People often think of cats as independent or even a little selfish, but they can be incredibly loving and caring. Elvis is a perfect example of this.
Despite his own challenges, this special needs cat has become a caring ‘foster dad’ to over 100 kittens, showing just how incredible a cat’s love can truly be.
From Foster To Forever
Now a big, adored cat with a warm place in everyone’s heart, Elvis wasn’t always the beloved companion he is today. He started his journey as a tiny, vulnerable kitten, facing a world full of uncertainties.
Elvis was brought to a shelter in Louisa, Kentucky, along with his four siblings and their mama.
Beverly Pack, a dedicated volunteer, decided to foster them all. She named the mother Tennessee and the kittens: Elvis, Priscilla, Gracie, Lisa Marie, and Memphis.
As Elvis got older, Pack noticed he struggled with standing and walking. Worried, she took him to the vet, who sadly confirmed that he had moderate cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), which affects a cat’s balance and coordination.
Though CH isn’t painful, cats with it need extra support, as Pack explained in an interview:
“He can pee in the litter box fine. But the second he starts to strain to expel stool, he falls over like a fainting goat. So I’m constantly having to clean him up, and if I see him in the litter box, I will go to him and literally hold him up so he doesn’t fall over.”
Pack also discovered that Elvis’s sister Priscilla had the same condition. This diagnosis meant both siblings would require extra care and understanding.
Knowing how crucial it was for them to face their challenges side by side, Pack decided to adopt Elvis and Priscilla.
From CH Cat To Model Foster Dad
Despite his physical difficulties, Elvis has a joyful spirit. He makes Pack laugh with his playful antics, racing around until he collapses in a heap, looking like a little starfish on the floor.
However, his talents go beyond being entertaining: he’s become an exceptional emotional support for other cats.
Pack fosters a dozen kittens at a time for Open Arms Animal Shelter, and Elvis is their dedicated ‘foster dad.’ He’s cared for over 100 kittens, grooming them, bathing them, and even snuggling with them at night.
His nurturing ways have helped many kittens adjust and prepare for their forever homes, as Pack shared:
“Elvis fosters every baby that comes into the house. It’s probably over a hundred or more at least. He insists that they let him wash their ears. He grooms them and bathes them.”
Elvis’s remarkable dedication as a caregiver didn’t go unnoticed. He received top honors as a winner in the “Happily Furever After” contest, sponsored by Arm & Hammer’s Feline Generous program.
This prestigious recognition came with some fantastic awards: a year’s supply of kitty litter and a generous $10,000 donation to the Open Arms Animal Shelter, where Elvis’s efforts have made a significant impact. Pack shared:
“You enter contests all the time and say a little prayer that maybe one of them will come through. And boy, it did! We are a small, struggling animal shelter in Eastern Kentucky and the monetary prize was very unexpected and very much appreciated.”
Kelly Dalton, who works as a senior associate brand manager for Arm & Hammer Pet Care, commended Elvis and Pack for their dedication, adding:
“Often ‘purrfectly impurrfect’ cats are overlooked for adoption so it’s important to share these heartwarming stories on a national level to inspire and educate others about why adopting ‘purrfectly impurrfect’ cats can be so rewarding.”
Elvis’s story shows just how special ‘purrfectly impurrfect’ cats can be. He went from a kitten with challenges to a loving foster dad, proving that every cat has a lot of love to give.
I hope his story will inspire others to adopt and embrace these wonderful cats.
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