Sponsor a Cat: Katie

Katie joined the League's Sponsor Program in 2002. Katie is a petite tabby kitten that suffers from Cerebella Hyperplasia, a serious neurological problem that affects balance. As she has grown up with the League, she has learned to deal with her illness as best she can. She needs help with feeding and drinking but she does manage to use the litter pan on her own. Katie is making more and more of an effort to walk of her own volition which is extremely difficult for her, but she persists.

Katie's muscles are not very strong to support her legs because she spent a large part of her life pulling herself around. The League has looked into a wheel cart that could support Katie's body while she strengthens her muscles. It would be temporary until she develops the strength to carry her own weight. She's such a sweet little cat and she has no idea that she has any problems. We are so grateful to give her a second chance at life – one to grow and improve here at North Shore Animal League America.

Katie's Updates

4th Quarter 2009
It’s hard to believe that Katie has been in our care since 2002. Forgetting her medical condition, her favorite pastime hands down is to receive love and affection from her foster care family. She adores being petted. Her loving nature makes her the cat with the greatest temperament in the Animal League’s Sponsor Program. She is successfully living with a condition called Cerebella Hyperplasia, a serious neurological problem that affects balance. She needs help with feeding, drinking, and walking on her own. Her weak muscles, in large part from pulling herself around for years, are exercised through periodic sessions in a wheel cart made just for her.

3rd Quarter 2009
We look forward to updating you about Katie. Why? Because Katie's report always includes telling you how sweet and tender this cat really is. She's more than just affectionate; she gives all of herself to you through her endearing, gentle motions and her engaging, lovable eyes. Health wise, she is doing well. Since she cannot clean herself, she's kept clean with regular baths, nail trims and brushing. She tolerates this routine, but doesn't enjoy it at all. Her two simple wishes are to be petted and to play with your feet.

2nd Quarter 2009
The good news is that Katie is feeling better after a slight relapse of her viral infection. She was started on medication again. She has been receiving fluids, penicillin injections and pepcid injections. This viral infection caused her to vomit and have bloody stool. She also had a recent ear infection. She and her brother, Tigger, love to be brushed and have their bellies rubbed together when they are relaxing on their bed. Seeing them happy and content together really makes us happy too - thank you to all the Sponsors who help dear Katie heal!

1st Quarter 2009
Katie is such a sweet and happy cat. She continues to take on the motherly role for the newest cat addition to her household. Katie absolutely showers her new brother, Eragon, with love and affection. They sleep next to each other all the time. They are becoming inseparable. Katie's foster mother is working hard to get Katie into her wheel cart more often. This exercise is beneficial to her muscles. Katie is not fond of the whole experience, but the more they work together the more tolerable Katie becomes. Katie's favorite pastime is lying in her foster mother's lap while being brushed by her.

4th Quarter 2008
It's always such a pleasure to hear how sweet and lovable dear kitty Katie is when her foster mother gives us an update on her. Lately, she has been very busy keeping her days occupied with a new toy! It's become her favorite toy - a toy mouse...no surprise there! Katie keeps it in her mouth and "growls" (much like a dog!) if anyone comes near her. I wonder what toys Katie will be getting this holiday season from her beloved Sponsors!

3rd Quarter 2008
Katie's latest antic is a foot fetish. Yep, that's right! Always known for being incredibly loving and affectionate, Katie now wants to show her gratitude by playing with the feet of every member of her foster family and any visitors who enter her household. It's as if she just discovered that feet exist and oh how much fun they can be! If you're up for a play date, she's swat gingerly at your feet for hours at a time. So, the best advice her foster family has is to take a load off and put your feet up while watching television and let Katie enjoy herself. In the process, it will bring you much joy too...guaranteed!

2nd Quarter 2008
The Katie and Tigger saga continues...they are inseparable! These wonderful cats get along so well that everyone who knows them is convinced that they are made for each other. Together, they have a zest for living life. Tigger is helping Katie forget about her medical condition and concentrate on being a normal, healthy cat.

1st Quarter 2008
For the holiday season, Katie received a small play tent from one of her beloved Sponsors – she loves it and sleeps in it all the time! She will not even let her two brothers use it! Katie enjoys playing with her other toys too; however, she often has trouble grasping them. Once within her secure grasp though, she won't them go and plays for hours content and safe. Thank you for your continued support of Katie and all the League's Sponsor pets!

