Gabi Somer, one of the co-founders of Cats and Dogs Forever Sanctuary in La Vernia, Texas, came across Cricket, a unique kitten with spinal malformations and no tail. As soon as Gabi learnedaout Cricket’s condition, she felt compelled to offer her assistance. In March of this year, Tina Galloway reached out to Gabi via email, inquiring about the sanctuary’s willingness to care for special needs cats. Gabi distinctly remembers this moment.
The Cats and Dogs Forever Sanctuary is a safe haven dedicated to providing a happy and secure environment for special needs cats, dogs, and senior pets. The founder, Gabi, established the organization five years ago to cater to special needs cats encountered during TNR, a humane practice of trapping, sterilizing, and returning homeless and feral felines to their communities. The sanctuary offers cage-free lifelong care, and all cats and dogs live harmoniously together. Over time, the organization began accommodating special needs animals from other groups, and when Tina contacted Gabi in March 2020 about Cricket, they had an available slot. Tina is a special needs foster mom in St. Louis for a group called Saving St. Louis Pets. In December 2019, the group received a 4-week old kitten named Cricket, who was unable to walk.
The adorable picture posted by @daisytheparaplegickitten on Instagram shows Cricket, a feline who has gone through multiple visits to veterinarians to diagnose her condition. Eventually, it was discovered that she had fused hind legs and spinal deformities that were congenital. Her x-rays also revealed that she was born without several vertebrae and is incontinent as a result. Despite this, Gabi, her owner, says that Cricket manages to move around by zooming on her tush, although she requires diapers to protect her sensitive areas. Gabi knew that the Cats and Dogs Forever Sanctuary would be able to provide Cricket with specialized care, including regular diaper changes, and thus they offered her a permanent place in the organization.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tina was unable to travel safely to Texas with Cricket in April 2020. As a result, the pair didn’t arrive at Cats and Dogs Forever Sanctuary until May 23, 2020. Gabi recalls how Tina drove all the way from Illinois to deliver the spunky kitten to them. After saying goodbye to her foster mom, Cricket settled in right away at the sanctuary and has been thriving ever since. Despite being paralyzed, Cricket is joyful and active, zooming around indoors and in the catio faster than some of the sanctuary’s four-legged cats. Gabi notes that she never feels sorry for herself, and everyone at the sanctuary is amazed by her can-do attitude. An image posted on Instagram by @daisytheparaplegickitten accompanies the text.
Cricket, a special needs kitten, is unaware of her differences from other cats, but her caregiver Gabi has noticed that people often feel sorry for animals like her. However, Gabi believes that caring for special needs cats and dogs is rewarding and does not require pity. Gabi finds inspiration in Cricket and all the special needs cats at the sanctuary, as they play and have fun just like any other cat. Although Cricket has fused hind legs and is incontinent, she is still active and enjoys hunting bugs and playing with toys. Gabi notes that caring for her is not as time-consuming as people might think, as it simply involves changing a diaper rather than cleaning litter boxes and scattered litter.
The adorable image of @daisytheparaplegickitten on Instagram highlights the importance of preventing urine scald in our furry friends. Gabi, Cricket’s owner, has come up with a simple solution to keep her dry andaoid any irritation caused by urine residue. Instead of using diapers, Gabi uses corn starch to ensure that Cricket stays dry and comfortable throughout the night in her playpen. This is an excellent way to provide our pets with the care they deserve and ensure their well-being.
The article discusses the care given to Cricket, a kitten with paralysis, by Gabi at the Cats and Dogs Forever Sanctuary. Gabi provides Cricket with lactic acid, a laxative, and cisapride, a medication that increases motility in the upper GI tract, to prevent constipation. Despite challenges, Gabi believes caring for Cricket is not difficult and hopes to raise awareness for animals with special needs. Cricket receives love and affection at the sanctuary and is one of the most beloved kittens there. Gabi cannot imagine life without her. The story of Cricket teaches us to appreciate and love animals, no matter their limitations.
