Kathreen Magnusson was heartbroken after losing her senior cat to a stroke. She yearned for a new furry companion to fill the void left by the Persian feline. Luckily, in August 2018, she stumbled upon Boogie, a helpless Persian kitten who was paralyzed and incontinent. Boogie was looking for a warm and loving forever home.
After stumbling upon Boogie’s photo on Instagram, Kathreen couldn’t resist the urge to meet the adorable kitten in person. A few days later, she made the journey from Arizona to finally meet Boogie, who was only five months old at the time. As soon as she laid eyes on the tiny feline, with its oversized eyes and fluffy appearance, Kathreen’s heart melted. Boogie was the epitome of a sweet and cuddly kitten, purring contentedly as Kathreen embraced her.
Kathreen had no prior experience in taking care of a pet with incontinence or paralysis, but she did have a cat with three legs who lived for almost 19 years. Because of this, she was hopeful that she and her family could provide Boogie with the care and attention necessary to help her thrive. When she met Boogie, a young special needs cat, in August 2018, Kathreen decided to bring her home on the same day. Kathreen has always had a soft spot for senior and special animals, and she believes that they are often the most lovable but overlooked.
Upon bringing Boogie to her new home, Kathreen wasted no time in taking the five-month-old kitten to a neurologist for a comprehensive check-up. After conducting diagnostic imaging tests, it was discovered that Boogie’s vertebrae were not aligned correctly in the area adjacent to her shoulder blade, resulting in her paralysis and incontinence. Kathreen notes that this condition is commonly present in both cats and dogs with “smoosh” faces. The smooshed appearance is achieved by compressing everything, which can lead to mobility issues and other related side effects.
Regrettably, the medical practitioner who assessed Boogie concluded that an operation was not suitable for her as it could lead to further complications. Upon discovering that Boogie would likely remain paralyzed for the remainder of her life, Kathreen purchased a cart for the little kitty, hoping that it would help her move around more easily. However, Boogie did not take to the cart, and Kathreen decided that it was better to let Boogie live according to her own instincts and preferences.
Boogie is now thriving in her forever home nearly three years after being adopted. Despite her refusal to use a cart or wheelchair, she remains highly mobile and enjoys chasing after bugs, particularly crickets, as well as playing with the laser pointer. Additionally, she has a strong fondness for treats, which has led to a special ritual between her and her owner. Each night, Boogie shuffles into the living room and stares at her owner, Kathreen. If Kathreen doesn’t get up, Boogie approaches her and stares at her until she gets up and the two race to the kitchen. This has become a fun game that they play multiple times each evening.
