One of the biggest guys we know would fit in your bicycle basket and still leave room for a dozen daisies.
He could share clothes with a cockatoo.
He is far too young to order a cocktail.
But Martini is the full size of life.
Although he could curl up for a nap in a margarita glass, our littlest black cat is a double shot of espresso.
He is a carbonated Conga line of enthusiasm.
He is a one-kitten cuddle storm, strong enough to knock out the power of any bad mood.
He is intoxicated with existence, starting with the existential extravagance known as you.
The sight of you turns Martini’s eyes into champagne. Bubbling with urgency, his limbs and his love hurtle towards you.
Before you know what’s happening, you are shaken and stirred. This wobbling, bobbling cat is looking at you like you are cooler than James Bond multiplied by ham.
You put the “mooth” in his “Vermouth.” Actually, Martini would really like to call you Mooth. Will you be his Mooth? He’ll be your Teenie.
Just don’t call him Teenie Weenie.
For, although his pants size may be Itty-Bitty, Martini’s bravery comes from the Big n’ Tall department.
Our jellybean faces a formidable foe. When Martini moves, it is as though the ground beneath his feet is pudding. He cannot quite walk, and his wobbles can turn worrisome. At times, he attacks his tail like a rattlesnake, in what we believe is a form of seizure.
We first agreed to welcome Martini as a “CH (cerebellar hypoplasia) kitten.” We have loved and adopted out multitudes of CH cuties before. CH is easy. CH is familiar. CH is not life-threatening.
But, as a true Tabby’s Place cat, Martini is more delicate and complicated than he first appeared. His possible diagnoses range from a congenital storage disease to FIP (for which we’re treating Martini proactively).
But, “delicate and complicated” describes everyone we love. And unlike most of us bigger cats, Martini is big enough to be honest about it.
Thanks to you, Tabby’s Place is big enough to be here for our boy, no matter what he needs. We are working with a world-class team to give Martini every chance at a full and healthy life. Internal medicine specialists, a renowned neurologist, and our incomparable vet staff will not give up on Martini.
And Martini will certainly not give up on Martini.
Instead of walking and running, he engages in his own powerful Pilates, barrel-rolling and sun-saluting with valor and verve.
Though he may not be “easily adoptable” by most standards, he does not hold himself to “most standards.” He would rather be held by un-standard standouts, starting with you.
And Martini, bigger and braver than his own body, believes in both of you.
I mean, think about it, Mooth. “Walking” is easy stuff, as flat as tap water. Any average cat can boss their own legs around.
But only a mastermind can see the whole world as a disco floor for the discombobulated.
It takes a genius to prove the dignity of wriggling.
You need a strong cocktail of courage and enthusiasm to turn “uncoordinated” into “unlimited.”
And, you need to be immense to know that needing doesn’t make you small.
Everything excellent that ever happened to Martini is a result of being needy. Martini’s needy body brought him to Tabby’s Place. Around here, cats who can’t climb to the top of the tree are top-shelf. If they are mixed-up, poured-out, or on the rocks, they are perfect in our sight.
Today, Martini’s faith in kindness has become sight. There is a giggle to his wiggle as he watches the world shake and shimmy for his comfort.
When he had trouble steadying himself at the food dish, smitten staff devised a kitten kitchenette that would hold him upright.
When it has been too many nanoseconds since his last hug, arms appear like angel wings to enfold him.
And, if any small mind should ever pity Martini, he will be the bigger cat.
So, please come visit your boy, Mooth. Donate to the Linda Fund to help provide for his ongoing care.
If you fear that his needs will make you sad, let Martini be the bartender who points out the promise under every problem. If you are worried that Martini’s wobbles will make you weepy, let him turn your tears into the sparkling wine of laughter.
And, if you are feeling small, the biggest guy in town will prove that you are love-sized.
May we pour you a Martini?