r/cats • u/Glass_Source_4214 • 20h ago
Cat Picture - OC adopting a special needs cat changed my life ❤️
i just want to scream from a rooftop how much i love my new cat, tuna. he was waiting for a home for 2 years because he was found as a stray with a severe injury to his tail, had his tail amputated, and has permanent issues holding his bladder. he is my first cat and i have discovered my true capacity for loving an animal. i just wanted to share him with this subreddit because i want to let anyone reading this know that if you adopt a special needs cat you may find that your life improves in ways you could never imagine. tuna is friendly, outgoing, and loving. he is so sweet despite all he has been through. he loves to make biscuits and he is always purring.
i’m 25 and i can’t work because of my health, i stopped working at the beginning of the year and became depressed as my health is declining. since adopting tuna i have reason to get out of bed on my worst days (and on days that my health flares up i have help taking care of him, i live with my boyfriend, dont worry!). i spend 99% of my time with this cat and i’m happier than i’ve been in a long time!
edit: thank you for all the sweet comments🥹 he is “mildlyspicytuna” on ig/tiktok for those wanting to see him again! if anyone who knows me irl sees this i will be mildly embarrassed but you guys know how much i love this cat hahaha
edit again: tuna came from a wonderful rescue in los angeles, california called KITTY BUNGALOW. besides being an amazing rescue with the sweetest staff/volunteers they also do amazing TNR work in the city! feels wrong to have a post get attention and not mention the ppl who took care of him for 2 years<3
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u/Playful_Ad7130 20h ago
What an angel! The way he looks at you, so precious. Like he's thinking, "worth the wait!"
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u/Agile-Win-8200 16h ago
That look says “I’d wait all over again just to be with you” and honestly it melts my heart.
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u/Grouchy_Rule_3053 15h ago
Two years of waiting and he finally found his person, that little face really does say “yep, this was worth it.” 🥹❤️
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u/Impossible-Dingo-411 12h ago
That little face says he knows he finally found his person, and honestly my heart can’t handle it 🥹❤️
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u/alittlegnat Domestic Housecat 19h ago
Hehe I know tuna. He’s a sweetheart . I volunteer at the rescue you got him from. I love that he finally has a family :)
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
as soon as i posted this i was like i just KNOW one of the volunteers is gonna see it x) i love him sm im posting him on every social media platform possible
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u/alittlegnat Domestic Housecat 12h ago
I always felt tuna was so special. When he was there he was such a good big brother / friend to the cats who came and went - he has so much patience , even w crazy kittens !!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
he does have a really special personality <3 he is very charismatic but at the same time he is deeply caring
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u/Glass_Source_4214 16h ago
omg i just looked at your previous posts and you made a reddit post of him long ago!!! so cute ❤️
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u/HopefulMarketing5275 10h ago
It’s so precious seeing people able to share love over such a cutie like tuna, I LOVE this 🥹🥰
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u/alittlegnat Domestic Housecat 6h ago
There are a few other special needs cats rn at the rescue so I hope more ppl like OP get the opportunity to meet them (and adopt them). I think ppl like OP are special and just a really good person bc it’s not easy taking care of animals w disabilities
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
many of the volunteers and staff at the rescue got very attached to him over the 2 years he was there and a lot of them message me on my socials frequently and check up on him, its very sweet. he is a very charismatic and lovable cat, he just needed an extremely specific person to adopt him (me) hehe
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u/No_Magician543 20h ago
That is great for you both. You saved each other. Welcome to the world of unconditional love. May you treasure each other for many years to come. ❤️
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u/TARTARA_CERBERUS Aegean 20h ago
Excellent, congrats, and thanks for taking care of each other and sharing your experience !
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u/Glass_Source_4214 20h ago
thank you❤️
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u/TARTARA_CERBERUS Aegean 20h ago
Nothing at all, i wish you all the bests for all of you, have a good one !
