Gavi

When Gavi was found as a tiny kitten, he was already paralysed and had developed a serious infection from dragging himself through the dirt. No one knows exactly what happened to him, but when his foster mum, Danielle, heard about his situation, she knew she had to help.

That’s how Gavi found his way to Danielle and With Grace Rescue, where he received the treatment, care and safety he so desperately needed. Once he had recovered, there was just one thing left to find: his forever home.

This turned out to be no easy feat. But when Chloe saw Gavi on social media, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Her husband also has a spinal cord injury and is paralysed, so they felt an immediate connection to this special little cat. They understood that, just like any other cat, Gavi simply needed love, care and the chance to be understood.

Today, Gavi is thriving. He may be shy at first, but once he feels safe, he becomes the biggest love bug. He adores other cats, has the sweetest little “meep” and a goofy charm that wins everyone over.

Chloe says his care is simple, his joy is contagious and, with Gavi in it, their family finally feels complete.

Interview with Gavi's Guardians

Danielle rescued Gavi and was his foster parent until he found his forever home with Chloe.

1. How did he become mobility challenged?
   Danielle: Gavin was found in a warehouse, he was already injured, so we're not sure what happened to him. 
   

2. Where does his name come from?
   Danielle: Our rescue sponsors a clinic in Mexico to spay and neuter cats in the Tijuana/Rosarito area every year. When I found out about Gavin, we were staying at an Airbnb on the beach, volunteering at the clinic, called Las Gaviotas so we thought the name Gavin was fitting. It would always remind us of the change we were helping make happen in Mexico .

3. Describe his personality
   Danielle: He’s very shy at first, but once he’s comfortable he’s the biggest love bug. He has a funny personality and his little meows sound like “meeps’. He’s very much a cat’s cat. He loves the friendship and attention of other cats.
4. What made you decide to adopt/foster a special needs kitty?
   Danielle:  have a soft spot for paralyzed kittens, as one of our resident cats is paralyzed and incontinent. When I saw his little face, I knew we had to rescue him from the dangerous situation he was in
   Chloe: I am a huge animal and cat lover and wasn’t necessarily looking for another cat, but when Gavin caught my eye I couldn’t stop thinking about him!! Gavin’s dad (my husband) has a spinal cord injury and is also paralysed, so we both felt a connection to him immediately. Even though clearly paralysed humans and cats are different, they’re also similar in a lot of ways and I think we were comfortable right away with Gavin’s very simple care routine for that reason - we knew he was just like any other cat!
5. What’s the biggest change since Gavi came into your life? Chloe: Honestly, the only changes have been great ones! He has brought SO much joy and love into our house. We already had two cats that we absolutely adore, but our family feels complete with Gavin here!
6. Your best piece of advice:
   Chloe: Danielle was so great getting us set up with Gavin that I felt comfortable immediately with him and his routine—and knew I can always come to her if I have questions or need help! The best advice I can give to anyone looking to adopt a paralysed/special needs cat is just be confident in your ability to care for them like you would any other cat. I think it’s normal to be worried you’re not equipped to care for a pet that’s different, but I also think in the majority of cases if you can care for a “regular” cat you can care for one like Gavin!
7. Is it what you expected?
   Chloe: I wasn’t expecting it to be difficult, but it’s even easier than expected! His care probably takes 10 minutes total out of the day and is so simple. My only concern when I applied for Gavin was whether his care would fit into our schedule as we both work full time - and that wasn’t remotely a problem because he fits perfectly into our schedule! Takes less time than it does to scoop the litter box and is less messy!!
8. Any preconceived notions that you often come across that are nothing like reality?
   Chloe: I think the expectation with a special needs cat is it’s very difficult and/or time-consuming to care for them, which is just not the case at all! I completely understand being intimidated by the unfamiliarity of a new routine, but in my opinion, the commitment level is truly no different than what you’d have with a “regular” cat (and MUCH less work than a dog!)
9. Best thing about having Gavi in your life:
   Chloe: I would say that based on my experience with Gavin so far special needs cats are some of the most fun, loving, special cats out there and all they need is a little open-mindedness to find their people! And additionally that the care for paralyzed cats is truly not difficult at all and if I can do it, anyone can!!
10. Fun fact or favourite story?
    Danielle: There are so many fun facts and stories about Gavin, but the one that always makes me laugh is his obsession with the printer. Every single time something prints, he could be in a dead sleep, he will rush to the printer and just stare at it as it prints. He will stay there long after it’s done printing too