Stray kitten Riley was born with a neurological condition that makes him a little different. Keep reading to find out how HSSV staff and foster volunteers went above and beyond to save him!

Riley with one of his littermates when he first arrived at HSSV

When a litter of stray kittens were brought to Humane Society Silicon Valley last summer, they were already in for a challenge. All four were diagnosed with ringworm, a highly contagious and difficult to treat skin condition that would require weeks of quarantine in foster care for a full recovery. Fortunately, veteran foster volunteer Diane was in their corner. Diane has been fostering kittens for over 15 years and has cared for well over 300 kittens during her 10 years with HSSV. A neonatal ICU nurse by trade, she specializes in the care of very sick ringworm kittens who are particularly vulnerable and can require up to 16 weeks of treatment.

Riley when he first arrived at HSSV

While three of the 4-week-old kittens grew increasingly more coordinated in their movements with each passing day, one kitten did not move quite like the rest. Riley was just as lively as his siblings, but his movements were wildly unsteady, and he struggled to stand. Riley was born with a severe case of cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a congenital neurological disorder that causes significant mobility issues, weakness in the limbs, and muscle spasms. The condition is lifelong, but animals with CH can have excellent quality of life in an understanding home with a few modifications to their living spaces.

Riley in foster care with Diane

Diane had cared for a kitten with CH before, but Riley’s case was much more pronounced. “My first CH kitten Clementine’s condition was not as severe,” she recalls. “As soon as she had more room to move and use her muscles she began to ‘wobbly walk’ and even run. The first time I saw her climb up the cat tree with her siblings I cried happy tears for how much she had accomplished with my help and love,” Diane said.

Riley uses a custom built feeding station and easy access litter box in his foster home

While foster care has many benefits, it is especially crucial for animals like Riley because foster parents can give them the tools they need to reach their full potential. “For 8 weeks, Riley could not even eat enough without me holding his head steady. I built a little feeding station so he could stand supported and eat with just some help. I also purchased a special cat litter box with a low front so Riley could enter easily.”

Riley plays and learns with a few of his foster siblings

Riley was fostered by Diane for about 4 months until his ringworm was fully cured. During this time, she worked with him to build his muscles and learn to be able to eat laying down. His foster siblings also played a vital role in his development as they played with him and encouraged him to chase them.

Once Riley’s ringworm cleared and he became available for adoption, he had a new challenge – finding a family who would not be deterred by his condition. Fortunately, his future family had been following his journey ever since he was an itty-bitty kitty!

Riley at home with VanNessa and her husband

Fellow foster volunteer VanNessa had been watching Riley’s progress as Diane shared updates in HSSV’s feline foster group on Facebook – so when Diane needed to leave town for a bit, she was thrilled to babysit.

“My husband and I fell in love!” VanNessa shares. “My husband had a very, very strong bond with Riley. When Diane suggested we adopt him we were hesitant, as we have a full house already. But then we babysat him again, and the rest is history!”

“We talked for days about what adopting a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia would be like and if we could give Riley everything he needed and deserved. My husband was initially afraid and saddened by Riley and his mobility challenges. Riley really does flop around like a little fish, and at first it can be shocking – but once you spend time with him you see that he is VERY special – lively, funny, determined, independent, cuddly, beautiful, and so, so loving. He didn’t have to try hard to win us over and we are so happy to have him in our family.”

Riley snuggles with one of his siblings

Today Riley lives a charmed life with VanNessa, her husband, a 90-pound German Shepherd mix who adores him, and three feline siblings who have adopted Riley as part of their “kitten crew”. “Our house is now full of soft beds, pillows, rugs, play pens, and more – all things to give Riley the safest and most enriching environment. Riley does daily exercise to increase flexibility, control and muscle memory – and we see a MAJOR improvement! Riley loves going for walks in his stroller, entertaining everyone he meets, and getting to see the world with us.”

When asked if she had advice for anyone considering adopting an animal like Riley with different needs, VanNessa says, “Go for it! They know that you are helping them, they give back all the love and time you spend with them, and they teach us all how to be accepting, kind, flexible, and courageous. I have learned so much from Riley’s tenacity and joy!”

“They give back all the love and time you spend with them.”

VanNessa also had a special shout out to HSSV’s Medical and Foster teams:

“HSSV’s Medical Team never gave up on Riley,” she shares. “He came in as a very high-risk kitten that required a lot of care – and in many shelters in our community and beyond, Riley might not have had such a positive outcome. HSSV’s vets, especially Dr. Campbell, and so many of our techs took Riley under their wing and just refused to give up. Both our Medical Team and Riley’s foster mom knew he could have a good life and were willing to help him learn to do “cat things” like use his litter box, eat and drink independently, play, and experience unconditional love. Together, they saved Riley’s life. It was the best gift that they didn’t even know they were giving us!”

With kitten season just around the corner and space in our shelter significantly compromised due to last December’s fire, HSSV needs volunteer foster families more than ever to support our mission to save lives. If you have space in your heart and home, please consider joining our incredible foster community to help animals just like Riley.

Can’t foster, but still want to help? Make a gift to support our efforts!