4th Quarter 2007
Sweet Katie may not be able to walk on all four paws, but she gets around very quickly. Her foster mom gave her a new toy recently and Katie was all over the floor with it! She also gets around quickly in her cart. Katie does not enjoy the cart too much, but she tolerates it. Either way, Katie is a zippy kitty and nothing holds her back from having fun.

3rd Quarter 2007
You thought Katie was a little cranky before? She's even worse now that she's on a diet! Katie does not like her new weight loss plan one bit and she's letting everyone know. Katie is taking cranky to a new level!

2nd Quarter 2007
Katie has been a little down recently. She has a foster brother, Tigger, whom she just adores. But Tigger has had major surgery recently and is still recovering. He's not allowed much activity and is not allowed contact with Katie. Katie misses her sleeping buddy and is noticeably lonely. Soon the family will be back together and Katie will be her old, happy self.

1st Quarter 2007
Katie is still enjoying the funny little fabric shoe she received for Christmas. All broken in and comfy, it's one of her favorite places to snooze. But snoozing the day away isn't an option for Katie right now. She's still working on dropping a couple of those pesky holiday pounds so she can be in a purrrfect weight range. With her back legs not in full use, burning calories is harder for her. And though her super wheel cart has her front legs firm and strong, she still needs to strengthen the back ones a bit. All in good time!

4th Quarter 2006
Katie is doing well and seems to be enjoying life. She has put on a little too much weight so her foster Mom is trying to encourage more exercise by having her spend additional time in her wheel cart. Although Katie doesn't like the process of getting into her cart, once she's in it she has a blast! She rides around the floor chasing after the dogs and running them over! What could be more fun than that for a cat?! We are so happy that Katie is doing better and thank you for your help, your care and your concern.

3rd Quarter 2006
Katie came in for a check up recently and we are happy to report that she is doing quite well. There have not been any significant changes in Katie's blood work nor her personality. She hasn't had any more colds, although with the colder weather coming on, we're sure her foster mom will keep a closer eye on her. Katie still loves getting hooked up to her little cart for some exercise, and also loves spending time on her foster mom's lap. Unlike a lot of cats, she just loves to be brushed and cleaned. We are so happy little Katie is doing so well, and we have you to thank for that!

2nd Quarter 2006
We are pleased to report that Katie is doing quite well. Last time we told you she was recovering from a cold and so far she's been sniffle free for a while now! We think because she wasn't feeling so good that she was picking fights with her feline brothers and sisters but things have been going smoothly. Also, Katie's special foster care mom makes sure that she's not gaining too much weight, which could be a concern since her mobility is limited. So every day for a half hour Katie gets hooked up to her little cart and walks around all proud of herself. It's good exercise for her and it's a great way for her and her foster care mom to bond. Katie continues to be an inspiration to us all.

1st Quarter 2006
Recently Katie came down with a cold, the poor girl! We're happy to report that she is now feeling better and behaving herself with the other little ones in the house, too. While she was feeling a bit under the weather one of her feline brothers was taking care of her. He would stay close by her, sleep next to her and would even groom her too! She still has problems with some of her other feline and canine brothers and sisters but they've come to an understanding where if they avoid each other, things are more harmonious in the household.

December 2005
Katie must've heard they've made Rocky VI because she's really been duking it out with another cat in her house lately. There are times when this seemingly angelic little cat decides she wants to be in charge and there's nothing anybody can do about it. There must be something in the adrenaline levels that occur because all of a sudden Katie finds more coordination than her foster care Mom has seen. Katie's Mom is right there to stop anything before it goes too far but she is inspired by Katie's energy and pep. Of course after it's all over and everyone has calmed down, Katie's loves to take a nap in the biggest cat bed she can find, like nothing has gone on. It is because of you that Katie and the other special needs animals are receiving the best care possible.

November 2005
While Katie certainly enjoyed spending time with her foster care Dad, she really missed her foster care Mom while she was away. When she got back, Katie couldn't get enough of her – she constantly "flopped" her way over to Mom begging for more attention, even wrapping her paws around her ankles (just like she does to Dad). Fortunately, Mom feels the same way about her sweet Katie and was more than willing to give her lots of pats and under the chin rubs – they were just so happy to see each other! We couldn't be more delighted that Katie has found a loving home and has settled in so nicely. Your generous support makes it all possible – without you we couldn't care for Katie and the other special needs animals. Thank you for always being there for them.

