially when sleeping and at times poops as he walks. Vet says there is no reason why he can’t be potty trained said that it might just take some time. We have to wash his bottom every night or he gets smelly. He has an issue reaching his bottom and hind legs when he grooms himself. Any suggestions in terms of potty training? and do you know of CH cats or kittens that are able to groom themselves completely as they grow?
Thanks
George
I have the same issue with my CH cat. She is about a month old and knows to use the litter tray but picks and chooses when she does! The litter tray would be clean and ready to use but she will go on a puppy pad or her blanket instead and sometimes when she is walking around. Most of the time, she goes on the litter tray for a wee, its the diarrhea we have an issue with. She doesn’t seem to think about where she is before she goes, sometimes she is even sitting in her own urine because she hasn’t moved… its worrying. I feel like sometimes she is just existing rather than living and its hard, like she isn’t aware of her surroundings and will use the tray as and when she pleases. We also need to bath her.. a lot! She doesn’t clean herself either and gets messy when she steps or falls in her litter. Its very frustrating and disheartening to see. I need help on the litter subject too
Hey Amanda,
Just wanted to give you a quick heads up that we collaborated with the RSPCA to publish an article recently and cited your website as a source in the reference list within the article.
You’ll note that it has over 1900 likes and shares already 🙂
https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/health/heatstroke-hyperthermia
Worth mentioning that, working with the experts at the RSPCA, it was a very strict research process to find and include any articles as a source but they approved the use of this page, so kudos on the quality content!
https://lifewithchcats.com/2012/07/10/do-you-know-the-signs-of-feline-heat-stroke/
Regards
George
Hi Amanda,
I live with a perfectly happy and healthy 8-year old boy called Charlie (as he has a little “moustache”). Charlie came to me about a year ago because he became too demanding in his previous home (!) He has adjusted perfectly to mine after a few “adjustments”. One thing we have had no success with yet is getting deworming tablets into him. Forcing them down his throat is not an option. Charlie doesn’t like to be handled at the best of times – he will sit quite happily next to me and will allow me to pick him up for very short periods only. I have a very healthy respect for his sharp claws and no intention of provoking their use on me! Crushing and mixing into his food leads to total refusal of all food to the point of hunger strike; which gets his point accross very well as he’s a very good eater who usually demands food every time I move across the room….. Hiding in treats leads to an evil look and disgusted (if somewhat splayed and still-legged) stomp-off through the cat flap. Someone advised feeding it along with kitty treats in the palm of your hand as they can’t see what they’re eating – Charlie refuses to eat anything from my hand. This is somewhat insulting to my loving intentions, but I love the little rascal particularly because he has his idiosyncrasies! Any advice would be very welcome, please.
Thanks,
Ina
Hello. I unfortunately with good intentions had a stray cat vaccinated as i was letting her into my house with my 2 cats.i did not know that she was pregnant. It has been suggested to me by a number of vets to have her spayed and the kittens destroyed to avoid CH. I have an appointment tomorrow. She is almost full term. Am I making the right decision. The place that vaccinated her claims they use killed viruses. She had a rabies, deworming, FVRCP. Thank you for your time.
I have a ch cat that needs a good home asap. Her name is Sadie.
God bless you Amanda, for creating this great source !
Hi,
Can you please help me get leggings for life for my cat sylvester? He had a stroke and cannot walk..
Please.. Thank you
Hi Amanda!
I found an abandoned CH 4 week old baby 8 days ago. All labs are great so far!!! My issue is my resident cat Lola. She is a Mommas girl and very clingy. I started the introduction 3 days ago but whenever she tries to smell Maxx, my CH little boy, his tremors frighten her and she starts to hiss and growl.
Any advice?
TIA
Janice
My cat had kittens 4 weeks ago and the female has CH. Now I am not expert and looking for advice or help on how to give this cat a good life. I am willing to keep her and love her as she is already attach to me. If anyone has advice or if you have advice or instructions lol please respond. Thanks 🙂
My female cat just came out of heat and while in heat escaped outside(she’s indoors due to freaking out when she’s outside) can came out of heat a day or so later and she’s now always pawing me don’t get me wrong I love that she’s showing me she loves me but she does it when I watching something or in my phone and is now always close to me right now she’s trying to sleep by my feet and she hates my partner and he’s upset he feels that she doesn’t love him is their any reason for this behavior
Hiya! 🙂 I just read your article, Twitching In Sleep: Seizures or Dreaming? Could you perhaps reply to this comment with the link to where you found that REM sleep in cats is reached 15minutes into sleeping? It’s a fact I’d like to use in a university assignment, however I can’t find this fact anywhere.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi, I see that you have a photo of the cute cat play rug (it’s grey and round with toys attached) from the episode of “My cat from hell” with “Foley” the cat. Do you have idea if that rug is available anywhere for purchase? I’m not sure if Foley’s owners made it?
