Clarice, the ‘Munchkin kitty,’ is a forever kitten who overcame great odds to live a happy life in Massachusetts.
At three weeks old, Clarice was on her own, but luck was certainly on her side. A sanctuary specializing in helping ‘odd cats’ was delighted to help her when someone found her. She was unable to use her hind limbs at the time.
Images and media via Facebook/Odd Cats Sanctuary
Clarice is a Manx, born without a tail and with Manx syndrome affecting the tail end of her spine. The vertebrae and nerves in her hindquarters were underdeveloped, and she couldn’t walk with her deformed rear legs. She also needed help with using the potty a couple of times a day and would later wear tiny diapers. As we’ve shared before, expressing the bladder is a manageable routine that takes a few minutes.
All of these things happened because a breeder wanted tailless cats to sell (Adopt, don’t shop!).
Images and media via Facebook/Odd Cats Sanctuary
Nevertheless, the rescuers were prepared to do anything necessary to help her while helping many other rescues with unique needs.
“We will do anything for her❤️,” shared Odd Cats Sanctuary.
Images and media via Facebook/Odd Cats Sanctuary
Images and media via Facebook/Odd Cats Sanctuary
Clarice Gradually Learned to Use Her Legs
Clarice found a wonderful foster mom, Amanda, who worked to help the kitten grow stronger. From the beginning, she had a lot of fight and a strong will to live. And she was always playing like any other kitten. As she scooted along, she kicked and hopped like a cute tuxedo bunny rabbit.
With ongoing physical therapy, Clarice gradually started using her hind legs more and more. Then one day, she stood on her own! Afterward, she began hopping down the hall and climbing by ramp to the lower level of her cat tree.
Along with being playful, she was fearless, loving the much larger dogs (three pit bulls) and older kitties in the foster home. She would sometimes play and snuggle with the gentle pups in their dog beds.
“Her foster mom has been very dedicated to helping her get strong with water and physical therapy and she is now able to use her back legs!” shared the rescue.
Video via Facebook/Odd Cat Sanctuary
Adopting a Munchkin Kitten
By the end of summertime, Clarice was ready to begin searching for a furever home. The rescuers knew it might take longer than usual but were hopeful the right family would come forward. They would need to commit to helping her unique needs every day. But in return, they would be rewarded with a ‘forever kitten,’ who is nothing but pure sweetness.
“She’s worth the extra effort and is super sweet, playful and ridiculously adorable,” the rescuers said.
The wait for Clarice was over when a loving family adopted her in late September.
“We are so happy to announce Clarice, now called Nora, has found her forever home! She will be joining two siblings, Nala, and Niko, and is already so loved. 🥰 ”
She’s continued to grow much stronger but still hops like a bunny wearing cute ‘hot pants.’
“Check out my new hot pants!!! Gotta keep that booty clean! 😸”
Nora at home with her cute ‘hot pants’
You can follow and support Nora on Instagram and the Odd Cat Sanctuary on Instagram and Facebook.
“The majestic Nora soaks in the morning sun. 🌞 😻”
Nora is happy and healthy. Images via Instagram/noramunchkinmanx
