Update On Ash: Super Kitty with Disabilities

In an article a couple of years ago, we reported that Ash, a very large gray and white shorthaired cat, went into an operation for a fracture of his leg. The operation was disastrous. Maybe something about the anesthesia or maybe high fevers or a stroke caused Ash to lose his ability to walk, see and hear. After much cheering and support from his family, he began to walk again and in time he regained his hearingbut his sight never returned. He sees some shadows and movement, but often bumps into things if they are placed in his pathway. If he's not careful, he falls back onto the floor after attempting to jump to tables or chairs.

At first we modified his litter box by putting a large cut out in the side so that he wouldn't have to jump over the edge. We placed carpet on the wood floors so that he could grip the textured floor and not slide like Bambi on ice. Even eating, his favorite activity, was a hassle. He was at risk of drowning in his own water bowl so we served his meals on a flat dish. We would find him, satiated, with his head lying on the plate so that he never had to make major efforts to get his nourishment.

Two years have gone by since Ash's injuries. He now scouts long areas down the hall or from the front room through the living room to the kitchen for hazards. He will then leap off the chair or the coffee table and gallop into the kitchen if he thinks there might be a snack for him (he is especially fond of yogurt), sliding into sitting position along the slippery wood floor and awaiting his just rewards. My personal favorite is when I softly pat the couch or my thigh as I sit on the couch. Ash turns his head in the direction of the sound and sits at my feet rocking back and forth as if to get his courage and momentum going. Eventually he springs onto my lap, tucking his gigantic head under my chin, purring to let me know everything is fine