Hi Amanda! Your website has been a great inspiration for me as at it gave me an insight into the world of CH! We have a CH kitten at the shelter where I work (London UK), her name is Sarah and she is now in foster care. She was abandoned in front of a shop near where I work at only 4 weeks old, bless her. She is now 7 weeks old and her CH is moderate-severe but she is making great improvements with lots of exercise through playing sessions. She has successfully learned to use her litter tray and she is now eating kitten food wet and dry, after being weaned off kitten milk and weaning mousse. We are trying to find more fun ways of how to strengthen her muscles even more so I would be grateful if you suggested me some. Please do write me if you have any tips and suggestions, it would be much appreciated.
I’m not sure if my daughters 9 month old kitty has CH. One day she was fine during the day, and then that evening she was wobbly and tipsy. I took her to the vet a week before to be spayed, but he reassured me that this has nothing to do with it. He says it’s neurological. I had her stay there for a night to get her fluids back up and he ran some tests. Her CBC test came back normal. She will eat only if I hold it up to her, which is better than where we were with a syringe. She’s not interested in drinking, so I’m giving her a syringe of fluids every hour. I guess my question, with your experience, does CH show itself at this stage (9mon), and so rapidly (from normal morning to falling down in evening?) Sorry for the lengthy comment 🙂
Thank you
Carrie
Hi, Everyone:
Our CH cat, Callie, is a beautiful calico girl, and the love of our lives. Callie is now 9 months old, and has a mild to moderate case of CH.
I found Callie walking home from work one day. She was jumping out of my bushes, and seemed to be having a great time, but she was inches from death, since she was running out into traffic on our busy street. I think I was meant to find her at that moment; we have been soul mates ever since. Her disability soon became evident, when I filmed a video of her chasing a toy, I could see the shaking in her hindquarters. But this has now largely disappeared, and she has integrated very well into our (then) 2-cat household.
She’s a bit clumsy and off-balance at times, but runs, climbs,and jumps very well, considering her disability. I used to place a low food dish jammed in a corner for her, so it wouldn’t move around. Now she”s a little older and taller, I just place the dish in a dish holder that she can reach, and she eats fine out of it.
Last night, she jumped down from a sideboard that is a little high for her, onto our wood floor. She”s walking a little stiffly, so I am taking her in for X-rays on her left hind leg. Will provide an update soon, after she is seen by our vet.
For new CH cat owners, my advice is to hang in there. You will be glad you did. These special little creatures will enrich your lives in so many ways, just as my little Callie has made a positive difference in the lives of me, my adult daughter, and our other two normal, spoiled cats! She’s definitely the queen of the household, is particularly attached to me, sleeps with me, and loves to be hugged and have her tummy scratched. Please be assured she will get expert medical attention, seems fine otherwise. Update soon!
I’m struggling with CH cats (that i am fostering). the problem is litterbox vs. a small dog. most of my cats use the clever cat boxes, which are top entry. one of the CH cats is able to use these top entry boxes, but the other is not. and my small dog (7lbs) keeps breaking into the cat box and eating the poop. it’s gotten to the point where my dog will not eat her food because she is full of poop. to make matters more complicated, if i put the CH cats in a confined area, they get bored and start to suckle on eachother’s penises, and if they are segregated, i cannot monitor the situation. any thoughts or tips are appreciated.
Hi.. I found a kitten few months ago, had to feed him with a bottle.. His now going for 5months e he is a wobbly.. My vet vet thought it was from some kind off fall that he hurt his back..
I’m in need of some desperate advice I have a CH kitten that I found on his very Young he was malnutrition infested with conjunctivitis even though he was very young he has remained very feral my other cat nursed him since he was young and I thought he would adapt like other kittens he has him anyways but he still has distain for people he’s done good with cats as his teacher but he’s still won’t approach people unless they have food I don’t know what to do with him I’m not supposed to keep him but I don’t think he would make it in a pound
I just adopted a 10 week old kitten with CH. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to therapy I could do to help him walk a bit better without running into everything.
Hey! First of all, thank you for the blog, it is really helpful!
Here’s my question. I adopted a 3,5 months old GH kitten. Few days ago I discovered that he has unequal pupil size (one pupil is larger than the other). I did a test with a flashlight and the larger pupil is reacting to the light. I was wondering, is this related to his CH or should I be worried? I found one article that said Hypoplasia cats my have unequal pupil size…
Any advise?
Thank you!
Kadi
Hey! First of all, thank you for the blog, it is really helpful!