October 2005
Katie's foster care Mom left to help animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. While Katie missed her terribly, she was also delighted to have her foster care Dad to herself. She absolutely adores him! The moment he enters the room, Katie wraps her paws around his ankle to keep him from going anywhere. While this may sound adorable, it is also quite a feat for this neurologically impaired cat to muster up enough muscle control to hold on. That's a big change from the Katie that first arrived here – unable to eat or get around on her own. She's come a long way, baby – and we couldn't be more proud. Thank you for opening your heart up to Katie and the other special needs animals. Your constant support means the world to them.

September 2005
In the past, Katie and two other cerebella cats in the house with varying capabilities had to be put in crates overnight or anytime there was no one to watch them. But recently they had an "extreme" room make-over. New flooring was put in and other improvements were made to make the room safe and comfortable for Katie and her housemates – even when no one was around monitoring them. Katie loves the new space and has been playing tirelessly in the area. Katie and the other special needs animals owe their new lease on life to you; your support and generosity means the world to them. We can't thank you enough.

August 2005
Katie is truly a miracle kitty. To watch her live her life to its fullest – despite her disabilities – is an inspiration to us all. Although walking will never be a possibility for her, she does come close, and she always has her special cart when she really feels the "need for speed." Even without her cart though, Katie can "flop" around pretty quickly – scooting away when she doesn't want her foster care Mom to catch her. We are all truly amazed by her agility. Thank you for giving Katie and the other special needs animals a second chance at happiness. It is because of you that they are living longer and healthier lives.

July 2005
Katie's adaptability never ceases to amaze us. She has now figured out that if she needs to get to the litter pan quickly, all she must to do is cry out for her foster care Mom and she'll scoop Katie up and get her there in a hurry. Of course, sometimes Katie likes to meow just for attention too. But it doesn't matter – there's always someone there to answer her call, whatever the reason. Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. It is because of you that Katie and the other special needs animals are receiving the best care possible.

June 2005
Katie and her feline housemates love to play with furry toys – the furrier the better. Their absolute favorite these days is a long fuzzy snake that they bat and toss around. Because of Katie's mobility problems, her claws have become one her most important tools. She uses them to pull herself around when she can't get up, to grasp toys that are almost out of reach, and to move her food dish closer. Katie never ceases to amaze us – she has learned to work around her disability and to focus instead on what she can do. Thank you for giving Katie and the other special needs animals a second chance at loving and healthy lives. We couldn't provide for them without you.

May 2005
Katie enjoys the sights and sounds of Spring - but only from the safety of the ground. She cannot get onto the window sill for even a minute - for fear that she will fall out. Her foster care family will sometimes hold her up to the screen so she can see outside and get some fresh air. But Katie's a smart kitty, and she's learned that when the breeze blows in the window, she can stretch her whole body up to get a whiff of the sweet smell of Spring on her own. She practically stands up! Thank you for giving Katie and the other special needs animals a second chance at health and happiness. You are truly a kindhearted soul.

April 2005
Katie continues to get more and more settled in her routine. She usually spends at least half an hour a day in her special cart – whizzing around and around. She just loves the mobility – and sometimes uses her new freedom to harass the other cats in the house. Katie has a best friend and the two of them share playtime as well as a food dish. We couldn't be more pleased with Katie's progress – she's now at a place where she's comfortable and thriving. Thank you for caring so much about Katie and the other special needs animals. Your support allows them a second leash on life.

March 2005
Getting around with severe neurological problems can be very daunting and frustrating for a cat. But Katie works around her adversity, striving to make the most of the strength and talent she does have. She knows exactly how to hold her head so that she can eat and drink without getting too wet or messy. She's able to use the litter pan – her foster care Mom places her in there several times a day and Katie gets right down to business. And on the occasions that Katie needs to use the litter pan on her own, one side of the tray is lower and Katie can easily get herself in. That's very impressive for a kitty that can't balance evenly on all four legs. It is because of your support that Katie and the other special needs animals have been given a second chance. You are truly a good friend to them.

February 2005
Katie continues to get stronger every day. More and more frequently she has been spotted mustering all her efforts to stand and take a step. She seems to know that the more she works at it, the better she'll be at it. There are two other cats with the same neurological disorder as Katie in her foster care home, although theirs is not as severe. Perhaps seeing them has given Katie the inspiration to try her best to walk - and to catch up to them. Your unwavering support of Katie and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. We couldn't do it without you.

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