Minneapolis Disabled Cat Finds Joy And Friendship After Escaping Euthanasia
In the quiet countryside of Wisconsin, a tiny kitten named Snapple faced one of the toughest starts to life.
He was born with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects motor skills and balance, making the world feel like an endless wobble. For many kittens like Snapple, the future can look bleak.
But thanks to the compassion of a Minneapolis rescue group and the unwavering dedication of a foster mom named Kris, Snapple’s story turned into one of hope, healing, and love.
When Kris first met Snapple, she didn’t just see a disabled kitten. She saw the vibrant spark in his big eyes and the joy bubbling just beneath the surface. She welcomed him into her home, determined to give him the chance he deserved.
As he grew, his cheerful spirit became impossible to ignore. Snapple played with toys, wobbled his way through rooms, and never let his condition define him. Kris knew he wasn’t just surviving, he was thriving. He needed a forever home.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Hawaii, a couple was talking about adopting a special needs cat. That’s when they found out about Snapple.
At first, they were nervous. They had never cared for a disabled pet before. Could they meet his needs? Would they know how to help him thrive?
Kris patiently answered every question, reassuring them that CH isn’t painful and that with love and patience, Snapple could live a full and happy life.
The couple decided they had to meet him. So, the wife boarded a nine-hour flight from Hawaii to Minneapolis.
When she finally laid eyes on Snapple, it was love at first sight. She spent the night in Minnesota, returned to Hawaii the next morning, and told her husband:
“When I flew home, we decided we wanted to be Snapple’s forever family.”
But there was a hurdle. Hawaii’s strict quarantine laws meant Snapple couldn’t move for another four months. So the couple asked Kris to continue fostering him, covering his food, vet care, and even therapy sessions to strengthen his little body.
Kris agreed without hesitation. Over those months, their bond deepened even further. But when the day finally came for Snapple to travel, Kris knew it was time to let him spread his wings.
She even flew with him to Hawaii, staying a week to make sure he transitioned smoothly into his new home.
Snapple’s forever home held another surprise: another cat named Moana, their first “foster fail.” From the moment Kris left, Moana seemed to sense that Snapple needed extra love.
Whenever he meowed or seemed unsteady, she was there, hovering protectively like a guardian angel.
She groomed him, cuddled with him, and encouraged him to be brave. Over time, her patience gave Snapple the confidence to explore and play just like any other cat.
Their mom explained in an interview:
“I wanna say we are his sixth limb. We call his tail the fifth one because he does use that to also communicate with us to tell us how he’s feeling, and to help him move around.”
What makes Snapple so extraordinary is that while CH affects his movement, it doesn’t touch his mind. He’s sharp, curious, and bursting with personality.
Every toy is a new adventure, every cuddle with Moana a comfort, and every moment with his humans a reminder of how lucky he is to be alive.
It’s almost unthinkable that Snapple was once on the verge of euthanasia. He was supposed to have just a few days left. But Kris gave him those days, and quickly realized he had so much more life in him.
Now, three years later, Snapple is a healthy, happy boy living in Hawaii with his adoring family and his best friend Moana. He’s proof that special needs cats deserve the same chance at love as any other animal.
From a fragile kitten fighting for survival to a beloved family member who brightens every room he enters, Snapple’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His family couldn’t imagine life without him, and they’re looking forward to many more joyful years together.
Because sometimes, the ones who wobble through life are the ones who teach us the most about love.
