Deaf cat with neurological condition finds forever home with help from Cats Protection Glasgow

A disabled cat with a neurological condition that causes her head to shake has finally found her forever home.

Socks was brought to the adoption team at the Cats Protection Glasgow branch when she was just nine months old.

Her owner was forced to give her up as they couldn’t afford to care for her due to the fact she is deaf and suffers with cerebellar hypoplasia, which means she has poor coordination and her head shakes.

Despite Socks’ conditions staff at the centre said it was clear she didn’t let any of “hold her back”.

Christine McDowall, adoption team lead, said that Socks’ is a happy cat who enjoys exploring, playtime and interacting with people.

“She was taken in by one of our fantastic fosterers until we could find her the special home she needed, and she has definitely found that with Erin and James.”

Socks has now been in her new home for almost one month and, with a little help, has adapted extremely well to being in a new environment.

Socks’ owners, Erin and James, said she is the “perfect combination of sweetness and madness”.

“After having zoomies, she will grab a toy and execute a perfect forward roll while holding it – I’ve never seen a cat do this before!

“When she gets sleepy or wants attention, she will purr and happily fall asleep in your lap.

“We’ve only noticed her head wobble when she’s standing still. When she’s on the move, her eyes sway and we think she is compensating for her hearing loss with heightened visual awareness.

“She likes to be close to us to feel secure. When she wakes up from a nap, she will meow loudly so we can find her,” they said.

Cats Protection Glasgow Branch care for a wide range of cats, all with unique needs. Many cats simply would not have survived without their help.

This can cost the charity hundreds if not thousands of pounds, so donations of both funds and time are vital.

Ms McDowall urged anyone struggling to look after a cat to get in touch for support.

“We’ve had just about every type of cat come into our care from kittens with health issues like Socks, to cats with three legs.

“We’ve provided urgent treatment and nursed cats back to health. We’ve cared for a mother and her kittens after being found in a nursery playground.

“We’re here for cats that are terrified, elderly, neglected, overweight, and much-loved cats whose owners have sadly passed away.

“Cats come to us for a multitude of reasons including abandonments, behavioural issues, being long-term strays, owners’ ill health, and not being able to afford veterinary bills.

“Sometimes owners give up their pets because of unforeseen circumstances which can be as heart-breaking for us as it is for the owners,” Ms McDowall said.