Here’s my question. I adopted a 3,5 months old GH kitten. Few days ago I discovered that he has unequal pupil size (one pupil is larger than the other). I did a test with a flashlight and the larger pupil is reacting to the light. I was wondering, is this related to his CH or should I be worried? I found one article that said Hypoplasia cats my have unequal pupil size…
Any advise?
Thank you!
Kadi
Hi Amanda, i recently adopted a CH cat while i have two other cats. When we first brought her home the adoption place said she couldn’t jump, she couldn’t get on my bed, she doesn’t play and she uses the litter box normally. In the first week we found all of that to not be true, she loves playing with our kitties and even toys, she gets on my bed no problem by climbing and she’ll jump from couch to couch sometimes. She uses the litter box to pee but when she poops she goes anywhere she can, she often falls over because she is going while walking. Its been almost a month that we’ve gotten her and her ability to walk has gotten worse. Shes stumbling all over, running into the walls and now falling into our other cats makig them upset and swipe at her for it. She was doing so well and now she looks like she has moderate CH rather than the mild we were use to seeing. Is it normal for her to have worse days or normal for her symptoms to get worse?
I have a CH kitty and he seems to have good and bad days but I also have to watch his ears for infections. They pop up quickly so if I notice him having a bad day, I check his ears, IF I haven’t noticed them prior. Sometimes in the morning it takes him a bit to get stable but just like your kitty, he climbs. He tries to jump, and can, but just not too far or high so he climbs. My other cats don’t like it either when he falls into them but they’ve learned to tolerate it. He also has thumbs so he’s learned to use them to grab things and steady himself like his food bowl. I have it elevated so he can hang onto it. He’s very smart. He can also climb stairs which I’m amazed at. It took him a few months to teach himself but he did it. I was shocked when I came home one day and found him upstairs. I thought I’d forgotten to put him downstairs before I left. As for the litter box, I made Snowden a special box so that he could stand up instead of falling over and getting covered in pooh. I found the tallest litter box I could and put a center divider in it so that he had something to lean on. I didn’t put it all the way from front to back because I wanted him to have a way out. That worked when he was a kitten but now he just jumps over the side when he’s done. It saves me though from having to give him a bath all the time. I hope this helps.
I started off fostering my Mr. Moostash. When I first brought him home he didn’t have any symptoms. But after a few weeks I noticed he was a bit wobbly. It didn’t seem like anything serious at the time but I kept a close eye on him and examined him regularly (I’m a certified vet assistant). When the head tilts started happening I took him to the doc. At first she thought toxoplasmosis and put him on some meds. But when he didn’t get better I took him to a specialist. She is the one to figure out he was a CH baby. Last month he was old enough to go out for adoption, and that’s when I decided I can’t let him go. After everything that’s happened I knew the best place for him was here with me. He now has a custom ramp up to the bed, and a custom cat tree. Plus right now my dad (he’s a carpenter) and I are designing a custom litter box. He is the most cuddly, loving kitten I have ever met and each day he makes me so proud of how much he’s learned to do. I’ve also been harness training him so we can go outside and I don’t have to worry about him running off and getting hurt. My life has definitely been better having him in it.
Hi Cassidy. Would it be possible to get some pictures of the kitty ramp and tree that you have for your CH kitty? I made a structure out of PVC pipe and hung cat toys off of it for my CH kitty. I call it “Party Paws”. I’d also like to know how you make your litter box. I’d love to find a way to make one that is more sturdy and easier to clean. Anyways, your story sounds exactly like mine. I was fostering Snowden and I just couldn’t let anyone else adopt him. Him and I have a bond like I’ve never had with an animal. If you are willing to send me some pictures, my email address is whitel@cityofgrandville.com
Thanks!
Lynnae
Hello! I recently took in a Kitten that’s about one month old. I’ve never had a cat before and I’m doing my best with the little resources I’ve got. Unfortunately this Kitten was bitten by a dog around the back of his ear, around the neck. The wound wasn’t deep and there wasn’t much bleeding, however the kitten cannot pick up his head and is laying on his side all day.
I’ve done my best to nurture it since it was not properly taken care of before, and he has a lot more energy. However, the most he can do is roll around since he can’t lift his head, and I have to hold it up and feed him that way.
I’m afraid I can not take him to the vet due to my financial status, so the best I can do is care for him this way. I just wanted to ask if there’s any tips you could give me help me with him.
Thank you.
