Dot's biggest adventure began at the dawn of 2012. Just days after we learned of Dot's situation, our two resident paralyzed cats, Tashi and Gabriella, were adopted together. This pair seemed to be passing the torch to the Virginia tabby. And so we were thrilled to welcome Dot to Tabby's Place. But how does a little brown tabby find friends up and down the Eastern seaboard? Dot was born with a bundle of unique traits: she has a "dot" where most cats have tails; she’s as sweet as maple syrup; she has a definite preference for the color blue; and she has a rare condition called spina bifida. More common in humans than in cats, spina bifida occurs in the womb, when the baby is still in the embryonic stage. Some of Dot's vertebrae are not fully formed. This condition leaves her incontinent, without the use of her hind legs. But don’t tell Dot she's got any problems. Skittering along with her front legs, Dot blissfully hunts her favorite fuzzy blue toy. Cuddling in your arms, her happy eyes tell you she’s in heaven. Even during medical poking and prodding, Dot has a purr that would put the loudest lioness to shame. Dot has no sense of being different, and she's not about to let anything hold her back.
At seven months of age, Dot is an extremely tiny three pounds. We’ll be starting a physical therapy routine with our brave kitten right away. Starting with exercises to flex and extend her hind legs, this therapy will help to build up muscle tone and give her a better chance of being able to use those legs to some extent. We will soon order Dot a customized mobility cart. Water therapy will also help to strengthen Dot’s muscles and improve her coordination. It’s fortunate that we’re starting Dot on these adventures so young, as it gives her a great chance of getting used to her exercises and even enjoying this special playtime. Of course, after each physical therapy session, we love to snuggle Dot in a baby-blue blanket and give her all the kisses she craves.