special needs Cameo needs a home( so cute)

[mumpkees]

Just wanted to add my two cents on this little kitten in the hopes that it will encourage anyone even remotely considering adding this adorable baby to their family. We have had two spina bifida dual incontinent kits and are working on adopting a third. KaiWind we got at 5 wks old and he was just learning to walk normally instead of hop. He was a rescued barn cat and came to us with severe diarrhea because of poor diet. Once we got the diet figured out KaiWind was fine - perfect little poops every time LOL. (you have to experiment with a combination of wet and dry foods - even different brands until you get stools normal (we ended up with best results 'unfortuneately' with 'crax' food). KaiWind never need stool softeners or other additives. KaiWind didn't need to have his bladder expressed as it emptied fully on its own. Some S/bifida babies do need to have bladder expressed. KaiWind was with us for over two years until he had an accident totally unrelated to his spina bifida.

The other baby, KaiBlue came to us at about 12 weeks, but not only did she have s/bifida which the other caregiver wasn't sure how to address, but she had other disabilities that they hadn't cared for. We lost her about two weeks after she came to live with us, sadly.

This little girl here sounds like her case of spina bifida is very mild as she is using her litter box - so while she may have some leakage of urine or fecal matter, it sounds like she has urinary and bowel feeling which is a good thing. She is quite young so with some mild PT she may even be able to use her rear legs. (My Lee helped our Bentley who came to us with two rear bent legs and a rear foot bottom that faced skyward.). Bentley while still bent legged has that foot completely turned around now and planted fully on the ground - he runs, climbs and jumps - an interesting gait yes, but fully able to keep up with his normal and missing leg/feet buddies.

So if anyone is even remotely considering this little girl, please do. I am more than willing to help anyone with diapering tips, how to prevent urine scald from using diapers, with diet suggestions, etc. She's adorable and deserves a home with someone as special as those on this group. Yes, what you read on line (and even vet recommendations) may sound dire, but there are many spina bifida babies doing well with dedicated caregivers. And even if she does have a shortened lifespan (after all none of us knows when we will be called home), she deserves the time she has and not to die alone in a shelter without having ever known someone to care for her and love her. /mari

[Lizzie]

This is the response from the shelter:

"According to our vet, Cameo could live in a home. She uses the litter box, but occasionally gets a bit of a crusty bottom and needs to be washed up. Her back legs are a deformed and she "bunny hops," but doesn't seem to be a bit inhibited by her disability. We don't plan to keep her in permanent foster, and if we are unable to place her, we will, as a last resort, look for a sanctuary that will accept her.

Our true hope is that someone will be interested in adopting her as a "special needs" cat, so she can live in a "real" home. And, we would be willing to provide transport to her new home."

[mumpkees]

This little girl is definitely special needs and needs an indoor only home. However, she's using her litter box and a 'crusty bottom' is minimal care - a little 1/2 bath or babywipes for her bottom and she should do fine.

Also, since she is 'bunny hopping' that is a good sign also. When we got KaiWind, he also was just learning to bunny hop. As he got older he was able to work his rear legs independently. Chances are good that Cameo Kitten will be able to also but in the very least it doesn't sound as if her unique form of locomotion bothers her. She might with some PT (physical therapy) do even better with getting around.

The rescue group that has her is willing to help transport her, so please someone open your heart and your home to this little sweetheart - you won't regret it! /mari

[Lizzie]

I've written back to my contact at the shelter asking if their vet was able to give an assessment of future veterinary needs. I know that I can't take on another cat that needs more than the usual visits - check-up, shots, occasional small disorder. I don't have anywhere to put her right now either while she goes through her week of isolation since my isolation bedrooms are in use. I wish I could take her - it makes me smile to think of Cameo bunny-hopping and Ashley reeling and rolling as they play together. My massive FIV+ boys have been very gentle with Ashley so I assume they would be with Cameo also.

[doolittleky]

aww, I know you don't need anymore babies, just like i don't, but I hope she gets a home with you or someone we can keep track of her. She is such a sweetie!
Melissa

[mumpkees]

Lizzie: Be sure to let us know what the vet has to say. She is using the litter box to urinate and deficate? The vets have checked to make sure that her bladder is emptying? Is she 'leaking' at all? She is using her rear legs to bunny hop even though they are 'deformed'? Can you describe the 'deformity' of her rear legs? /mari

[Lizzie]

The latest reply to my email on her medical problems:

It is my understanding that she does eliminate fully, however, she gets a bit of crust on her bottom which needs to be washed (she may have some problems grooming herself there). On your other questions regarding digestive system, I will consult with our vet and get back to you.