UPDATE: Miette has found her forever home!

Thank you!

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Meet Miette!

Miette is a precious 4-month-old Ragdoll mix kitten searching for her dream family on the west coast! In spite of having some mobility differences, she is a happy, confident and extremely loving young cat who gets around great. Miette simply needs an adopter who understands her—so here’s some information to help you get to know her and see if your home is a good fit!

About Miette:

• Born in late October 2024

• Blue eyes, gorgeous colorpoint coat with tortoiseshell points, long fluffy fur softer than a bunny!

• 66% Ragdoll, 29% Persian, 5% American Domestic Cat…100% Adorable

• Extremely friendly with adults, kids, cats, and dogs

• Healthy bloodwork; FIV/FeLV negative

• Located in San Diego—but adoptable anywhere on the west coast of the US for the right adopter!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miette’s diagnosis?

Miette has a neurological & orthopedic condition that alters her hind limb mobility. Her official diagnoses are sciatic palsy and quadriceps contracture. This is a fancy way of saying that some of the muscles in her legs don’t have innervation, which resulted in differences to her soft tissues and bone alignment. You can watch a video explaining her diagnosis at this link. Her condition is likely congenital in nature (not an injury). She manages extremely well!

Does Miette have mobility?

Yes! Miette can walk, run, glide, and bunny hop in her own special way—she is very mobile! While her legs are angled differently, she can get up on her hind limbs and move swiftly, especially on carpet.

Miette cannot leap, so she is unable to jump up onto furniture, into high litter boxes, etc. She uses soft ramps or steps to get onto the couch or in the bed.

Miette can climb using her super strong front limbs, and is able to pull herself up onto cat trees, beds, etc.

Can Miette use the litter box?

She’s a perfect angel with the litter box! She does need a low profile box, as she is unable to leap into a box that is higher than an inch or two. She also uses a special paper litter, as clay litters can stick to her fur due to how her angled legs sit in the box.

Is Miette in pain?

No, her doctors have all confirmed that she is not in pain.

Is her condition degenerative?

Her doctors do not feel that her condition is degenerative. If she were to become overweight, this could put additional strain on her limbs that could cause future problems, so meal measuring and weight management will be very important for her adopter.

What kind of home environment does she need?

Miette will do best in a home that:

• Is willing to provide lots of carpets or rugs

• Can offer her low-profile perches or trees

• Can provide a low-profile litter box with paper litter

• Can ensure safety around steps and other hazards

• Is comfortable establishing a relationship with a local orthopedist, and going to the vet as needed

• Has at least one friendly cat to be her buddy

What vet care will she already have? What will she need?

She will be fully vaccinated, dewormed, spayed, microchipped, and come with bloodwork and vet records. Her adopter will need to establish a relationship with a local orthopedist and bring her for annual vet visits to keep up with her general health.

Will Miette need surgery?

No, surgery is not recommended for her case. We don’t expect her to need a future surgery at this time.

Does Miette need to wear splints or other orthopedic devices?

Miette currently wears finger splints part-time. This is to help her continue to train her legs to be straight as she’s growing. Her doctors would like her to wear them for part of the day for now, but long term she may not need them at all. They are very affordable and don’t bother her one bit.

Once she is fully grown, there is the option of exploring a mobility cart or other orthopedic device.

What is Miette’s personality like?

Oh my goodness—she is the perfect cat. She purrs like an engine, loves love, and just wants to be cuddled. She will flop in your arms and just melt into a puddle, often making biscuits on your face!

Miette is very confident, and gets along great with new people and other animals. She wants to befriend everyone, but also understands when a cat or dog is telling her “no thanks” and will give them space.

She’s also extremely playful! Watch a video of Miette playing.

Who is eligible to adopt Miette?

Orphan Kitten Club is opening her adoption application to the entire west coast in hopes that this will help us find her a really perfect home. We’d love if she found a home in San Diego, Los Angeles or Sacramento so that she can be near her existing doctors/support system, but we’re open to applications from anywhere on the west coast for the right home. We will be happy to fly her to the home and spend an hour or two getting her settled in the new home.

What is her adoption fee?

Her adoption fee is being lovingly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition! If she needs to fly to her new home, Orphan Kitten Club would gladly accept a donation to support her flight.

What is the adoption process?

If you live on the west coast, have another cat friend, and are interested in Miette, apply here. We’ll be reading applications and will get in touch if your application seems like a good fit! Then, you’ll have an in-depth phone conversation with her foster mom (me!) during which you will ask and answer questions to see if you’re a good match. If you are, we’ll set up a plan from there!

Interested in adoption? Fill out Miette’s adoption application!

Can’t adopt, but want to help? Donate to Miette’s campaign here!