Smoochie's back was broken at 6 weeks old. The family had a toddler, the toddler decided to slam a dresser drawer shut just as the kitten decided to jump out of the drawer and the accident happened.

The family waited a week to see if she'd get better, when she didn't they took her to a rescue in Akron. The rescue rushed her to a vet, but with spinal injuries the first hours are critical and the damage was done. She stayed at the Akron rescue until she was 4 1/2 months old. The rescue was small and the woman who ran it was facing a hard decision about Smoochie - her window of cute kittenhood was closing and nobody had expressed any interest in a paralyzed kitten. She read about our rescue and called us, and Smoochie came to live at West Side Cats. One of our generous donors arranged a visit with a veterinary neurologist in Akron who examined her and said there was nothing he could do to cure her.

We would consider adopting Smoochie out, but whoever wants her would have to spend some time with her at the shelter and realize what they are getting into. Smoochie is beautiful and has an amazing personality, but she is very labor intensive as far as caregiving goes. She'll probably end up spending her life at the shelter, which is not a bad life. She does a lot of public appearances where she gets major petting (and people sneak her forbidden treats, judging by the number of diaper changes we did yesterday.)

Smoochie is a great combination of happy kitten and haughty princess. All of the volunteers love her, but nobody pities her. Once you meet Smoochie pity becomes impossible. You'll never meet another cat who loves being alive as much as Smoochie does. Check out her many videos, you'll see that personality shining on through.