Blind Cat Was Overlooked At Texas Shelter Until One Woman Got An Offer She Couldn’t Refuse

Ivar had always carried a hint of grumpiness, as if he’d been born with the soul of an old man. His moody nature made finding him a home difficult, and for quite some time, no one was willing to take a chance on him.
He was first found alone in a field on Galveston Island, either abandoned by his mother or left behind by people.
Just two or three weeks old, he had no siblings or companions to help him learn the ways of the world. Growing up without social contact, he became cautious and feral.
That all began to change when Yvette spotted him at the shelter. Instead of turning away, she decided he deserved a fresh start and brought him home.

Ivar is completely blind, which gives his face a constant wide-eyed, surprised look. He’s also mute and never makes a sound.
It wasn’t until Yvette created an Instagram page for him that she truly realized how rare and special he was.
Through sharing his story online, she hoped to connect with other owners of blind cats and join cat communities where she could learn more about caring for him.

Over time, she realized just how special he is and how unique his gaze is for a blind cat.
When Yvette first met Ivar, he bit her hard. Her husband was astonished when she expressed her desire to adopt him, asking, “What are you doing adopting this cat?”
However, she was determined to give Ivar a better life and was confident he would adjust just fine.

For the first six months, Yvette could only handle Ivar while wearing oven mitts. It took nearly a year before he began to relax and feel at ease in his new home.
Cautious by nature, Ivar remains guarded, but Yvette is endlessly patient. In one video, she shares that while his past is a mystery, what matters most is that he’s now her baby.

Yvette has three other pet cats. One of them, Toad, has tried to befriend Ivar, but Ivar has been unresponsive, acting as if to say, “You’re not my friend. You just live in my house.”
Another cat in the house, Alice, once tried to coax Ivar into a game of hide and seek, but he wasn’t interested.
He generally keeps to himself and shows little curiosity about the other cats he shares his home with.

Even though Ivar doesn’t spend much time engaging with the other cats, Yvette has noticed remarkable improvements in him compared to when he first arrived.
The shelter had listed him for only $20, a fact that still amazes her considering how unique and special he is.
Today, Yvette feels lucky to have Ivar, along with her three other cats, filling her home with love in their own ways.

Every one of Yvette’s cats lives with a disability, but she sees that as something that makes them all the more special. Ivar, in particular, proves just how capable he is.
When it’s time to play, Yvette sets up little puzzles with treats, and even without sight, Ivar never fails to sniff them out and come out on top. Yvette is continually amazed by him, saying:
“He’s extremely smart. He shocks me sometimes that he’s so smart.”

While Ivar isn’t especially close to his fellow cats, he treasures his Bun Bun, a plush toy bunny that he treats as his own.
He cuddles with it, grooms it throughout the day, and even makes sure it hasn’t been disturbed by anyone else.
He also finds comfort in sleeping beside Yvette, soaking up her warmth. When the other cats try to climb into bed too, Ivar isn’t exactly thrilled about sharing his special spot with her.
Yvette is confident that Ivar is happy, as she ensures he eats well and has everything he needs:
“He has all the meals in the world. He’s never had a dirty litter box. He gets pets when he wants pets, and it’s all on his terms, and that’s what makes him happy.”

Yvette doesn’t mind the occasional scratch if it means Ivar is content. What she can’t understand is why so many people overlook animals with disabilities.
To her, her four cats are every bit as wonderful as any others, and she cherishes each of them.
She firmly believes that every cat deserves a chance, and that their disabilities only add to the unique charm that makes them so special.