We adopted Deaf Kitty not realizing (and no one knew) she was also partially blind. When she came home it took her a long time to settle in, and she was a highly anxious kitty. It wasn't until we moved apartments, about 8 months later when we clued in that she had a severe vision issue when she no longer could navigate the new apartment and wouldn't come out for days and was running into walls she was unfamiliar with. We knew she needed something to help her relax and find joy and somehow navigate her world despite her limitations--she needed an emotional support kitty of her own!
We were now living in Evanston so we reached out to Paws and Claws with a simple request, "I need a young, fearless, playful kitten to be the emotional support kitty to our Deaf and now nearly Blind Kitty...". Enter Figgy. We adopted Figgy without meeting her--she was pure Black compared to Deaf Kitty who is pure White. She was indeed fearless and playful, and completely willing to show Deaf Kitty how to live and play. It took Deaf Kitty about 3-4 days to come out and investigate this kitten, but once she did, well, let the games begin! She couldn't see Figgy, perhaps because she was all black, but they would play chase, and climb, and suddenly Deaf Kitty was out and about and all over the apartment she was once too afraid to navigate. Now she and Figgy were going all day and all night! Figgy literally gave Deaf Kitty her life back...and they have not stopped playing since she has come home.Â
Figgy has been with us a year now, and we have even moved once since then, but Deaf Kitty spent no time in hiding this time...she just let Figgy take the lead in showing her around, and they have both continued to play happily all over this apartment too!
We could not be more grateful for Figgy who is as delightful and fun as a kitty can be, and who has brought joy and life to another kitty as well.
Love,
Marja B.