As the colorful leaves are still falling, I have been pondering about Wolfie the Wobbly Cat. Pops is what I call him because he pops like popcorn that has no direction of where it’s going. He really does have his thing with my shoulder. When I squat to retrieve him, he often tries to jump to his perch. I use my hands to guard him up. He usually cannot aim at his target without my help.

Earlier this year, I had an idea to use a football player’s shoulder pads to keep Pops from falling off my shoulder. I thought that using cable ties or velcro would be a good way to secure the pads to my shoulder and Pops in place. However, I don’t sew, so I wished that there was someone out there who could help me with this project. I also mentioned that my neighbor, Ardith, who used to make cat pillow bedding for us, has passed away. I have seen cats perching on top of hiker’s backpacks, but I don’t want to have to carry a backpack around with me. I am still looking for a product that can hold and restrain my cat while he is perched on my shoulder. This would free my hands and do what I need to do while Pops enjoy The Perch.

Having a wrap around handy is helpful for Pops. It provides a comfortable place for him to rest and relax. However, sometimes he prefers to go to the perch. This is likely because the perch offers him a higher vantage point, which allows him to see more of his surroundings. When he is in the wrap-around, he may feel confined and may try to get on the perch in order to feel more free. It is important to respect your cat’s preferences and allow him to choose where he wants to be. However, I am concerned that he may be getting too comfortable in his Hidey Hole and not getting enough exercise. It is true that cats need to move around and exercise regularly to stay healthy. 

I had observed that Pops enjoy being out on the small grassy area beside the patio during late summer afternoons when the sun is not shining directly on him. This is likely because his stunning black fur makes him susceptible to overheating. The grass in this area is a type that is safe for cats to chew on, and Pops loves to roll around in it and nibble on the blades that are tall enough for him to reach. He also enjoys doing gymnastics on the grassy frame, which is likely a way for him to get some exercise and explore his surroundings.

I have tried a few things to help Pops adjust to his surroundings since he arrived home as a kitten eleven months ago. We tried hydrotherapy when he was five months old, but that did not go well. I filled a bathtub with warm water that was shallow enough that the water surface did not touch his stomach. I put him in a small cat life jacket that I had ordered from Amazon, but he quickly slithered out of it. He was flopping around in the shallow water, freaking out and soaking wet. It is important to note that not all cats are comfortable with water. Some cats may even be afraid of it. If your cat is not comfortable with water, it is best to avoid trying to force him into it. 

 It is great that my friend Molly, who is a physical therapist and has come to help me and Pops. It is unfortunate that there is no pet therapy faculty in The Big Town, as this would be a valuable resource for both pets and their owners. 

I had an earlier project involving PVC pipes. I wrapped and taped old towels around them to create a tunnel for Pops. Pops would go forward between the pipes. However, he has now grown bigger and can no longer fit in the tunnel. I will need to find a new project for him, or make the tunnel bigger.

After learning that there was no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia, I searched for other ways to help Pops. I found a few YouTube videos of young cats using wheelchairs and decided to try to get one for Pops. I was successful in getting a donated wheelchair and was grateful for the opportunity to help my cat. I have made about a dozen adjustments to the wheelchair since it arrived in June and may have to make a few more. Pops is particular about his hind legs area and I am working on making the wheelchair’s rear leg rings more comfortable.

I am scrambling to find other ways to make sure Pops gets some exercise and has fun of course before the grassy frame gets snowed in. 

I do understand that Pops should be able to do what a typical cat does for a lifetime, but he needs to use a wheelchair.. We try to get him on the wheelie twice a week, more or less, to keep him to be aware that the wheelie is there to help him to get from one place to another. I also make sure that he has plenty of toys to play with and that his environment is stimulating.

It pains me to see Pops struggle to walk or jump off the couch. Thudding is a common occurrence when he flops from one side to the other. This is not what I am used to seeing from a cat.  He has already had both of his top incisors extracted because they were chipped. That is why I am participating in a program that will give Pops the opportunity to walk or stand with the help of a Wheelie. I hope that this will help him regain his mobility and independence. I know that he will still be a happy cat, but it will be nice to see him able to move around more easily.

To black cats! These beautiful creatures have been misunderstood for centuries, often associated with bad luck and evil. However, I believe that black cats are actually very lucky and bring good fortune to those who own them. They are also incredibly affectionate and make wonderful companions. So here’s to black cats! May they continue to bring joy and happiness to all who know them.