cerebellar hypoplasia

Hello,
I have a kitten that has just been diagnoised with cerebellar hypoplasia. I found this kitten several months ago and it was quite a bit smaller than the other kittens in the litter. I soon found out it was completely blind in one eye. His eyes would water and he ran fever. He was treated for distemper and his eyes finally cleared up. He has started to grow but his back legs are wobbly and he falls often. Doesn't seem to be in any pain. He's a real sweetheart but the vet says he won't get any better but will get worst as he continues to grow. I don't want to put him to sleep unless I have to. Does anyone else have a cat with this problem. I keep him inside and I'm sure my husband will build an enclosure so he can enjoy some safe time outdoors. Am I being selfish? My whole family has gotten attached to this baby. Would appreciate any suggestions. I've had cats all my life but never one with this problem.
Cathy

Sounds as if your vet doesn't know what he's talking about. According to what I've read on the disease, kittens & puppies learn to compensate as they grow and the disease does not get any worse.

For more info:
http://www.vetinfo.com/cencyclopedia/cecerhypo.html

Support site:
http://www.catfamily.com/chkittyclub/home.htm

Hello,
Thanks for the info. I checked it out and it has made me feel alot better.
Cathy

Hi, one my 3 1/2 week old kitten was diagnosed with hypoplasia today. I have spent hours reading and googling on this. Suki has a mild case and she is the smallest of the litter as her mom is a feral cat that gave birth on my patio one morning. I was told she will learn to adapt and place carpet in the main areas to assist her,

I have noticed, she is terrible at walking on a floor- she swims. Place her on carpet and she is able to waddle walk. My vet informed me to just watch her and give her exercise to strengthen her back legs. There is no cure. Still lovable as ever.

Congrats on being a CH mom!! My Fernando also has CH and he's doing quite well. He's a year old now and I've had him since he was 4 weeks. His case is more severe than your Suki's as he can't walk at all, but that hasn't stopped him from having a happy life. He crawls and flops around and does just fine. He really likes to swim in the bathtub so I got a little life vest for him. I think the water allows him to experience a freedom of movement that he doesn't get when he's crawling on the ground. I would imagine that it's good for muscle development and acts as a sort of physical therapy for him. Perhaps your kitten would benefit from this too? You might give it a shot and see if she likes it. She's young enough that she might be able to be trained to like the water. Anyway, good luck with little Suki. You'll soon find out just how incredibly rewarding it is to have one of these amazing wobbly kitties.