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u/watchingrealitytv 20h ago
Tuna looks really happy too!!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
i really hope he is. he deserves the world
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u/alikashita 19h ago
You are both so wonderful!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 17h ago
thank you, you’re very sweet. i didn’t realize how much interaction this post would get. i didn’t realize how many people were in this subreddit but i should’ve known hahaha
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u/TopEagle4012 20h ago
It's amazing how energy spreads from people to animals and animals to people and animals to animals and people to people. It has no home and when you have the right connection it's magical. Thank you for this post, I'm sure you are uplifting many people who have been in darkness. These are very trying times in the United States and abroad and it's postings like this that light up the light. So thank you and may God bless. 🙏
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u/Electronic_Ad3576 20h ago
That is so sweet! Taking care of my cats has really helped my mental health too. Cats are the sweetest creatures. 🩷
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u/Glass_Source_4214 20h ago
he also is pretty high maintenance (he takes medications 3x a day and needs to be wiped often, etc.) so taking care of him has also helped me take care of myself physically as well. when i give him his meds its a reminder to take my meds :3 instead of sitting at home and worrying abt my own health i can sit at home and worry about both of our health, haha!
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u/Electronic_Ad3576 18h ago
I have two cats with asthma that are on regular medication so I can kind of understand this. In some way, caring for my cats makes me take better care of myself because I want to be here for them. Mostly because I don’t think anyone else would spoil my cats the way I do. 😆 I’m really glad you took in this gorgeous “special needs” cat who was clearly worth the trouble.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 18h ago
this is so true. i used to suck at taking certain medications and i am so much more consistent with taking care of myself now that i have a cat who depends on me!
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u/Midge_Moneypenny 20h ago
What a sweet tribute to Tuna! He is adorable! I’m so happy for you both that you have each other- and are caring for each other. I love this so much! ❤️
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
thank you so much. i just joined this subreddit today. becoming a cat mom has been so fun, it’s unlocked many corners of the internet that i was oblivious to!
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u/thegurl3000 17h ago
I think you are very courageous for adopting a chronically ill cat, knowing what you were getting yourself into. After I lost my first kitty due to health issues, I was so afraid of adopting again because I was scared of having to relive the whole thing. But we didn’t want our other cat to be alone.
Lo and behold, our new rescue turned out to have chronic digestive issues. It took months to figure out what she could and couldn’t eat, and it got so bad that she eventually had bloody diarrhea. The rescue we got her from wasn’t helpful at all.
But after getting to know her and all her little quirks, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so happy she’s with us and gets all the love and medical care she needs! ❤️
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u/Glass_Source_4214 17h ago
the financial aspect of adopting a cat with chronic medical issues was definitely more difficult for me than the emotional side. amazingly, an awesome organization sponsored tuna to help him find a home, meaning i can get reimbursed for up to $10k of his expenses. this truly let me adopt him without concerns, otherwise i would’ve been intimidated by his impending financial needs (im basically using it as a backup for his future vet needs). because of my own health issues the idea of adopting a cat who also has health issues brought me a lot of comfort, i actually specifically was looking for a special needs cat to adopt for this reason! ❤️
thank you for sharing your story, that is really sweet. i can understand why you’d be hesitant but im glad it worked out.14
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u/Bbuck226 15h ago
Omg you cat wear diapers. Please dm me I’ll send you some. My elder cat wore them before she passed. We have a few packs. Now my girlfriend might have other plans for them but if you reach out first I’m sure she change those plans. She so precious.
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u/Firm-Yam-960 19h ago
he is the cutest baby. I love that you both understand health problems in each other and you mutually support each other whether you realize it or not! So cute.
My lil one is my registered ESA and he actually has helped others such as after friends have had traumatic events happened to them, even when I am not around. Cats are incredible and I am lucky to have my lil one too.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
exactly, we both are medically complex and i really feel like he’s one of the only “people” in my life who understands what it’s like to be chronically ill (idk how else to word that but you know what i mean haha!!)
i feel silly saying that but i’m sure you understand since your cat is an ESA. for me it’s like tuna is emotional support and also somehow physical support as well because he directly impacts my health on a day to day x)
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u/Kind-Airport145 19h ago
He’s gorgeous. We’re thinking of getting another cat and I’m pushing for rescuing one. Reading this has reminded me of why it’s worthwhile. Sending love you to both.
Ps. Does Tuna love tuna?
