Norman - A Very Special Kitty

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Awwwwww, just too cute! Can this kitty pose or what?

I remember seeing this one posted for the first time and had to take a double take.

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

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!

 

The angels called Norman on October 24, 2009.



Meeting Norman through his mommy online was so special to me, and only wish I could have met him in real life. Can you image what it must have felt like to be honored to meet him and be able to give him huge warm hugs, a few gentle belly rubs, and kitty kissies!

He had such a kind and loving mom and dad, and so many "aunties" and "uncles" who cared so deeply for him, he was part of a very special and large family. I thank them so much for sharing this wonderful kitty with us.

I know he will be missed, but never forgotten.

With much love,

Auntie Kathy