“Weebles Wobble, but they don’t fall down.” Who remembers this phrase from your childhood? We might be dating ourselves here, but it was about those cute, wobbly, egg-shaped toys from the 70s that made a comeback in recent years. The phrase is also how rescuers in California described a silly and cute kitty with a bobbed tail named Rumi.
Rumi as a tiny kitten born with cerebellar hypoplasia or CH
Always a happy kitten, Rumi first arrived at a Riverside, California, rescue at three months old. She was surrendered with her mama, Lucy, who shared the bobbed tail trait but was also polydactyl (extra toes) with some neurological symptoms.
Rumi’s mama cat Lucy at Room 8 Memorial Cat Foundation in Riverside, CA.. Image via Facebook/Room 8 Memorial Cat Foundation
The cuddly baby tabby with sparkling golden eyes has cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), which causes her to be wobbly on her feet. But she’s not in pain and can have a long, happy life with some simple accommodations. In her case, symptoms are very mild, while other cats may be prone to falling much more often. To reduce risks, these kitties always need a soft, carpeted area to help them get around. Carpet also helps them get traction with their claws.
“As you can see, Rumi is a little wobbly when she walks, and sometimes she falls down,” the rescuers explained. “She has trouble coordinating her movements, which may cause her to stumble or fall, but that doesn’t stop Rumi from being a playful and curious cat,” they explained.
In the video below, Love Your Feral Felines shares Rumi’s story.
Video via TikTok/loveyourferalfelines
Helping Cats with CH
As shown in the TikTok, Rumi needs a few accommodations to help her live her best life:
- Larger litter box with high sides
- Elevated food and water bowls
- Encourage exercise and climbing safely!
- Add traction to hard surfaces (wood and tile floors)
- Restrict access to steep ledges and possibly stairs
Cats with CH may also need a little help each day with grooming. The neurological condition from birth doesn’t get worse over time or affect other cats. Except, they will harmlessly bump into their playmates by accident!
Over time Rumi’s condition could improve considerably. However, those considering adoption should plan for the wobbly action to continue for their full lifetime.
A High-Energy Ball of Energy
Although wobbly, Rumi doesn’t know she’s any different and loves nothing more than playing like any other cat.
“Rumi’s a high-energy, super social kitty. She loves other cats, loves humans, loves to play (especially in tunnels), and loves her wet food. We think all of her energy makes her a great candidate for clicker-training. Bottom line: our little Weeble Wobbler is a super sweet 1-year-old girl who doesn’t require special attention other than lots of love and companionship,” LYFF shared.
Here she is, being wacky and staring at the ceiling, which reminds us of an orange cat we all know and love.
“I wonder what goes through her head all day?”
A Rare Nap
Although normally a furry ball of energy, there was that one time she was caught taking a nap, a “rare treat!” they said.
“Rumi is all about participation, actually. She can usually be found in the middle of the action. Catching her in a cat nap was a rare treat!”
Cat with CH almost always tend to have a challenge finding a furever home. Thus, it’s possible she could still be in foster care at the time of this writing. And, there are many cats like her who need a family who will love their adorable, silly and wobbly ways. Those in California can learn more at Love Your Feral Felines on Facebook and Instagram.
