Smudge (Bonded to Milo)

Smudge & Milo
You may have read the interview with our sisters from another mister. Our story is essentially the same as theirs, except I, Smudge, am a girl and Milo is a boy. We were all here as stray 1-month-old kittens from Cicero. We were all adopted very soon and lived with this owner for nine months. However, she surrendered us back to the HSHC on June 10, 2026. If you have seen us in the Roaming Room 2, it will be apparent that we are not your typical 1-year-old cats. My brother and I have a condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia (C.H.). C.H. is a congenital neurological condition in which the cerebellum - the brain region responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control - fails to develop properly. It is also known as "wobbly cat syndrome" and is not painful, contagious, or curable. We are simply wobbly! This condition is nonprogressive-the symptoms don't worsen over time. We can still do everything a regular cat does, just not as smoothly. We can use the litter box, eat and drink, and play with some small adaptations. For example, rubber-backed throw rugs, low-sided litter boxes, and water bowls that are heavy enough to stay put help us with our daily needs. Blankets or bedspreads make it much easier to maneuver and get where we want to go. They also cushion our inevitable tip-overs. The HSHC can show you ways to make mealtimes more productive. When the interviewer lady (IL) stopped by to talk with us, she was pleased to see that we are developing our social skills and are no longer hiding all the time. I am more trusting of new people than Milo. He still reserves his opinion of you until you prove your trust-worthiness. The interviewer lady (IL) has watched us become braver and more willing to interact. I went right up to her for some pets before returning to the ball in the tunnel toy. I am getting pretty good at batting those balls around the tubes. According to the IL, I am a very pretty brown and orange DSH with Tabby markings. Milo is a grey and buff DSH Tabby, and while he is less likely to socialize, he is very observant, watching everything that's going on. He makes a valiant effort to move around the room. Milo let the IL pet him and scratch his chin. The IL was very impressed with our positive attitudes, persistence, and willingness to try. We are bonded and provide comfort and confidence to one another. We can all climb up short cat trees. We are all litter box trained and appreciate those boxes with high sides and a low entry. If you were to ask us if we are happy kitties, we'd both say YES! We need a special owner who doesn't mind a wobbly cat and would love to provide us with safe, repetitive, and varied movements in a controlled environment. AKA-our kind of physical therapy! If you Google C.H., you will see loads of photos, videos, and information about C.H. Don't feel sad when you see us; we think life is pretty terrific! 8-12-26