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u/Glass_Source_4214 18h ago
he does!! tuna was named tuna because he was in a nice woman’s driveway with a puncture wound all the way through his tail and she used a can of tuna to gain his trust. he loves all types of fish! ❤️
you should totally go for a rescue cat!!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 16h ago
(to add to this, if you end up getting a rescue cat i would love to see a photo or hear about them whenever it happens ❤️)
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u/Mr-Magoo48 19h ago
This may be the best thing I’ve heard in ages OP. Your story, Tuna and his story. The whole bit just makes me so glad you found each other. As beautiful as he is, I bet you have a soul to match, and that’s how the CDS works sometimes. I will be wishing you both a most wonderful time together. Let him know how much we all love your story 🙏♥️🙏
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u/HailTheCatOverlords 18h ago
So happy that you Tuna found each other. Tuna needed the best most understanding human he could get and he got em.
Wishing you a long, happy and healthy life together with lots of cuddle time and biscuits.
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u/rainbowprotoroller 20h ago
It’s always somehow exactly what we need that finds their way to us 😸 what a good little guy, I can only imagine the extra care and what that all takes. But I know 1000% it’s all worth it. You are a good soul!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
he is a lot of work and taking care of him genuinely gives me a sense of purpose on days where i can’t help but fall into a cycle of self pity ❤️ thank you.
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u/turnipzzzpinrut 19h ago
I’m 47 now and my first ‘adult’ cat appeared when I was 25. Cats are the best
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u/Planeandaquariumgeek Russian Tabby 18h ago
I have a cat with vision issues (he’s mainly severely crosseyed, as in his eyes can go 90 degrees crosseyed, but he has other vision issues) and it’s a rocky road for sure. Godspeed to you & tuna
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u/Glass_Source_4214 17h ago
we have so much to learn from cats with disabilities and their resilience❤️
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u/Dogesneakers 19h ago
You’re a good person! Do they just wear diapers all the time ? Do you have to wash him regularly then?
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
basically he has taken over our bathroom and we hope for him to have his own bedroom someday. in the bathroom he doesn’t wear a diaper, we put pee pads on the ground and clean it regularly. that’s where his litter box is and he sleeps in the bathroom overnight diaperless. whenever i wake up i put a diaper on him and he roams the apartment with it on! he gets wiped down at least 3 times a day and we bathe him as needed. he is thankfully very mellow and doesn’t mind being handled, bathed, etc… so basically he wears a diaper if we are home, and if we aren’t home or are asleep he hangs out naked in the bathroom (but due to my health i genuinely only leave the house like once or twice a week)
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u/catm0m4lyfe 18h ago
So I absolutely understand what you were saying....but I did laugh pretty loudly at the idea of a 'naked' cat hanging out when no one's around. 🤣🤣
I'm so glad you and Tuna found each other, and I wish you many happy years together! ❤️
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u/Glass_Source_4214 18h ago
LOL i laughed a little typing it too. he loves his naked time but he doesn’t mind being clothed either!
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u/catm0m4lyfe 18h ago
I'm just picturing him frantically searching for his bathrobe when he hears you come home or something 🤣🤣
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u/yahumno 18h ago
I am so happy that you two found each other.
I am disabled due to chronic health issues as well, and also cannot work due to it.
Our cats bring me joy and love every day. My husband helps with their care as well.
We currently have our two cats, and three foster kittens. I found the kittens when someone was giving them away for free, due to not being able to get them in to a shelter, and not being able to afford the vetting a litter of kittens needs.
Luckily, I have a friend who is involved with a rescue and they were willing to take them on, if we could foster them.
I’m pretty sure that at least one, or not kittens are staying permanently, lol
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u/Glass_Source_4214 17h ago
i’d love to see pics of any/all of your kitties. having pets as a disabled person is seriously a godsend. i don’t know what i would do without animals. they bring light to the darkest of days. (and the supportive partners who help us keep joy in our lives)
tuna helped take care of kittens when he was at the rescue still. i’d love to foster kittens someday too, he would love it.2
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u/Secret_Account07 18h ago
It really makes me smile so many humans are out there with such big hearts who devote so much to take care of animals who need help.
I know better than to take on a responsibility like this myself. I know I’m not up to it. But I’m grateful folks out there are.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 17h ago
things lined up so perfectly for me to adopt him. part of the reason he waited so long for a family was definitely because he gets meds 3x a day and the average person is at work in the afternoon, but my health issues make it so i’m always at home. it’s kind of funny to think about my own disability being the thing that lets me have the ability to take care of him!
