In this article, we are going to talk about disabled cats. And how there is a stigma towards them, even an ignorance towards them.
However, there is an ignorance there that just because a cat is disabled, means that they cannot have a good quality of life, they can.
In fact, anyone who has ever had a disabled cat as a pet, will know how full of life that they can be. How in fact, they are much more loving, than other cats. How they are playful, and fun loving.
Just because a cat has a disability, does not mean in anyway that they are less full of life. this is why I abhor when certain charities advocate the killing of sick cats (which includes disabled cats).
Thankfully, the Cats Protection seems like the only major charity (that I am aware of) which champions disabled cats.
You can see here in their booklet: http://bit.ly/1hliHJ5
But, i want to talk about a disability among cats which is not well known, Cerebellar Hypoplasia. Cerebellar Hypoplasia is also known as 'wobbly syndrom'. For me, this condition is personal, with raising three cats who had this condition.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia is often misjudged. People have the common misconception that Cerebellar Hypoplasia hurts the cat, but, that is untrue. People often think this because it makes the cat wobbly. However, the cat is only wobbly because their brain hasn't developed right in the mothers womb.
These cats are not in pain. They are not suffering. These cats can live good quality lives, and even long lives. However, they can never be allowed outdoors because of their vulnerability.
Cerebellar isn't a progressive condition, which means that it does not get worse. It also is visible from kittenhood. Cats with the condition have a normal cat timeframe, in other words, they can live as long as any other cat.
If you want to know what a cat with Cerbeallr is like. Check the video below!
Its time animal charites and the animal rights movement became more aware about disabled cats. Instead of acting on myths, ignorance and prejudice, let us act with compassion - disabled cats deserve to live too.