Connecticut Vet Worker Brings Home A Wobbly Foster Cat And Discovers Her Perfect “Soul Cat”
Taylor agreed to foster a sweet cat named Penny who had trouble keeping her balance. By the end of the summer, their undeniable bond turned a temporary stay into a lifelong home.
A Unique Foster Request
When Taylor first met Ms. Penny, she was immediately struck by the feline’s gentle nature. She was, as Taylor simply describes her, "a very sweet soul."
At the time, Taylor was a sophomore in college and working at a veterinary clinic. One day, a coworker approached her with a special proposition.
They asked if Taylor would be interested in fostering a unique cat who needed a safe place to land. Knowing that not many people are willing to take on special needs pets, Taylor decided to open her home.
The Reality Of Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Penny arrived at Taylor’s home in March, bringing her unique, wobbly walk with her. The sweet feline was born with a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia.
Because the cerebellum in the back of her head is a little smaller than usual, Penny’s movement and coordination are noticeably off. She sometimes loses her balance and topples over as she tries to walk.
Despite her clumsy steps, the condition doesn’t cause her any pain. Taylor quickly learned that Penny was totally healthy and completely unfazed by her physical differences.
A Temporary Stay Becomes Permanent
The original plan was simply to give Penny a temporary foster home until a permanent adopter could be found. But the sweet cat had other plans for her caretaker’s heart.
As the spring months turned into summer, Taylor realized just how deeply attached she had become to the wobbly little feline.
"By the summer, I realized she wasn’t going anywhere," Taylor recalls. She made it official and adopted Penny, ensuring they would never be separated.
The Daily Cuddle Routine
Penny quickly established her own routines in her new forever home. Her absolute favorite activity is spending quality time with her mom.
Every single night, Penny lets Taylor know exactly when it is time to snuggle. She will gently tap her paws on the couch to request her daily cuddles.
Once Taylor sits down, Penny’s face lights up for hugs. If Taylor allows it, the affectionate cat will happily stay in her arms for hours.
Safe Spaces And Balcony Views
While Penny is incredibly loving at home, she has very strong opinions about the outside world. She strongly dislikes going out of the house.
Car rides and trips to the vet are completely off her list of approved activities. She prefers the safety and comfort of her own familiar territory.
However, she does have one favorite outdoor activity. Penny absolutely loves sitting out on the balcony and spending her afternoons watching the birds fly by.
Welcoming A Little Brother
About a year ago, Taylor decided to add another feline to the family. She brought home a younger cat named Kaz.
At first, Penny wanted absolutely nothing to do with the energetic newcomer. She was perfectly content being an only child and having Taylor’s full attention.
But her resistance didn’t last long. After just a week, the two cats started playing together, and now they are the best of buddies. Kaz is always trying to engage her, and Penny loves to show off her feisty side.
Seeing Past The Differences
Whenever people meet Penny for the first time, they often notice her wobbly walk before anything else. Some immediately ask what is wrong with her or point out how different she is.
But Taylor sees past the cerebellar hypoplasia. She fell in love with Penny simply for her pure, sweet personality, not her physical quirks.
Taylor believes that special needs pets deserve a loving home just as much as any other animal. They may see the world differently, but they are incredibly strong and determined.
The Perfect "Soul Cat"
Even when Penny gets frustrated and topples over, she always gets right back up again. Her resilience is a constant source of inspiration for her owner.
Looking back, Taylor realizes that Penny entered her life at exactly the right moment. As a college sophomore navigating life, Taylor found immense comfort in the cat’s presence.
"I always refer to her as my soul cat," Taylor says. From the day they met, they have loved each other unconditionally, proving that sometimes the pets who need a little extra help are the ones who save us.
