
Our little Matilda arrived at the shelter
with four babies in tow. All the kittens were placed. Unfortunately, Matilda
was not. She had a rare seizure disorder. The skin on her back rippled back
and forth like something was creeping along beneath it. A gentle pat to her
fur was met with repeated hard chomping bites...ouch! Nothing could soothe
her, so Matilda was put on seizure medication.
Three years passed while hundreds of
kitties came and went from the shelter. No one wanted Matilda. Not until a
month ago, when Matilda finally had her chance.
Matilda found adjusting to a new home to
be extremely stressful. Her seizures worsened. In addition to rippling skin
and rapid non-stop biting, she began pawing in the air at imaginary objects.
Her meds were increased. Matilda's new owner continued to give her lots of
love and gentle pats.
There is good news! One month later,
while on a scheduled home visit, I found a "new" Matilda. She was sleeping
peacefully on a rocking chair. She awoke, jumped to the floor, and
stretched. I gave her a few gentle stokes and she accepted them without a
flinch. Her skin did not ripple, and she did not chomp on my hand.

I am so happy that Matilda finally seems
settled and happy. Matilda is a truly wonderful success story.