(by 26 people)
Norman - A Very Special Kitty
Welcome to Norman's Page! Who is Norman, aka Mr. Romper Pants? I met Norman online during the 2006 Cutest eBay Pet Contest. On September 20, 2006 his Mom posted an introduction to Norman, my heart melted and Norman went immediately in that very special place in my heart.
Norman's story went worldwide on the eBay Discussion Boards and folks from all over dropped by to say hello and leave hugs.
As the weeks flew by, mom shared his (and her) life with us. We all looked forward to his pictures, learned about his daily life and of course chatting with his mom, and we fell in love with Norman all over again every day.
He is one very special kitty. And his human mom and dad are pretty gosh darn special too! They have taken such wonderful care of Norman and given him so much love over the years.
If you have a few minutes, I would be delighted to introduce you to this very special kitty. Below is a copy of his story, his very first post on the boards way back in 2006.
Quick Link to Norman News!
Hello my name is Norman!
I was born with a neurological disease called hydrocephalus. This means I had too much cerebrospinal fluid within my brain. This happened while I was still growing and all that fluid made my head quite round, my nose quite big and my eyes very large.
I can't see very well.....
Sometimes I bump into furniture and walls when I'm playing. The hydrocephalus also did some funny stuff to my brain and I still act like a little kitten, but Mommy and Daddy say that's one of the things they love most about me! Kittens born with hydrocephalus don't often live beyond kitten hood, but my veterinarian says I'm super special because I'm 7 (maybe 8) years old!I was surrendered twice to animal shelters because both my first and second families had to move and didn't want to take me with them.
The second time I was at the animal shelter, I was very scared. I was put in a room with 12 other boy cats. The other kitties didn't understand that I was a special kitty and they would beat me up. I was very, very frightened and sad in the animal shelter until my Mommy saw me.
She was a volunteer at the animal shelter and she was the only one who realized that I was a special needs kitty. She took me home for a weekend visit and within 15 minutes Mommy and Daddy were very much in love with me because I was so adorable.
Just after my first Christmas in my new home, I had a seizure. I don't remember much about it, but Mommy and Daddy say I ran around in circles, fell down and was twitching a lot. I had lots of seizures back then, sometimes as many as 2 or 3 a day. Mommy and Daddy took me to a veterinarian and the veterinarian decided I needed to have a little pink pill every day. I LOVE playing the "pink pill time game"! It's fun to watch Mommy and Daddy try and find me when it's time to give me the little pink pill. I like it watching from different hiding spots as they search all over the house for me! Ever since we started playing the "pink pill time game", I hardly have any seizures anymore.
Last year I had to have a tooth pulled.....
My face was very swollen but I never complained. Everyone was really, really scared because my seizure problems made it very dangerous for me to have surgery. My veterinarian was very careful and the only problem I had was some swelling in my leg from the IV the vet gave me. Mommy and Daddy said I was a very brave boy.Sometimes I get obsessive about keeping myself clean and I groom myself a little too much. I really don't mean to, I just can't help it! Whenever this happens I have to wear a little shirt my Daddy made for me.
I'm an indoor kitty and love to watch the birds outside ...
Sometimes I perch on my very high scratching post and even if the blinds are closed I can still see the birds!Hey, who's paw is that!
I get lots of cuddles each day, get to play hide and seek with Mommy and Daddy every morning, and I have my very own fashion designer!Looks like a very relaxing day for your Norman and what a gorgeous view!
And From Norman's Mommy ...
Norman is a special needs kitty. Thanks to the daily meds he's on, the good days outnumber the bad. His grand mal seizures last 2 - 4 minutes, during which time he's so scared he tries to run away from them. Because of his poor eyesight, he often runs full force into walls and furniture before he collapses on the floor and his muscles seize up. His petite mal seizures have lasted as long as 20 minutes. All we can do is hold him gently until it's over. Each seizure brings with it the fear of possible brain damage which could limit his mobility, or worse, a severe seizure has the potential to end his life.Living with Norman is a constant reminder that life can change in a second, and we need to cherish each and every moment we have with our friends, family and our furkids.
Norman's Video's
The Norman Story - is a wonderful introduction to Norman, made during the 2006 Cutest eBay Pet Contest to the tune of "What's New Pussycat". The original slideshow was created by Uncle Frank and precious Kellyreddog!
Norman Goes Fishing - was taken last week. As you know, Norman's eyesight isn't all that good, so we try to come up with games that involve touch more than sight. He likes this one and is quite good at "fishing". Sorry about the quality of the video, but Mommy was working alone on this project so taping AND dealing with the "bait" (crunchy kitty treats) was a bit of a challenge.
Norman the Goalie - he loves Q-Tips and thus Norman's mommy calls this game "Tips". Norman's daddy is a hockey fan and a goalie, so he calls it the "Norman the Goalie" game. We've trying playing this game in different parts of the house, but Norman seems to enjoy it the most when he's in the bathtub. Again, because of Norman's eyesight issues, we make noises so Norman knows there are incoming "tips".
Norman Walking - This video was taken an hour after Norman's "setback" today (March 30). As you can see, he certainly does bounce back, so to speak. Norman's vision isn't very good when it comes to seeing things that are directly in front of him, so he tends to put one paw in front of the other so he can feel his way with each step.
Norman's Favorite Toy
When Norman isn't gazing out the window, watching hockey with Dad, snuggling with Mom, getting brushies, nibbling his favorite treats, or playing with his fursiblings Snuggles, Missy, Tasha, Guy and Tayle, one of his favorite things to play with are ribbons!
Here are a few of his 2006 Vote for Norman pictures
Double Vision?
