Wally, a Persian cat, has an adorable little smushed face but the little guy could hardly breathe properly. Fortunately, rescuer Jacqueline, who took in the famous Wolife the Smiling Werecat, found him and took him into foster care.
Like Wolfie, Wally has quite a character and almost doesn’t look real. He has huge golden eyes, a tiny nose, and droopy whisker pads. Everyone fell in love with Wally’s unique look. However, that look often comes at a cost to health.
Images via Instagram/wolfie_smiles, fflrescuenetwork
Wally’s Shortened Brachycephalic Nose
Unfortunately, his short nose and muzzle caused breathing difficulty, as with many Persian and related cats. The fancy word is he has a brachycephalic nose, which can cause brachycephalic airway syndrome. The same is true for dog breeds that have similarly cute but smushed faces.
Due to breeding for his unusual appearance, Wally is prone to having trouble breathing, among other health concerns. It’s much like the debilitating health problems many Scottish Fold cats have due to breeding for those cute ears. And, it’s another great reminder to always adopt and never buy from a breeder.
“Brachycephalic airway syndrome is common in [Persian] cats – this is where affected cats have difficulty breathing due to a very narrow external opening of the nose (stenotic nares), narrow nasal passages or nasopharynx, and/or due to a relatively long soft palate – in some cases, the breathing difficulties can be severe.”
Wally Needed a Special Surgery to Breathe Properly
Wally may have suffered for a lifetime had Jacqueline not rescued him from a shelter. But she and her followers would ensure he got everything he needed to live his best life, just like Wolfie.
As it turned out, Wally needed a “nostril widening surgery” called stenotic nares surgery. It was critical because if he played for over 30 seconds, he would become out of breath. Then, he would lay down to catch his breath through his mouth. But to help him be a happy kitten, the surgery would cost over $3.3K! With such high health care costs, it would be out of reach without everyone chipping in.
Stenotic Nares Surgery to Widen the Nostrils
Jacqueline shared some important information about stenotic nares surgery. Meanwhile, numerous kind supporters donated funds to make it possible.
Wally’s surgery was a success and he could finally breathe normally. Imagine the relief to play without getting exhausted!
“His nose was only slits with no way to really breathe. They cut away the tissue and also cut part of his actual nose because it was dipping down. He has a slightly elongated palate but not bad enough to warrant surgical intervention. Overall, I’m really pleased and can’t wait to see how he heals.”
A before and after picture shows how his tiny nostrils widened after the surgery.
Breathing Easy in His New Home
Following the surgery, the kitty continued to recover, remaining absurdly cute. Not long after, he went to a new home with some adorable siblings where he worked on building stamina.
Thanks to so many caring people, he’s living his best life and breathing much easier these days.
“He spends his days staring out the windows watching birds and squirrels with his sisters, running laps around the living room/kitchen, hopping up and down the stairs, and taking relaxing naps in my home office. He is very entertaining to watch! 10/10 bby 🤍🤍🤍.”
Image via Instagram/spilledmilk
