When Heide was approached about fostering a Sphynx kitten named Zebedee X, or Z, who had been born with an intense form of cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), she and her partner Zan didn’t hesitate to say yes. Although they had experience with CH in the past, they had never encountered a case as extreme as Z’s.
The adorable picture posted by @wilhelminawillowpuff on Instagram highlights the condition of cerebellar hypoplasia, which is a type of neurological disorder that affects cats. This condition typically manifests during the fetal stage, resulting in an underdeveloped cerebellum in unborn kittens. Experts suggest that exposure to viruses like feline panleukopenia could be a possible cause for this condition. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating different body functions, maintaining spatial awareness, and carrying out fine motor skills. Heide further elaborates on this aspect.
The severity of cerebellar hypoplasia in cats can vary, resulting in slight to significant mobility difficulties. Z was saved by Road Dogs & Rescue, a California-based organization that focuses mainly on rescuing dogs in need, when he was just under a month old in January 2021.
According to Heide, Z was surrendered by his breeder at three weeks of age due to his slower development compared to his siblings. The veterinarian suggested putting him to sleep, but fortunately, someone connected with Road Dogs and they were able to give him a home. @wilhelminawillowpuff shared a photo of him on Instagram.
On March 5, 2021, Z was brought to Heide and Zan’s house in Los Angeles a few weeks after being rescued. The couple was amazed by his appearance and thought he looked like an alien because of his large ears and small size. They even gave him Cosmo as his middle name to reflect his unique appearance. This day will always be memorable for them. The photo of Z posted on @wilhelminawillowpuff’s Instagram account showcases his distinctive features.
Z may not have fit the typical feline appearance, but he made up for it with his affectionate and chatty personality. Unfortunately, because of his cerebellar hypoplasia, he required more assistance than most kittens. Heide immediately noticed Z’s struggles, as he couldn’t sit up or hold his head up without support.
Luckily, Heide and Zan provided Z with the necessary care and support to enable him to develop well, resulting in a noticeable improvement in his symptoms as time went by. According to Heide, as soon as they established a routine for Z and observed him meeting various developmental milestones such as holding his head up and feeding himself, they felt like proud parents.
It was expected that Heide and Zan would fall in love with Z after fostering him for a month, so they decided to officially adopt him on April 5, 2021. Z is a unique feline who has been thriving under their care for over five months now. He enjoys spending time with his adoptive sister, Nella, a French Bulldog, as well as his loving parents. Heide notes that Z loves to communicate with them and play with his light-up toys by wrestling with them in his heated pod.
Z loves to play with catnip and toys that light up, but his owners Heide and Zan are careful not to give him toys that make too much noise because he is sensitive to sound. Heide recalls the time when Z played with a wand toy that had a bell that was louder than usual and he became aggressive and uncontrollable. It took him a few minutes to calm down.
The noise of the vacuum cleaner triggers Z’s hyperactivity, making him jump around the room and hit the walls. Fortunately, Heide figured out a simple and efficient solution to this problem. Whenever she vacuums, she sets up a sound machine in another room where Z can stay to avoid the noise. This has proven to be a successful way to keep Z calm.
The adorable cat named Z is not able to walk or sit up entirely by himself, but he is still very self-sufficient. He doesn’t need any significant special adjustments apart from a feeder to keep his bowl stable while eating and a playpen to keep him safe when his owners aren’t around. According to Heide, although he needed some extra guidance while growing up, cats with CH can lead a regular yet wobbly life just like cats without CH. Check out @wilhelminawillowpuff on Instagram for more cute cat content!
Heide aims to encourage more people to adopt cats with special needs, particularly those with cerebellar hypoplasia, by sharing Z’s story. She believes that some people may have reservations about adopting CH cats due to their initial impression of their unsteady gait or potentially messier behavior.
Fortunately, Heide and Zan did not let Z’s cerebellar hypoplasia discourage them. They decided to foster him and are now incredibly thankful for their decision. Z has been a blessing in their lives and has brought them much-needed joy and love. Despite his condition, they see him as a strong, patient, and determined boy who is capable of achieving anything he sets his mind to. Watching him grow and overcome challenges is truly inspiring.
Check out this charming feline by following Z on Instagram! For more information on this cute cat, go ahead and give @wilhelminawillowpuff a follow.
