A wobbly kitten, who “doesn’t know she has a disability”, has become a social media star.
Named Alice – after Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland – for her “abominable spirit”, the adorable cat has her own harrowing story.
Living on the streets of Los Angeles, the feline was rescued by a local shelter, who then discovered she had ataxia, a condition that affects balance and coordination.
Unable to stand or walk properly, she was tragically scheduled for euthanization.
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Thankfully, that’s when cat foster care, Jamie Hogan, stepped in and decided to give Alice her forever home.
The 40-year-old shared the tale in a video on Instagram, where Alice’s journey has captured hearts with over 70,500 views (@thekittensfoster).
“I noticed she had a zest for life and was the cuddliest kitten, who was constantly purring around me,” Jamie, a yoga teacher from Los Angeles, US, told What’sTheJam.co.uk.
“Even though she was very wobbly and would often fall over while walking, she had an abominable spirit.
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“I named her Alice, after the story of Alice in Wonderland.”
Jamie decided to take Alice to a neurologist to discover the cause of her ataxia.
Affecting motor skills, including her ability to walk and stand, ataxia can be caused by spinal problems, inner ear infections and blood cell counts, to name a few.
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She said: “The neurologist diagnosed Alice with a neurological condition called cerebellar hypoplasia (CH).
“CH is caused by a mama cat either having a virus or being extremely malnourished while pregnant.
“When this happens the cerebellum in the brain of the babies in utero doesn’t form correctly- the cerebellum is responsible for motor skills and balance.
“Although the condition is lifelong, it is not painful, not contagious and the cat can live a long, happy, healthy and normal life; they’re just wobbly.”
Despite her condition, Alice isn’t letting it stop her from having fun, playing with everything in sight and enjoying all the cuddles Jamie can give.
She added: “Alice doesn’t know she’s different.
“She just adapts to her circumstances.
“The beauty in CH is that even though it’s not progressive, and the condition itself doesn’t improve, her coordination and balance can improve as she ages and builds more strength.
“Alice is living proof of how resilient and adaptable cats are and that no matter what obstacles are in her way, she keeps moving.
“She just gets up and tries again.”
The wobbly kitten has quickly become a star online, with one clip gaining over 10,000 likes and 200 comments.
“She is perfect, and an amazing acrobat,” wrote Carillon.
Lauren said: “She doesn’t have a DISability…she has the ABILITY to make everyone fall in love with her!!!!”
Kurt added: “She’s perfect as is!!!”
“I love you Alice, so good to see you happy,” commented Maria.
Gillian said: “She’s just so stinkin cute is what she is.”
Now Alice is looking for her forever home.
But in the meantime, she will thrive under Jamie’s loving care.
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