Black Cat With A Birth Defect Was Overlooked At Kansas Shelter Until A Miracle Arrived

I’ve rescued many cats in poor condition, but I’ve never come across one with a birth defect. Though I’ve heard stories like this from other shelters, this situation was different.

The cat in question, a solid black feline, had already faced the common struggles black cats often face in adoption – they’re just not as likely to find homes.

To make matters worse, he also had a birth defect, which caused many people to overlook him.

But, as fate would have it, Willy’s luck changed when Mandy came along to give him a chance.

Mandy, who works at a rescue center in Kansas City, had always dreamed of caring for a cat with special needs.

She has already adopted foster cats, and Willy was being fostered by someone else when she decided to adopt him. Mandy shared in a video:

“I remember just chatting with my husband like this might be the time, so can we do it? That’s how we got Willy Wonky.” 

Not much is known about Willy’s early months, but one thing is clear: he’s a bit of a mystery. Willy has CH (cerebellar hypoplasia), a condition he was born with, often referred to as wobbly cat syndrome.

Mandy added:

“It happens when the mother gets a virus when she’s pregnant so it causes the cerebellum to become underdeveloped and the cerebellum is in charge of motor skill and coordination.”

Mandy wasn’t 100% sure that they would be the right people for Willy, but as soon as he started walking around their house, Mandy says all her anxiety vanished. 

Feline disorders are often misunderstood, and Mandy has sadly seen cats with conditions like Willy’s get euthanized.

However, aside from his wobbles, Willy is just like any other cat. She said:

“It does not cause any pain. It doesn’t shorten their lifespan. You just have to learn to adjust and figure out what their specific needs are.”

I don’t know about you, but this sounds like something we have to do with any cat. We just have to figure out what the cat needs and roll with it. 

Willy is an incredibly cute and lively cat. He’s playful, curious, and doesn’t let anyone push him around. In fact, he’s often the one putting his siblings in their place.

Willy is known for hissing and starting little squabbles around the house, and it’s just too adorable.

Despite his feisty nature, the other cats seem to be more gentle with him, almost as if they recognize that he’s a bit different.

Mandy said:

“I feel like they’re more gentle with him. They groom him and they seem to be more caring.”

Willy, however, doesn’t seem to think he’s any different from the other cats. He’s full of sass and personality, and as Mandy puts it, he brings a little drama into their home.

What matters most is that Willy quickly adapted to his forever home, and all the cats accepted him without hesitation. He’s living a wonderful life, able to express himself and enjoy every moment.

As for the common question about his wobbles during sleep, Willy is just as playful and lively during the day as any other cat, but when he sleeps, he remains very still.

He loves cuddles and is, in every way, just like any other cat.

Even with his wobbles, Willy never gives up. He always finds a way to overcome any challenge.

For example, when he needs to move from one room to another, he simply leans against the wall for support, and that’s how he makes it work. Mandy added:

“We know how to communicate with each other and I can tell when he needs something or is frustrated with something. I do my very best to help him.”

Willy is a true ray of sunshine in Mandy’s life, and his journey is nothing short of inspirational.

As Mandy puts it, Willy brings out the best in them, and she hopes he knows just how deeply they love him.

I believe he does know! They’ve come such a long way together, and Willy is thriving. 

Mandy ensures he gets everything he needs, taking him to the vet regularly for treatments, and the progress he’s made has been remarkable.