Wobbly kittens Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonky are from Kansas City, and both were born with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH). Willy Wonky’s mom, Mandy, knew she “was in trouble” when she first saw videos of Charlie as a tiny kitten rescued from under a porch with his littermates. After the rescuer adopted Willy in 2020 through the Rescue Project, she couldn’t resist caring for another adorable wobbly kitten.
Mandy knew that if she didn’t act fast, the odds weren’t in Charlie’s favor in a shelter.
“Because of his special needs, you definitely want to get them out of the shelter, or they will be put down,” she explained (see video below).
Charlie Bucket as a tiny kitten rescued from a porch in Kansas City, Missouri. Images via Instagram//iamwillywonky
Weighing under a pound, Charlie was struggling with serious tummy troubles like many shelter kittens. While he overcame the tummy issues, his CH is incurable and will be with him for a lifetime. It’s not painful, and these kitties can have full, happy lives with some relatively simple accommodations.
Safe in his then-foster home, Charlie’s lovable and clever, playful purrsonality emerged.
“Charlie has one of the most amazing personalities I’ve met in a cat. I know he’s a kitten, but this is another level of kitten,” said Mandy.
Mandy Morris with Charlie Bucket via Facebook/Willy Wonky
On top of getting the zoomies, Charlie also has the wild wobbles, but doesn’t know he’s any different. He enthusiastically loves life just the way he is.
“Our life is Never dull with this one 😂,” Mandy said.
Charlie Bucket laying in a colorful blanket via Facebook/Willy Wonky
Caring for Cats Like Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonky
While the TikTok famous Willy Wonky has severe CH, Charlie Bucket’s symptoms are on the mild side. To keep them safe from constant bumps and falls, they provide extra-soft padding, elevated and soft food bowls and a special low-to-the-ground litter box for Willy.
Charlie Bucket as a kitten with the TikTok famous Willy Wonky from Kansas City
“This is always a tricky question to answer. Every special needs animal has different levels of needs,” shared Mandy. “It is important to do your research and be willing to make adjustments for your pet. Some will require little to no extra care and others will be more round the clock. If you have lots of stairs, small children, aggressive pets, then it probably isn’t the best home for a disabled animal. Believe me. It takes some time and simple adjustments, but it is all so worth it. They make some of the best companions 💓.”
Video via Instagram/iamwillywonky
You can see many more tips on Willy Wonky’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Charlie Bucket’s Golden Ticket
Over the summer, Mandy and her husband Phillip announced that Charlie had won the Golden Ticket. They officially adopted him furever to join their home shared with Willy and other furry friends.
“Charlie has officially received his golden ticket home with us!!🎉 We can’t imagine our lives without him. He completes our perfect family. Welcome home Charlie Bucket!”
Video via Instagram/iamwillywonky
Video about Charlie Bucket’s story by GeoBeats Animals:
