September 1, 2017
Leann says: This darling little white kitten would have had absolutely NO FUTURE ahead of her if she had been born at some shelters. She seemed to be suffering from what is known as cerebral hypoplasia, which usually means automatic euthanasia. But I’d like you to meet Weebles, one very exceptional exception!

Weebles and her siblings were just a few days old when they developed severe infections. Weebles mom, Snowy could no longer effectively nurse or care for them, so I took over that role, feeding them formula with an eyedropper. But since formula lacks all the nutrients and goodies that mommy's milk has (colostrums), all of Weebles's siblings died within a few weeks. As it turns out, that may not have been the only reason the other kittens didn't make it. Mommy was likely exposed to the distemper virus, which has an effect on the developing brains of the babies. Weebles had a very severe case of cerebral hypoplasia which caused her to have a great deal of trouble walking in that she would take two steps then fall over. Her back legs seemed to be taking orders from a different cat! She also had "intention tremor," like a person with Parkinson's disease. When she really tried to accomplish something specific, she would shake violently. In order to eat, she had to have her back end steadied -- usually with a little napkin holder -- so it didn't try to take off while she was trying to eat. She was (and still is) the princess of our household!

Weebles eventually convinced one of our snooty adult cats, Hazel, that she was her kitten. Hazel was a rescue herself, so we expect she related to Wee. Hazel cleaned her like a dutiful mother and played with her when Weebles was looking for some romping. And then Weebles did a bit of mothering in turn. A while ago, when we had a male kitten in the house who had just been neutered, and Weebles took pity upon him. She went all the way downstairs to the “kitty dining room," grabbed a large chunk of canned food, and carried it all the way back upstairs in her mouth! Try to picture this: a wobbly cat who struggles to climb stairs, carrying a mouthful of moist food, and NOT SWALLOWING it herself! She then plopped it on the floor in front of the little guy, and laid down beside him until he had eaten every bit of it. She then dozed off, since her work was done! We have NO idea what made her want to take care of this particular little stray. It gave us a whole new perspective on “brain damage.”

Now, at four years old, Weebles no longer requires help when eating, but does occasionally topple onto the cat beside her. When relaxing around the house, she can most often be seen doing the "tripod" sit, where she sits on her hind end and spreads her front paws far apart. This helps her retain balance while sitting still. She still has the intention tremor, which shows up when she is 'intent' on doing something specific, like bending over to have a drink. She has definitely NOT outgrown her palsy problems, but merely takes them for granted. It hasn't stopped her from scaling the six-foot-tall cat trees in our main room, mostly because that is the best vantage point to view the birds!

I hope you've enjoyed meeting Weebles. She always enjoys talking about herself, so welcomes any comments or questions you may have. By the way, Weebles's mom Snowy was adopted by a loving family.

All Photos Courtesy of and ©: Leann H.

Weebles [4]  kitten
Comments and LOLs:
judymack812 -
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judymack812
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Weebles has stolen your heart and I completely understand that and I am happy for both of you. This pic reminds me of the yin and yang symbol. Cats are wonderful! Wee doesn't even know she is different..God bless her!
Natthecat -
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Natthecat
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May your true kindness and sympathetic understanding be rewarded a thousand times over, Leann, in this precious Weebles. I believe her condition will not affect her life expectancy. Also her caring nature is reflective of the care she has received. Great story!
kittysmama -
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kittysmama
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hard to imagine this beautiful girl has these troubles. she is beautiful and has certainly overcome her difficulties. thanks for working to help her survive.
kittysmama -
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kittysmama
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such a soft bed for the babies. so glad mom was adopted too.
mystera -
mystera
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I'm so thankful for people who are willing to go the extra mile to help an animal. And I'm always impressed by how amazing the animals cope with things I know I'd have a very hard time to cope with. So kudos to the human helpers and the amazing animals :)
mma -
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mma
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I love Weebles and your write-up of her. Obviously she's amazing and beautiful and has achieved a wonderful life thanks to your loving care.
TigerPJ -
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TigerPJ
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I love this story of love and determination. Weebles is a fighter and Leann is a gift from above. Inspirational story.
Golfergirl55 -
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Golfergirl55
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568 points
OMG - thank you so much Leann!! She is just precious!!! The story about bringing the food to the other kitty just melted my heart!!!!!
TigerPJ -
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TigerPJ
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I am happy to learn that Snowy has been adopted by a loving family.
TigerPJ -
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TigerPJ
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Wee is so beautiful ... her fur is gorgeous and looks so soft. xo
ILoveKittyCats -
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ILoveKittyCats
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241 points
Leann is my wonderful friend and 3 years ago had to move to another country. She couldn't take all her beloved kittens & cats with her :( Her son and his wife gladly took Weebles and 3 years later Weebles is still a happy, spoiled cat!!
LindaG -
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LindaG
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269 points
Just loved your story about little Weebles...so sweet.
LindaG -
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LindaG
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Just loved your story about little Weebles...so sweet.
Gabby -
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Gabby
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398 points
What a story!!!! Such good care you've take care of Weebles, giving her (I'm sure) plenty of love and a happy home. You've taken good care of this kitty family/clan!!!!
MomcatSooma -
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MomcatSooma
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930 points
I adore the little CH kitties! Their spirits say "Never give up!" and "Life is fun!" xoxo
Dora's Mom -
I have 2 CH kitties! Both are mild but definitely affected. I adopted them from the shelter. I foster kittens and when these girls came in a year apart, they asked me to foster. It took about 10 minutes with the first one before she became a "failed" foster (failed to go back for public adoption)...her name is Precious. Precious' dominant breed is Norwegian Forest. Dora is the little CH girl I got this year. She "failed" before I even took her to foster...she was on a medical hold waiting for some test results. I took one look at her and named her Dora, short for adorable. I told the medical staff I would foster her when she was released and that she would be mine. I had to wait until she was old enough and big enough to spay. The law states animals have to be spayed/neutered before they can be released for adoption. Dora's dominant breed is Siamese...she's a tortie point. I have 2 other cats and my grandcat living with me.
A Walkaway -
We have a CH kitty... he developed symptoms as an adult (increased slowly over time, now stable - and affects his right front paw more than anything) and he is the sweetest cat you could imagine - loving and very inquisitive. He's doing fine and it's been instructive watching how he develops ways to cope with things like intention tremors. He loves having the top of his head petted and his chin scratched and grooms us when we pet him.
A Walkaway -
ARRGH... spastic muscles 'fired' and added an unfinished comment as I moved the mouse!

I was going to say that like people, kitties deserve a life and just killing them because they're less than perfect means that an incredible cat doesn't even get a chance! CH kitties need a bit more attention, but they're worth it! Thanks for caring for those precious ones!
elly -
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elly
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866 points
Sweet and gorgeous!



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