Meet Star - our tiny bundle of spunk, happiness and indomitable spirit. Many pets like Star who are dropped off at the animal shelter are euthanized because of their disability, but lucky Star met a soft heart who reached out to Abbey Cats and saved her life. Now it’s time for Star’s life to begin.
Star was born with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a type of congenital brain damage that can result from viruses or toxins or even malnutrition during the mother’s pregnancy. Little Star is physically perfect, and she is smart and loving and playful like all kittens. Star doesn’t know she is disabled, and like all rescue cats she is looking for a loving home where she can live out her life safe and secure and loved. Do you have room in your heart for a special needs kitten? Are you the one to give Star the home she craves, the family to love her and keep her safe from harm?
Star is still very young and we’re not sure yet how much her disability affects her. She won’t grow out of it, but she’ll learn how to deal with some of it and learn what she can and cannot do. Star’s ataxia means she doesn’t know where her feet are; her walk is unsteady, with her back legs splayed out, and she falls over often. She needs to use her claws more than most cats - carpet and fabric are her allies. She’s already using the litter box, but kitties like Star may have difficulties and need special accommodation. Star’s brave little heart is ready to take on the world. Those of us who love her, however, have to protect her from stairs and bannisters, clean her little face when she bobbles into her food bowl and make her living space free of hazards. In a home that cares for her and protects her from harm, the type of home all kittens deserve, Star will live out a long healthy life and reward her humans with the fullness of her sweet little heart. 
Fortunately there are online communities of families of CH cats available with support and advice, and your veterinarian will help you with her medical care. Star needs a home with an experienced cat owner, someone who has lived with special needs cats and has the time to devote to Star’s care. The reward isn’t Abbey Cat’s waived adoption fee - the reward is life with the tiny beacon of light, hope and love that is Star.
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