Marietta, OH - Domestic Shorthair. Meet Hector (Special Needs:CH) a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Domestic Shorthair

Color

Black (Mostly)

Age

Young

Sex

Male

Pet ID

HSOV-A-3423

Hair Length

short

My details

Good with kids

Good with cats

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Hector is an adorable male kitten who was brought to the HSOV on August 22, 2024 by a Good Samaritan who had found him in the Whipple/Stanleyville Ohio area about a month earlier. Hector had an open wound on his neck at that time, and that Good Samaritan successfully treated the wound before bringing him to the safety of our shelter. Hector was a tiny 2-month old kitten who weighed 2.2 lbs when he arrived at HSOV.

Hector has a black short/dense coat with silver highlights, a long tail, and a beautiful kitten face with golden eyes, a black velvet nose, and long black whiskers.

This little lovebug was examined by one of our wonderful local veterinarians on August 30th since he appeared to have some neurological issues. Hector had a definite 'head tilt' and an unsteady gait when he walked .. which are the signs of cerebellar hypoplasia.

Hector is being listed as a 'Special Needs Kitty' since he is most likely a CH (Cerebellar Hypoplasia) kitty.

Cerebellar hypoplasia ( CH) is a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed. This is a disorder found in cats (and dogs) which causes jerky movements, tremors and generally walking and balance problems. It is a non-progressive and non-contagious condition. Symptoms appear at birth although they may not be noticed until the kitten starts walking.

CH kittens/cats can live as long as any other cat. Most cats have good life quality and make up in personality what they lack in motor skills (which is definitely the case with Hector)!

Hector has the sweetest, most lovable/affectionate personality. He is also quite playful and loves to snuggle up in your arms or to lie close against your neck.

Hector was given vaccinations on September 12, 2024, and he received booster vaccines on October 2nd and October 17th 2024. Hector weighed 4.8 lbs on October 23, 2024.

These photos of Hector were taken on October 26, 2024 when HSOV Volunteers Emma Dahlgren and Carolyn Blanchard spent time with Hector in our 'studio'. This little playboy has stolen the heart of everyone who has met him. Hector still walks and scampers around with an unsteady gait (which merely adds to his charm), and he doesn't realize that he is any different from his 4-legged friends who have perfect balance.

Hector will be neutered before being adopted by his new family (a requirement for HSOV adoptions to be finalized).

Update: Hector was neutered on October 28, 2024 and was also given rabies vaccine. Hector weighed 4.9 lbs that day.