Adopting ENYA, our CH Kitten

This past Sunday we adopted 2 kittens, Thomas - a beige kitty with little white mittens, and ENYA - our little angel with CH.

What is CH? Well that is something I have been researching for the past week. And the reason I started this blog. Cerebellar Hypoplasia. In layman terms - it's like cerebral palsy. They are perfect mentally, but physically their motor skills are poor and most can't walk; they tumble. Some mildly - some severe. In our case, Enya has it severely. She can not stand or walk on her own. She flops about.

"CH cats, or cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, have a condition affecting the cerebellum of the kitten’s brain. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that influences fine motor control. Kittens affected with CH will have poor coordination (jerky or wobbly movements when they walk or run). Some will have head tremors. This can happen to a greater or lesser extent in each animal. Many will fall over during movement. Life expectancy is not affected. The cause of CH may be a viral infection during gestation or in kittenhood. Distemper is the most common cause of intra-uterine infection. However, CH can occur in-utero or at a later date due to injury, poisoning or a virus. The symptoms of CH generally DO NOT worsen as the animal ages and most will learn to compensate to some degree. However, this will be a lifelong condition. There is no treatment for the condition. The animal can have a good quality of life if given protection from accidents. These cats will be clumsy and must be protected from stairs, for example. They absolutely MUST NOT be declawed as they need their nails to help them hang on when they slip or fall. Cushions should be placed under places from which the cat may fall (window sills, etc.). It is a good idea to use untippable food and water bowls and a litter box with high sides but a low entrance area. These cats MUST be kept indoors for their own safety. CH cats seem to be unaware that they are different in any way and therefore may attempt feats that could be dangerous for them, but they seem to lead very happy lives." - The Cat Connection

I am learning there are many, many cats and kittens with this condition, and thousands of them are put to sleep needlessly.

This blog is a tribute to my new little kitten ENYA in hopes her story will save other kitties with CH from being put to sleep. They CAN adapt and live happy lives - they just need a little extra patience, love and care.

ENYA'S story to follow.