JJ is a cute black-and-white male who’s a bit of a puzzle to us. He and three brothers arrived in the summer of 2011 (they were born early in April, 2011). Several of the boys had undefined neurological issues, and we weren’t sure what was going on. Because of this, the four were kept by themselves in one of our adoption rooms for six months, so we could observe them and, if necessary, get them to specialists. All of the boys got along beautifully, and they became very friendly to people (which was fair enough, as they were quite spoiled in there!).

After six months, none of the neurological symptoms had worsened. The boys were put up for adoption. LJ and DJ were adopted by a great couple; MJ went to a home with another cat. Only JJ was left. After a couple of months, the couple who had adopted LJ and DJ decided to adopt JJ, too. To our immense surprise, as soon as they got JJ home, there was trouble. LJ and DJ began to fight one another, something they had never done. When JJ was introduced to his brothers, all three started to fight one another.

The adopters tried to remedy this, but to no avail. Eventually, they were forced to return JJ. Since that instance, JJ has not been good around other felines, and at this point we recommend strongly that he go to a home with no other cats. As far as humans go, at least, he seems to be OK with just about everyone.

JJ has symptoms that resemble CH (cerebellar hypoplasia), but technically he does not have CH. Cats with CH walk with an odd gait (many walk as though they’re drunk) and are sometimes affected in their ability to jump or climb. In JJ’s case, we think he may have some depth perception challenges, so stairs might be an issue. He can jump, but probably not as high or in as coordinated a manner as a non-CH cat. It should be noted that CH is not progressive; it does not worsen as a cat ages, but it also doesn’t improve. It isn’t painful or distressing to the cat, and there isn’t anything to do for it.
JJ also has a clogged tear duct in his left eye. This isn’t severe and there’s nothing to do about it, but it means his left eye will sometimes be runny.

Aside from his dislike of other cats, JJ has a lot to offer. He’s a young cat and an active boy who loves to play, and we know he’d make a good companion animal. He’s also a fine example of the mission here at Tabby’s Place. So many shelters would have deemed him “unadoptable” and put him down, but he has a home here for as long as he needs one, and under no circumstances do we consider JJ “unadoptable”! He’s a fine cat and just needs a chance in the right home. If there’s room in your heart and home for this special boy, come in to meet him.