There has been so many cute pictures of Norman, geesh, how does a girl pick just one LOL. But must say that since I first say this one back in 2006, it has always been my favorite, well one of 'em! LOL
Auntie Kathy's Favorite Picture of Norman
2006 Cutest eBay Pet Contest - Cutest Kitty Winner!
Norman had so many eBayers from all over the world (Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, Asia) drop by to wish him luck, send their love (and of course vote for him LOL).At the end of the contests held each year, I never divulged any numbers, only who the winners were.
But have to say that our sweet Norman won the eBay Cutest Kitty category by a landslide!
In the history of the contest (since 2002), there had never been any furbaby who had as many individual votes as he did.
And doesn't he look handsome in his wee hat!
Below is a picture that mom posted with the following caption, and how true it is!
Ya know, Garfield you might be famous, but Norman melts our hearts!
"All right Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up"
Positive thoughts needed for Norman
Norman, well ok, his mom, became a regular poster on the Canada Town Square eBay Discussion Board, but on Feb 9, 2008 Mom posted that Norman was not well and going through a difficult time. Of course all of his friends dropped by to give their love to Norman and support to Mom and Dad.
Norman's human parents are awesome caregivers and he is under the care of some very wonderful vets too!
- Positive thoughts needed for Norman ...
- If you click on the link above, you can read the posts on the Canada Town Square Discussion Board
Norman.......
This is one tough kitty!
Warm Hugs from Auntie Kathy
Norman, it breaks my heart to know you have not been feeling well, but Mom says you have been such a trooper. I hope you are feeling better real soon, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers every night and in that special place in my heart.
You have so many "aunties" and "uncles" keeping you in their thoughts and prayers too, you are part of our special family.
Norman News!
Updates from Mom
June 23Norman is doing a little better, not 100% but a wee bit better. He was gurgling a little yesterday around 5 p.m., and coughed a couple of times, but it was a brief setback and he did not cough up any fluid.
He is eating well, doing lots of grooming and still enjoying his daily brushies.
He's moving a tad slower than he had been for the past few weeks.
We miss Mr. Romper Pants.
Norman's Aunties and Uncles (that's you) Guestbook
Show your support, say hello, share your love for Norman, a very, very, very, special and much loved kitty!
|
Oosquid
Norman is truly special, a cat of courage. Here's a lens about another one. Basil a Three Legged Cat Posted May 05, 2008 |
|
cathyb5701
Norman, you are a VERY lucky boy to have a Mommy and Daddy who love you so much. I had a kitty named Mac who suffered from seizures too and believe me, it's as frightening for your Mommy and Daddy as it is for you. I hope that you will visit my lens about my VERY special boy who is also named Norman. You can find his page here King Norman Posted April 29, 2008 |
|
wildrosetreasure
A very special kitty, mom and dad. Sending well wishes for Norman. Posted April 09, 2008 |
He's beautiful and full of spirit; best wishes from Cairo's and Gibson's mom.
Posted April 08, 2008
|
LadyRaine
Snuggles from my herd to Norman! Posted April 08, 2008 |
|
beesknees-23
The Feline Citizens send Norman purrs and head butts!! Posted April 07, 2008 |
|
NewRiver
How sweet! Wonderful lens! Posted April 07, 2008 |
|
Very cute cat. Hope your have many great cat experiences to come. Great 5 star stuff. Check out my cat health insurance lens when you get a chance. Posted April 06, 2008 |
|
ecovicki
Very nice lens on a special cat. I saw your link on the Store boards. Posted April 06, 2008 |
smoooooooch Norman !
We luvs YOU
Posted April 05, 2008
|
CrypticFragments
our seven kitties send blessings of good health and long life to Norman... Posted April 04, 2008 |
|
SemperFidelis
I wish I could also bless Norman, but at least this lens is blessed by a Squid Angel today! :) Posted April 02, 2008 |
|
EvieJewelry
Sweet sweet kitty Norman love to you Posted April 02, 2008 |
|
GroovyFinds
Awww! Posted April 01, 2008 |
|
kiwisoutback
He is a tough cat! He really looks cool, too. Excellent lens, very touching. I wish the best for Norman! Posted April 01, 2008 |
|
GypsyPirate
Aaww, how sweet! Mister Giles and Calypso send kitty hugs too! Posted April 01, 2008 |
Norman - you have quite the fan club :)
Neffie, Bailey, and Amber send you lots of love bumps and lots of hugs.
(((((Norman)))))
Posted March 31, 2008
(((((norman))))) he is such a special kitty! I'm sending positive thoughts and well wishes for him and his family.
Posted March 31, 2008
Special sloppy dog kisses from Hugo and Jin, and special kitty headbutts from Spy, Scooter and Outlaw. And scritchies from the humans here, and hugs for Norman's Mom and Dad. Hang in there Norman, we love you!
Posted March 30, 2008
Dear Sweet Norman you are the sweetest thing and you are so lucky to have found such a speacial Mommy & Daddy who love you so very much. My fav pic of you Norman is you in your sweet custom T-Shirt.
Kisses and Snuggles from Auntie Ali & Apollo
Posted March 30, 2008
Great Cat Stuff on Amazon
Pet Nap Sleeping Cat - Breathing Plush Black and White Cat Kitten
Amazon Price: $18.47 (as of 07/26/2008)
Cat Lover's Monopoly
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Plush Floppy Black Shorthair Black Cat 7"
Amazon Price: $5.75 (as of 07/26/2008)
Omega Paw Paw-Cleaning Litter Mat, Tan
Amazon Price: $9.79 (as of 07/26/2008)
Cat Washroom / Night Stand Pet House
Amazon Price: $84.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Great Cat Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
