The CH7
Recently we welcomed into care the most challenging family we have ever rescued, this is the story of the CH7. It’s a long one, so strap yourselves in.
Six weeks ago we were contacted and asked to take on a family of 2 young adults and 5 x 4-5 week old kittens, as the people ‘needed them gone’ and although we were/are very full, when we saw the videos and pictures of their condition we dropped everything and immediately went to collect them.
We collected a mumma (Dessie), a pappa (Uncle Daddy) and their five little offspring (Quiet Ann, Deanie, Roller, Dr Ken Brickman and Hank Gluck) named after the tv show Claws. If we’re honest, it broke our hearts and spirits to see them and the condition they were in. All seven have varying degrees of severe neurological deficits that are consistent with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (sometimes known as Wobbly Kitten Syndrome). We have had many cats and kittens in care with CH but their cases coupled with the neglect they have lived with, means they were in a very bad way. As our long term supporters will know, just because something is hard, that doesn’t mean we don’t step up and it usually means we just fight harder. We were determined to do absolutely everything possible to save the fading lives of this horrendously neglected family.
Upon arriving with us, Dessie was catatonic. She barely moved and would just stare out into the distance while her kittens climbed all over her. She couldn’t see well and had trouble using her rear legs which made getting around to do normal things like eat or use the toilet very difficult. The kittens were, understandably, overwhelming her so the decision was made to reunite her with Uncle Daddy who she had been with her whole life. The change in her demeanour was almost instantaneous and they spent their first night back together cuddled on a heat mat. After some time in care, Dessie’s condition has improved and she learns to ‘cat’ more everyday. This week she learnt to jump up on the couch and snuggle with her foster mum on her own <3
Uncle Daddy initially got his very own dedicated foster mum as he was struggling to move on his own and we had serious concerns about his overall condition. After watching him move around his space it was clear that he couldn’t see more than some shadows. As if this wasn’t enough, he was having episodes which looked a lot like seizures, these seem to have resolved with time. His foster carer spent a lot of time and effort working out the best setup for this young man and which kinds of foods would entice him so that we could build his strength. The change that we saw in a matter of days is nothing short of a miracle and as the weeks have past his health has improved dramatically meaning that he can RUN (!!!!!) around his foster home and play with toys like he should.
Roller is a little dude and has always been the chonker of the litter. While his symptoms are more mild than his siblings he is still taking his sweet time in learning what a litter tray or a puppy pad is.
Quiet Ann and Deanie are the ‘middle kids’, their symptoms are both quite severe and their mobility has been limited, but with proper care and good nutrition, they are getting stronger every day. These two now have their own dedicated foster family, to work intensively with them to help them gain strength and condition.
Hank is the quiet achiever. He may be the second smallest of the litter, but he’s also got the second most mild symptoms. He likes hanging with his mate Roller and manages to keep up with him, for the most part!
Dr Ken Brickman is the smallest of his siblings and after a couple of weeks of monitoring him with his siblings, he required significant interventions to ensure that he was able to eat and stay clean. Going to the toilet is hard enough as a kitten without wobbling all over the place! He also unfortunately started having significant seizure activity which has us gravely concerned for him and his development. He’s a tiny, little fighter though, and over the past week he has gained over 130g, which is huge for him. We have our paws crossed that he will continue to improve!
Earlier this week the entire family visited the specialists at CARE to begin their official diagnostic journey. Their specialist noted that their previous trouble with sight was very likely a result of their sheer neglect and malnutrition as now both adults' eyes are doing better.
Unfortunately after speaking with some rescue colleagues we now know that these people have purposely been breeding these cats for more than FOUR years. They have done this knowing that the cats have the Scottish Fold mutation, which causes deformities in their joints and cartilage and breaches the Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act. They also knew that the offspring of multiple litters have been born with CH and did nothing to stop this, instead they passed them onto various rescues and sold them to the public. This is despite being offered FREE desexing of all their pets, including their entire dogs, (and transport to and from the vet) by both Squishies and other groups, they have not only refused, but abused and threatened us.
We’ll be updating you on each of the CH7’s individual progress throughout the next week or two. Although they have a ways to go, the remarkable improvements that our carers and our vet partners have achieved in such a short time are truly incredible and we will continue to do absolutely everything possible to help our little “Claws” family have every opportunity to live their best wobbly little lives. Please understand though, that there are many serious medical issues at play with this family and despite our best efforts, we could lose anyone at any time.
We will address our utter outrage and disgust that these people have been allowed to continue to breed and neglect these innocent cats for years, despite multiple reports to both RSPCA and local council, at a later date. We can assure you, we will not stop until those who caused this still untold amount of suffering are not only stopped, but held accountable.