Should I be concerned about adopting a cat with a disorder?

Question

I'm seriously considering adopting a 5 month, male kitten from a no-kill shelter tomorrow. They say he is 100% healthy, should live a long life but has a neurological problem (that developed while in the womb) where he runs into things and and twitches a lot. Just wondering if there's anyone who has experience with a cat with a neurological problem similar to this and if there is anything special I should know before considering adopting him. I ask in the event I can't provide the best home for him.

Hello everyone who took the time to answer my question and thank you for all of the advise. Everyone's imput definately helped with my decision. I decided to adopt the kitten (Nimbus) after all. He is such a beautiful and loving kitten...so what if he can't walk perfectly! I know it's only been a day but we know we made a good decision adopting him. Again, thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Yeah.. I think you should if you can..

Sounds like he might have Cerebellar Hypoplasia? Which is kinda like cat cerebral palsy.

Theres loadsa help out there on the net.. see below.

It's amazing how they find their own ways of doing things..

Answer 2

i never had a cat with this type of problem. however, i know a lady that took in an abused cat that got thrown down some steps by children...and their dad was a human dr so he tried to fix the cat instead of taking it to the vet. but my point is he had a broken back and had neurological problems from the injury. but he could still move around ok...even jump up pretty high....he adjusted to his problems as i'm sure this kitten is doing....

If you can not care for him anymore most any shelter have u sign something that says u will return the cat in the event that u can not provide care.
i think it is great that u want to adopt a cat that has these problems....as it could be a death sentence in most shelters.

Answer 3

I think it's great that you are considering adopting a "special" kitty. My parents had a cat for 16 years that had a neurological problem since birth. He also ran into things, twitched and when he was about 8 years old he started having seizures and had to be given medication daily. His name was "Crash" and aside of his clumsiness and his daily medication, he was a wonderful pet for them. He was sweet and loving and perfect in every other way. Some things to consider though: 1) It may develop more complicated medical problems later in life (such as seizures, etc.) and you need to ask yourself if you are financially prepared to care for him if he needs treatment. 2) Do you have time to spend with him and give him the extra attention he may need. For example, if you work 60 hours a week or go away a lot, he may not be the cat for you. 3) If you do adopt him, make sure that any vet you take him to is aware of his condition. It may be very risky to anesthetize him due to his neurological condition!!! This would mean that you may decide not to have him neutered (a decision to be made with your vet) or special anesthesia may be needed, but still with the risk of developing further problems. And 4) If you adopt him, you may have to "special" kitty-proof your home, like blocking off stairs that he may fall down, blocking off areas of the home that may be unsafe for him, etc. If you feel you are prepared to be his 'mommy" and you decide to adopt, I wish you all the luck with him and hope you have many many many happy (even if clumsy) years together! Good luck!!

Answer 4

Any animal with a neurologic disorder is going to be more likely to develop further problems later in life (not always, just a higher chance). So if you know now that you wont be able to provide the kind of medical treatment (both the expense and the time) he may end up needing, then I would think hard before adopting him.

Answer 5

i have a cat that was born "not so perfect" she has eye problems and runs into things. the vet says she doesn't have good periferal vision. her front paws are slightly deformed and her tail looks broken in 2 places. she was born like that. i had her mother and saw her come out. the reason i kept her was i figured no one else would want her because she wasn't perfect.
the good side of this is she doesn't jump up on things


because she can't judge distances very well. her mishaps
are kind of amusing sometimes, but she adjusts very well.
like if we rearrange the furniture. she's the most loyal cat i've ever had. and i meow to her like her mother did, and she responds immediately. she curls up with me every night.
the twitching is something that you'll just know it's nothing to freak out about. it's just a little odd. he can't help it. and if you would adopt him and give him a loving home, i'm sure he'll be your best friend for life. cuz you are accepting him as he is. not perfect in every way , but a perfect friend.

By the way, my cat is 11 yrs old now and never had any serious problems with health at all

Answer 6

Think hard about it, certainly!
If you are sure you can cope with the twitching and are able to not panic when he runs into things, then take him because he will learn where everything is and will develop his own ways of doing what he whats! I'd be careful of moving things while he gets used to his new home and if possible keep him confined to the lower floor when you are not there at least till you are sure he can manage stairs! I would give him a chance and if I really found it hard I'd return him (if my heart would let me).

Answer 7

Is the cat neutered? this may help if its no longer.. with somewhat of success even if at 9 years of age it really is.. Cats have a tendency to attempt this to mark their territory.. also once you've more advantageous than one cat in the living house, often times you should have more advantageous than one muddle field as some at the instantaneous are not prepared to share.. I definitely have an indoor/outdoor cat too (a woman) she is going out yet when left on my own she will be in a position to apply the muddle field and share it.. yet i imagine adult males are a touch different there.. Its a nasty habit certain, yet when you're prepared to artwork at it, this habit should be damaged.. get some strong sprays that repel cats yet at the instantaneous are not risky to them and after cleansing up the position they peed fairly nicely, apply it to that spot so that they don't do it again.. have the vet verify him out also.. strong success!!

Answer 8

It is always a good thing to adopt and animal that may not be given a loving home because of medical problems, provided you can afford not only the time and money but the attention he will need. I have 2 pets with medical problems that I adopted and they are the most loving, thankful, pets I have ever owned. He will know and appreciate that you saved him if you can it is worth it big time. :)

Answer 9

There is nothing wrong with adopting a cat with a disease. Many people i know have them. They say that they are even more lovey. I had a cat that i fostered and it was one of my favorites. The cat had it back leg off and so it hopped around. That cat was so much fun and it really proves that pets with disabilities should be treated the same. I think the same thing goes with people. We named the cat Ihop due to her hopping... get it she has 3 legs and so she hops..

Answer 10

As long as you are going to take good care of the little guy then you shouldn't hesitate. He will have a much better home with you than in a shelter.

Also remember that cats are very agile and good at looking out for themselves.