Hello. I’ve been browsing through your site and it seems like my cat Stevie has a similar case as your Roxy. I’d love to speak with you via email if you could offer some tips. Thank you so much 😊
I have 6 cats I rescued from the streets. Jack came to me as an adult male, black long haired, lover. He has main coon characteristic hair. Everything seems normal until you look closely at him. A few issues that kind of concern me. Nothing life threatening, just curious. He sits with his front feet pointing out. Walking he crisscrosses his steps, like he is a strutting on the catwalk, haha. Sometimes he has a wobbly back end. Like his hips or back legs are asleep. Running , jumping, and climbing isn’t a problem for him. Drinking he makes a huge mess, it goes everywhere. Eating means he pushes his food across the bowls to gobble it. Due to his street life he loves people food, begs for it and sometimes steals it. He fights strong, even protected my bigger cat, Patches, from getting hurt by a stray that was on top of Patches. Excellent hunter, he catches mice and birds. Also he is a huge talker. Always meowing at the others and me, even if he is going to puke up a hairball. He has quite the various levels of voice and octaves.
My concerns are his crisscross gait, messy eat/drinking, and his occasionally wobbly back end. I was just wondering if he fits into this category.
Thank you for your time.
Sara McIntyre
Saraamcintyre@aol.com
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Hi Amanda. I JUST found you lol! I have two CH kittens that were in a liter dropped off to me (strays ) I was a liter of 4 and two have CH I’m keeping them all!! Joey the one CH is wildly crazy and he runs uncontrollably and runs into things .. I’m most worried about his sweet little head … do they make helmets for kittens and cats for this reason. They ones I came across online look more costumey to me .. I was just wonder if you had this experience with any of your kittens ( 4 months) Thank you so much. Crissie .. crissie1220@yahoo.com
hello i have 2 CH cats one can not walk at all but he gets around the shelter where i got him had made a special litter box for him I am looking to have a nicer one made can you help? do you know someone i could speak with to have one made?
Hi Amanda, I have a cat who displays the symptoms of mild to moderate CH. However his condition comes and goes. ive had him for four years now, we noticed it the day we got him after playing with him. He became wobbly. He has recently gone most of the summer without any symptoms at all then now over the last month he has displayed symptoms on parts of most days, but at other times of the day goes back to normal. One vet suggested perhaps he was hit by a car at some point another that perhaps he had a virus and he will degenerate. Though I am not sure this is the case as he has also appeared to improve for some months and then go worse again. he appears to show it more particularly when he has done more activity such as going over the fence away for a while and then coming back and for instance if hes been running around playing with his ball. He displays exactly the same look when he appears not right as a CH gait he can have a wide gait at his back legs and sometimes appear to be bearing down more on his front almost it seems as to compensate for the back legs. During these periods he will then sit and settle or I will get him to do so for a while. Ive pressed his back legs but he displays no sense of discomfort if I do so when he is having symptoms. sometimes during these periods where he is then sitting his head will sway from side to side for a while and I get him to remain seated until say after half an hour when he then gets up his symptoms have much improved or in fact seem to have gone again. I have also considered hip displacia as he is a Main Coon but Im not sure this would explain the head swaying. Any advice would be gratefully received.
Hi Sara Reynolds. I have a cat with CH. Does your kitty try to eat or drink while displaying his symptoms? Does his head bob up and down while trying to eat or drink? Does he fall over while trying to walk at all? My little guy walks like he’s drunk and can only go a few steps at a time and then falls over. He’s adapted well though. He can’t jump too high; he has to use his claws to climb up. It almost sounds like you kitty is having some type of a seizure but I’m not a veterinarian. I’m not sure that CH symptoms come and go either. Good luck on your search for an answer.
Hello I’m new to CH my kitten recently diagnosed at 4 wks now 7 wks I believe there’s more to it or very severe case she’s still unable to stand walk just trashes herself side to side unable to hold head sturdy. Looking for resource groups or how to find assistance w resource supplies any info is educational to me ddeere.dd@gmail.com
Hi my name is Tiffany and I have 2 CH babies wally can’t walk and spud runs into everything. Wally does use the litterbox most times and he gets in and out of bed on his own. They both eat drink poop and peep laying down. I use pine litter for them not clay cause it makes a terrible mess on their fur. They are both 3 yrs and do fine when I’m not home. Wally has a geriatric litterbox. Easier to get in and out. They have a Facebook page with 54 followers. If you want to look them up and see how they do. It’s public and called ” spud and wally”
Tiffany I was say if your baby seems to be worsening then it’s not strictly cerebellar hypoplasia. CH doesn’t worsen or improve (though you may see some “improvement” as your baby builds up their stamina and muscle memory!)
I recommend joining the CH cats and kittens Facebook group or we have an educational website presidentbifford.com
My baby is about 3 months old and has severe CH. Plz let me know how I can find her a great home. Thx so much!
Lucy
I have a up to date hess healthy senior CH spayed cat in my animal shelter. I need help placing her with someone that has experience with CH cats. She is not a severe case. She can also use the litter box and gets along fine just wobbly. She does not like other animals. I am the animal control officer in charge. Please contact me if anyone can help. Thank you!