Caring for Pets With Neurological Disabilities

Jitter~Bug very likely would have held the Guinness World Record for lightest weight cat. She was just a tiny thing with a severely  deformed skull. Like the smallest cat in the world, she also was a Himmie. She simply came crawling out of the woods asking for help. At her tiny size it is amazing she was even noticed. Sitting there, her little head bobbing as if she was dancing to a groovy beet. The lady who found her knew something was wrong, terribly wrong. It was clear she has serious neurological issues. While it was obvious she has tremors and ataxia her deformed skull told us she had suffered some of the most serious brain damage we've seen. Her age was estimated at four weeks, however due to her extreme stunted growth it was anyone's guess. The vets suspected she would die in just a matter of months. 

Having previous experience working with these little guys we did as we always did, committed to caring for her however short her life may be. Her care was rather extensive at first she didn't have enough control to eat well (it's amazing she lived at all!) on her own and needless to say a potty box was out of the issue. As she grew she did improve with her eating and while she dove face first into the dish, she was able to lick up canned food. While she was not the most playful kitten she did enjoy exploring. You'd see her scoot by on her bum after something that caught her interest. Amazingly she 'rocked and rolled until a little past her third birthday. She was a treasure. She taught us so much - RIP sweet little girl. 

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While some pets with neurological issues have only mild deficits and can be adopted other pets require much more care. We use many treatments plans so each pet will grow to be confident and increase their physical strength and abilities in the best possible way. For CH pets we use a combination of treatments including touch-wheels and gator -poles. Our director is able to provide full-time care right in her home. Days consist of a morning breakfast with rest period, light therapy & warm-up, exercise time and a nap. Afternoons are for training and playtime. Often an outside adventure for the pups. Sometimes in the warmer month event he kitties get to enjoy those healing rays. Back inside for 'cookies' and another nap/rest period. Evening meal is served with a delicious topper and for the pups some added veggies. Once tummies settle a bit more playing, activity/brain games and training/therapy. Evenings are spent unwinding and hanging out. One more snack before lights out - off to dream land. 

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