My story

　　Alina has mild-moderate cerebellar hypoplasia and is a very sweet and happy girl with a big purr. She often follows us around the house just being close. She loves to be pet and will roll over for a tummy rub. Like most CH cats, she has no idea that she is different, so do not tell her!She can climb and she will also jump smaller distances. For example, she can jump to thecouch, but the bed is a little too high, so she needs stairs or a ramp. She is quite the runner. She cannot quite keep up with the non-CH cats in the house, but she tries. Those back legs fly all over the place (super cute!). Every now and again, she will wipe out when she is in a hurry. That does not slow her down any. She just gets up, shakes it off and keeps on going.Alina does like cat towers. She is able to climb and descend by herself on towers that have levels that are closer together. She loves to lay in windows and watch the great outdoors.She will use a litter box on her own. We made a walk-through tub with low entry points for her. We suggest placing a piddle pad at each entry point, just in case. Depending on her mood, she will use either. However, she is very particular about the boxes remaining clean! If not, she will get creative about an alternate less acceptable potty location.Alina is able to eat and drink without assistance. She has been using ceramic bowls for water and dry food, but we feed her wet food in a low-profile plastic bowl with a non-slip bottom. She gets very excited about her wet food! A mat under the bowls is suggested because she takes food kernels out of the bowl and puts them next to the bowl and then eats them. Water spillageis very rare.She adapts quickly to new surroundings. Alina is very playful. She plays with most anything but really likes laser lights, track balls and nylon tunnels. Ping-pong balls and stuffed mice are good too. She is good around other cats and “cat” respectful dogs. Small children are probably not a good match for her.Of course, she does require a little bit of work. She does a good job of cleaning herself, but she cannot manage it all. She has medium length hair that feels like bunny hair, which does tend to mat. Therefore, she does need regularly brushing. It would be nice if she liked the brushing, but she gets fussy and wiggly. Fluffing her fur with a waterless shampoo once a week helps keepthe fur fluffy. She has been getting an actual bath and blow dry every couple of months. She is not a huge fan of that process. In addition, a little sanitary trim is a good idea due to the longer hair.As a bonus, Alina is bonded with her sister Alani. Alani is a “normal” cat. She is a very active girl and might be part monkey the way she dangles and climbs kitty towers. Alani seems to know just how to play with Alina and not push the boundaries. She helps bathe Alina, and they are regularly found sleeping together. They especially like heated beds. Initially, Alani will be shy. Once she gets to know you, she will talk to you in a quiet, squeaky voice and has a big purr.Both girls are indoor only, they like kitty treats, our house cats and our small and big dogs.We recognize that there are only a handful of remarkable people willing to take on thechallenges of special needs pets. That is why we have been waiting to find the perfect match for them, so they can have a happily ever after. Several months ago, a young woman who was a vet student adopted the girls. Through no fault of Alina and Alani, she returned them due to a change in her circumstances. Now, we are hoping to find them a loving forever home. If you orsomeone you know would be a good match for these girls, please let us know.

　　If you have any questions or would like to adopt Alina, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.