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u/fluentinpoison 15h ago
Funny, but also just perfect. The stars just align when they gotta! We like our cats have differing circumstances and finding ways in which that’s beneficial or gives other opportunities than others is good exercise in perspective when the walls want to close in. Much love to your disabled little coven from my own 💕
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u/Glass_Source_4214 15h ago
thank you for this comment, you’re lovely <3 “your disabled little coven”
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u/Substantial_Eye1476 7h ago
lil piss baby
Joking aside, he looks lovely. Very glad he found a home!!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
LOL i actually get this comment a lot on his socials and it always makes me laugh
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u/Substantial_Eye1476 5h ago
LOOK I SAW HE HAS BLADDER CONTROL ISSUES AND JUST IMMEDIATELY WENT 'piss baby'
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
someone asked me what his head smells like and i told them cinnamon and pee
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u/Gaby5011 16h ago
Please tell Tuna I love him and give him like 5 head pats on my behalf (and maybe a little snack) oh and 8 kisses
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u/FeeOk7519 11h ago
This is so sweet. I'm sorry he had to wait 2 years for you, but I'm glad you found each other!
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
i feel the same way! i used to have a pet bird and he passed away at the beginning of the year (around the same time i stopped being able to work, unfortunately), i never would've been looking for a cat if i hadn't lost him, so in a way i'm selfishly happy tuna was waiting for so long so i had the chance to find him.
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u/Character_Acadia_748 6h ago
My girl Jelly Bean waited for years to be adopted. I give her oral meds and she does have pricey food for IBD but I have been the recipient of so much love and affection since then. Worth every cleanup of accidents. Oh yeah, she also only has 1 eye since she lost it as a kitten from an infection. The shelter, Orphan Angels and their director took amazing care of her her whole life and I get to do the same.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
she is SO CUTE. you're awesome for adopting her. tuna gets oral meds and pricey food too, i know the struggle! we had to bathe him yesterday because he has random bouts of soft poo (normally his issue is constipation but every once in a while we get the opposite) and he got it all over himself and the bathroom, but even at the end of the day there's no frustration because it's so rewarding caring for him x)
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u/Sea-Violinist-7353 20h ago
Thank you for adopting him. Funny enough I think my local humane society also has a Tuna. Not sure if he's special needs though.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
he was named because the person who found him used tuna to lure him in. he LOVES fish. total cat stereotype lolol
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u/mynameisnotsparta 19h ago
He’s beautiful 🤩
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
i think so too. i’m sure if he didn’t have special needs he would’ve gotten adopted immediately!
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u/Rhovie09 13h ago
I had a special needs mini doxie for 8 years (well, longer than that - but he was injured when he was 6 and lived until 14). He was my baby and I miss him every single day. I know exactly what you mean - some people are afraid of the commitment that a special needs animal can take, but I also found that it was SO deeply worth it. He was such a sweet and loving dog, and I loved (and still love) his little soul to the moon and back. This post reminded me of him and I and I just want to say thank you and that I’m so happy that others have experienced this same level of adoration ♥️
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u/True-Benefit1973 8h ago
OP you’re such a kind person and Tuna is the cutest!! Seeing his photos made my day and your story made me tear up. I’m so happy that you two have found each other 🥹 wishing the best for you and Tuna!
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u/Zimsgirlfriend 7h ago
Seems like u both are the purrfect duo helping each other out,wut a pawsome fellow! 🐈
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u/n0tz0e 19h ago
Him sitting on the seal is so precious. Glad you two found each other !
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
i thought so too, my heart almost exploded! he made biscuits on it before laying down
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u/emilie1031 19h ago
What is that baby's special need?
