CH Kitty Thread (You Tube videos)

[Laura's Babies]

How many CH kitties do we have here all together? Lets' put them all in one place. For the new people who do not know what this is ...

Cerebellar Hypoplasia
The cerebellum is the portion of the brain responsible for the control of motion. When a puppy or kitten is born with an underdeveloped cerebellum, the condition is known as congenital cerebellar hypoplasia. There are infectious causes of this condition in both cats (panleukopenia infection prior to birth) and dogs (herpes virus infection prior to birth). Improper development of the cerebellum may occur due to injury, poisoning or just from an accident in development in the uterus. It is generally possible to see signs of this condition almost as soon as the puppy or kitten is born. Affected animals have tremors and unusual jerky movements or may fall down when they try to move. The symptoms do not get worse as they age. As the kitten or puppy grows it will learn to compensate for its condition but there are usually lifelong signs of a decreased ability to coordinate movement. Almost all dogs and cats with congenital cerebellar hypoplasia can live happily as pets with a little special care to compensate for their disabilities. This condition can be confused with cerebellar abiotrophy, a different disorder in dogs in which the puppy has a normal cerebellum at birth but it gradually dies. Signs of disease identical to cerebellar hypoplasia occur but the timing is different. Puppies with this condition seem normal at birth but usually start to show signs of problems after they are 2 months or more of age.

It effects each cat to different degrees. You can see how it effects my sweet little Amy by clicking the link in my siggy. These are some that are on You Tube..

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_lis...486877FE991CAF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N-tvceEfHE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5OzN3MSn8g

Don't let these videos make you sad for them, They are healthy, happy normal kitties, they are just so much more special than a regular kitty and leave far bigger imprints on your heart. The first time some people have met Amy, it brought tears to their eyes and they felt sorry for her until they got to know her and saw what a little wonder cat she is, now she is everybody's favorite. I have been Amy student for going on about 5 years now and the lessons she has taught me have been amazing. I have long been past the feeling sorry for her stage and am just in AWE of her now. WHAT A AMAZING little girl she is!

Post you CH kitties and their stories here, pictures and video's if you have them!

[Medusa]

Boy, you're so right about not feeling sorry for the CH or VH cat. When people would first see Creamsicle, some of them would even cry. I mean, I did, too, in the beginning. I thought she was doomed or at least doomed to a life of helplessness. Um, no way. Nothing stops this cat. Nothing. She knows no fear. If she stumbles, she gets up snorting like a little bull, as if she's indignant that it happened. If you can find room in your heart to give a home to one of these babies, you'll be blessed a jillion times over. My little Cgirl is the most lovable cat in this house and even avowed cat haters love her. (Yes, I do have some "acquaintances" who hate cats, which is ok as long as they don't harm them in any way. They never would; they just plain do not like cats.) She makes you love her. She truly is an angel and you'll see that as well if you decide to make a CH or VH baby a member of your family. Great idea to put this in one spot for easy reference.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

OMG, these videos DO make me feel very sad.... . My sweety Inka has CH too. Luckily she has a mild version. She can walk without falling, but as soon as she starts running, her she makes one salto after another. She cannot guess distances and has almost no balance, poor cat. She is also very insecure and gets startled by the slightest movement or noise . I don't have videos showing this, I will try to make them in the future. Inka is now 4 1/2 years old. She loves to jump on my bed and rest on my shoulder or tummy; but when she jumps she only uses her hint legs (looks like a kangaroo then), and doesn't know where and how she will touch down... . Mostly she jumps too far, slides to the edge of the bed, and falls down on the floor
Here she is, my gorgeous cat Inka:






I love her immensely, she is very special little princess

[critters]

1 here, Ari, who's quite severe (dunno how to post pics here).

[sandragonfly]

and phesina's elmer too!

when I first saw your amy video last year, I was in tears, not sad ones.. but JOY ones!! I always get so touched when seeing any little or big survivors!

and then met this sweet little elmer, I couldn't more than wanting one! he's just as wonderful as a special cat too. although my cat, gus has a very very little of celebellar moves, it can't be compared to those little troopers.

god bless you all with ch/vh cats!

[catmandu]

There Are None Here At The Hotel. I Cannot Express My Admiration For Those Who Go To Help These Very Special Cats.
You Are Our Heroes.

[Laura's Babies]

Gary, you are OUR hero too! We all do what we can, rather we know going into it what it involves, or it comes as a surprise. I didn't have a clue what I was getting the day I picked Amy up out of that cage in that pet store but it was one of the nicest surprises I ever choose! I WISH I could have as many as you do and rescue as many as you do but I can't. It just isn't possiable due to how I work and the limitted space I have. You are a HERO TOO! (never doubt that!)

[catmandu]

And Great News. I Took Some Steak Bits With Cheese Down And When I Came Back An Hour Later They Had Vanished Along With The Rest Of The Dry Food.
So Rossalnos Alive Well Ad Hungreeee!!!!!!!!!!!
If Only I Could Actually See Her And Get Her To Use The Litter Box.

[critters]

Ari pic. http://www.handicappedpets.net/viewt...?p=46036#46036

[phesina]

Ari is just beautiful. Thank you.

Do all CH kitties have that same sweet face? Elmer has that same expression to some degree. He did much more so when he was a little kitten and I first met him.

[phesina]

Thank you Laura for your detailed answer. That will give me lots of ideas.

Pat

[Laura's Babies]

phesina, Amy always has the sweetiest look on her face and now and then she REALLY gives me a look that completely melts my heart. I always thought it was just her but maybe it isn't? I think that head tilt is adoreable but CH related as I have seen that and that "stance" in pictures of other CH kitties. I know one thing, she is VERY smart! She can spend hours studying something and figure it out to accomplish what she wants and I can almost see that little mind figuring it out.. What she lacks in motor skills, she makes up for in charm and smartness....

[critters]

Do all CH kitties have that same sweet face? Elmer has that same expression to some degree. He did much more so when he was a little kitten and I first met him.

LOL. Ari's a brat of the highest order, taking potshots at most kitties in reach!! She's mellowed a little this week, and I hope it's here to stay! Even my dear, sweet ancient MamaCat couldn't stand her.