Herby the Cat: A Foster Turned Forever Home
Herby, a cat with a distinctive face and wobbly gait, was brought into a home as a foster and quickly became a permanent family member.
Herby has bilateral facial nerve paralysis, which prevents him from blinking with his outer eyelids. Instead, he uses his third eyelids, or nictitating membranes, to keep his eyes clean. The condition does not cause pain and requires no daily medication.
He also has cerebellar hypoplasia, a non-progressive brain condition that makes him wobble, tremble, and walk unsteadily. The owner, Paige, provides accommodations such as an elevated bowl to help him eat comfortably.
After only about a week as a foster, Herby settled in, showing a gentle, affectionate personality. He enjoys cuddling, chirping when excited, and spending time in Paige’s lap. Because he is friendly around other animals, he may later serve as a comforting companion for younger foster cats.
Key takeaways
- Herby has bilateral facial nerve paralysis and uses his third eyelids to blink.
- His cerebellar hypoplasia causes wobbling but is not progressive.
- An elevated bowl helps him eat more comfortably.
- He transitioned from a foster to a permanent family member in about a week.
- Herby’s friendly nature could make him a good companion for other foster cats.
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Originally reported by iHeartCats. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Christy Rice via Pexels.