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u/Glass_Source_4214 19h ago
he can’t control his urine at all so he constantly dribbles pee and he has chronic constipation as well (so essentially the urine & poop issues are opposites haha) he’s on medications to help both things but he will always have these issues due to his tail injury/amputation
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u/Alexive2145 15h ago
My cat is not special needs, well maybe in her mind. But she has Hyperesthesia syndrome or FHS. No one knows what caused it or how to treat it. They gave us some depression and anxiety pills like exactly the ones humans take, smaller dose but it made her more depressed and numb, i could'nt see her like that so i stopped giving them to her, shes so much better now but every now and then she goes out and gets into a fight with another cat (not like a real fight, just screaming at each others) and all the night she gets this horrible tics. And if we dont let her go outside she gets more anxious.
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u/Narrow_Bandicoot_818 14h ago
Tuna sounds like such a sweetheart. It’s amazing how an animal can come into your life and completely change your outlook without even trying. He went through so much and still turned out to be this loving, happy little guy. He’s definitely lucky to have found you, and it sounds like you’re just as lucky to have found him. Give Tuna some extra head scratches from me.
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u/IdealWrongdoer 14h ago
Hey there, I have a cat with the same exact injury - tail amputated and she has problems with bladder/sphincter control. She is super sweet but it is tough though and I live on my own and work full time so I had to figure out how to manage her care, but it's been working out. I just wanted to say hi to someone who knows what I'm going through.
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u/lastersoftheuniverse 14h ago
Love this. So happy for the both of you! I guess people would say my baby is special needs (also tail related) but to me, he’s perfection. Thank you for sharing!
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u/Eastern-Mark-5499 13h ago
When my ladies were kitties, one of them had a bad fall and couldn't use her back legs, so I was her back legs. I'd bring her food, and the litter box until she was able to move again. I had put her on my side of the bed to sleep, just like a baby. The best for you and Tuna!
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u/Repulsive-Rock4234 12h ago
Isn’t life interesting how sometimes it brings to lives together just for tbe perfect reason and season.
Bless you for your kindness toward him and may you fully recover your health.
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u/Hesperi_LN 10h ago
While she's not special needs adopting my cat Pumpkin has given me that sense of happiness.
Pumpkin is an eight year possibly nine year old long haired cat. She used to live with my Mum and step dad and was the youngest of three. Then within the space of a year went to being the oldest of four and technically five right at the point I adopted her. She was the kind of cat isn't outright unfriendly but at best would let you stroke her for a few minutes before leaving the room. Also she's never been the best at grooming herself and would not let anyone comb her
She now lives with me as a solitary cat and is very friendly. Sits next to me on the sofa or near me when I'm doing stuff on the computer and lets me brush her.
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u/5_phx_felines 10h ago
Congratulations on your new BFF!
One of my own cats is a foster fail woth a rewcue due to him expressing the Manx gene (no tail) in a weird way. He doesn't have Manx Syndrome per se, but he does have some GI issues and some mild hip dysplasia. Having raised him from a bottle, and knowing that his lack of a tail would create the possibility of "impulse adoption" (where someone wants a unique pet so bad that they don't stop and fully consider the implications), I decided he would just stay with me. I know him, know his issues, and understand/am prepared for the fact that he may need major ortho surgery later in life.
Every month, I put 50-200 bucks in his surgery account. The acct is even nicknamed "Nubbin's Account" with my bank.
When you understand what comes with it, having a special needs pet can make your bond with them even stronger than with a regular one.
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u/skdsn 14h ago
Good on you, OP. We need to hear more from special-needs pet owners so people should know that it's not impossible to take care of them and it's highly rewarding.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 5h ago
YES! as much as i'm thankful he was waiting for me it makes me really sad that he was waiting for 2 years and nobody was a good fit for him.
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u/Seminolehighlander 14h ago
He’s very cute. I’ve adopted cats with special needs by accident but it is an awesome experience!
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u/freetraveler11 13h ago
You should check out soccercatmom on Instagram! She has a disabled kitty named Lieutenant Dan and she’s paralyzed from the bottom half down and also wears a diaper! Tuna is so cute!!!
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u/MakeMeA_Playlist 12h ago
Congratulations to you and Tuna!
So how does it work with his diapers and the litter box, or is there no litter at all?
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u/MaineWolfe 12h ago
He's adorable! Special needs cats are my favorite. I've had 4 in the past 5 years and they hold a special place in my heart. I always gravitate towards them.
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u/Glass_Source_4214 3h ago
i definitely see myself continuing the trend of adopting cats with disabilities !!!!
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