Orion

How I Arrived At NHS: I am a transfer from Hero's Heart. *I mild CH (Cerebellar Hypoplasia). My head does shake a little and have I an odd gate. I does seem to get along just fine and am able to jump up and down. (Fear and Anxiety do tend to increase my tremors) Notes from my foster mom: Orion came from a hoarding situation. Orion was one of the lucky felines to have been kept indoors, and with the hoarding situation, thrives with being around at least one other feline. Orion is a mellow, tender soul who has a condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH) which causes him to have a unique gait and tremors that may get more pronounced when he is excited or scared. CH is also known as wobbly kitten/cat syndrome and can throw off the balance of those affected. This is not a progressive condition and is not contagious. This condition does not affect life expectancy and has not limited his activity of getting on and off furniture or window ledges. It may take Orion a moment longer to get up on a tower based upon the tower itself, but he is a determined boy and does not let "falling on the first attempt" dissuade him. He has not been around steps, but supervision and caution is advised until it is known how he does with these. Orion is uncomfortable with petting actions that take your hand right in front of his face, he will get up and walk away. If the pet comes on from the back of his head/ears or other body part, he does well. With CH, some suspect this may be due to the mild tremor throwing off the vision of what is right in front of his face. To help offset the CH effects with Orion, he uses elevated food and water dishes so he does not need to bend as much to eat. Orion also uses a high-sided litter box which can help with balance if he finds himself starting to lean while taking care of "business". Orion took about a week to settle in and become more comfortable. During this time I was able to pet him but he would stay back. After the first week, I opened up his pen and gave him access to the bedroom during the day. Initially with the new space, he was hesitant of pets again but quickly adjusted and now within two weeks of getting him he is enjoying pets, even rolling onto his side for more, head butting, purring/talking, and moving comfortably around the room. He LOVES having a resident cat come in his room to hang out with him and we believe this will be key to a successful home, having another feline around for his companionship. At night, he likes to remind me he is still there by trying to start a conversation. Orion is intrigued with the laser light, ribbon wand toys, balls with bells, and a tiered spiral ball track spinner. And, more simply, just laying around observing with a fellow, mellow, feline for companionship. Good With Kids: Unknown but likely with older children. Small kids might be too much with his condition. Good With Cats: yes. Orion would do best in a home with another cat. Good With Dogs: Unknown but possibly with a more mellow dog and a slow introduction. Cats are feline leukemia/feline immunodeficiency virus tested (if applicable). They have had at least their first distemper combo (booster given if been in our care for the appropriate time), been de-wormed, microchipped, and treated with a flea and tick product (if applicable). All the cats are spayed or neutered before they leave for their forever homes.