When a mother and daughter took in a kitten, they thought they knew what they were getting into.
They could tell this cat had some special needs, but they weren’t quite sure what they were yet.
However, as time wore on, they began to realize maybe they had bitten off more than they could chew.
Keep reading to find out what happened to this special kitten!
Calling in Backup
When a mother and daughter first took in a kitten, they believed they could handle his needs.
It seemed he had some trouble walking and getting around on his own.
However, the older he got, the greater his needs became.
They wanted so badly to be able to take care of him, but they just couldn’t.
The two realized that the best thing they could do to love this cat was to find someone who could better meet his needs.
So, they picked up the phone and started making some calls.
Answering the Call
When Odd Cat Sanctuary got a call from the women about their 10 month old special needs kitten, the staff knew they had to help.
This kitten, named Dalton, had cerebellar hypoplasia (CH).
CH is a neurological condition that causes difficulty walking, jerky movements, and trouble staying balanced.
When they heard this, Odd Cat Sanctuary knew exactly who could help: one of their volunteers, Bill Cogshell, who already was taking care of a few cats with CH.
So, they called up Bill with their fingers crossed that he’d have room for one more.
Room in the Inn
When Bill picked up the phone, he was immediately inspired to help.
“I do well with cats with cerebellar hypoplasia,” Bill said. “So, they dropped him off within an hour of me talking to them.”
Bill was so excited to take in another cat that he knew he could help, and it seemed that Dalton was excited too.
“He was a total sweetheart right from the get go,” Bill said.
Dalton had made it to the perfect place, but that didn’t mean things were going to be smooth sailing straight out of the gate.
Perseverance and Persistence
Dalton had a few other treatable health complications when he first came to Bill, but it wasn’t anything Bill couldn’t handle.
Unfortunately, they also realized on top of CH, Dalton has cardiomyopathy, as well as some digestion issues.
But, no matter what Dalton’s needs were, Bill was ready to meet them.
Dalton has trouble walking and falls down often, he also needs a bit of help going to the bathroom.
But, this makes him all the more loveable in Bill’s eyes.
Dalton also refused to let any of this get him down.
“Dalton is a very happy boy,” Bill said. “He loves life.”
Dalton’s life had already gotten so much better, but the best was yet to come.
Part of the Family
Bill kept Dalton separate from the other cats at first so that he could adjust to his new life.
But, after that period was over, it was all fun and games.
Dalton got to meet the other cats with CH just like him!
“He gets along with the family very well,” Bill said. “He likes other cats.”
Bill was so happy to see Dalton enjoying life with his new fur siblings.
“I’ve had him for almost two years,” Bill said. “So, he’s family.”
The other cats can’t say it with words, but Bill is pretty sure they agree.
Living the Good Life
Dalton’s life can be really tough at times because of his condition, but he doesn’t let that get him down.
While he doesn’t really run around and climb like most cats, he does love to play with balls and toy mice.
“He will climb up into my lap when I sit on the floor,” Bill said. “He is definitely a lap cat.”
When he’s not playing with his toys or snuggling with Bill, Dalton likes to lay back and enjoy a nice nap.
Thanks to Odd Cat Sanctuary, and to Bill, Dalton gets to live out the life he always deserved to have!
“At Odd Cat Sanctuary, we try to save as many cats as we can,” Bill said. “Especially the special needs and senior cats. Any life deserves love.”
Click here to follow Dalton on Instagram!