The great majority of passionate cat aficionados usually want to get their hands on some of the most famous feline breeds like Siamese, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Sphynx, Bengal, or Persians.
Don’t get me wrong, it is totally fair to want a fancy breed like these ones. But I have to admit, it is equally good to own a regular, domestic short-haired cat. No matter how you look at it, at the end of the day a cat is a cat and every breed is capable of providing that special feline love we are all craving for.
However, trust me when I tell you, it is ten times better and more rewarding to own a special needs feline.
I can assure you of that from personal experience. When I was just a little girl, my auntie had a special needs kitty. And since I had been very close with my aunt, her cat was practically mine, too.
I cannot tell you what a unique experience that was! Her kitty Nala was blind, but that defect did not make her cruel or angry with the world around her.
She was very affectionate and loving, always spending her time on my or my aunt’s chest, licking our faces, and using her paws to touch everything she would otherwise see with her eyes. She was an angel and she taught me so much about love and caring for your loved ones.
And I am sure Molly Lichtеnwalnеr, our today’s heroine, would understand me.
Molly was a graduate student when she decided it would be an amazing idea to get a cat to help her cope with the anxiety she has been dealing with for quite a while. All her life, she had been surrounded by cats and their fluffy energy, so she was well aware of what healing powers these animals generally have.
The reason why she was so anxious was because, unfortunately, she had experienced a terrible car accident. Luckily for her, she was not greatly injured, However, that accident did take a toll on her mental and emotional health.
Molly said how she felt in her heart that it was time to get a cat. She said how during childhood, nothing had helped her more than snuggling near her fluffballs.
Right from the start, she knew she wanted to adopt an adult feline with special needs, which may seem fairly surprising. Most people, especially women her age, would want a certain breed or at least a kitten to take care of from the start.
But it seemed as though Molly knew exactly what she was doing and why she was getting a feline in the first place.
She was well aware that getting an adult kitty with special needs would be extremely hard, but she was up for the challenge. She did some thorough research and stumbled upon a 9 and a half-year-old while feline named Otitis who immediately captured her attention.
The reason why Otitis caught Molly’s eye is because of his seal-like resemblance. Unfortunately, Otitis had both of his ears missing because of massive cysts which his previous owners simply could not afford to treat or take care of.
So, they brought him to the Fеlinе Rescue Association of Baltimorе in hopes they would know what to do. The good people there were not able to save his ears, but they managed to save his life.
Without his ears, Otitis had a purrfectly round head and reminded everyone of a seal. Everyone found him so adorable, and Molly was no exception, of course. She had fallen head over heels for him!
Molly knew Otitis had to be a part of her life. So, she immediately contacted the shelter and asked for him. They informed her about his deafness, but she told them she didn’t mind.
Even though many people found Otitis cute, no one really was brave enough to take him home. So, believe it or not, Molly was the first person ever who submitted her application for him. It was as though these two were meant to be!
The day she brought him home, Otitis needed some time to relax and get out of his shell. But once he did, he made sure to shower Molly with his love and gratitude for choosing him over so many other kitties.
She was surprised how affectionate, and cuddly he had been. From the first day, he used to snuggle up next to her, rub his little face against hers, and purr his way to her heart. He used to follow her around her home, supervising her every move and action.
He waited for her every night in the bathroom as she was getting ready for bed, making sure he is always the first one to get in the tub, inspecting it, and making sure everything is alright before she gets in. He was so curious!
He also helped her while she was studying, always encouraging her to keep going.
Despite being an older and deaf kitty, Otitis was unstoppable! He was always ready for any form of mischief and behaved like a kitten 24/7.
But most importantly, Otitis was there for Molly whenever she had anxious episodes and panic attacks. He was by her side in all her stressful situations.
Molly said that he was the best emotional support she could ever ask for. She claimed that it was not actually her who rescued Otitis, but rather him who rescued her. How special is that?
We can all learn so much from Molly. Even though she had been struggling mentally, she was still brave enough to adopt a special needs kitty. Despite being in need of help herself – she decided to be the one who will help a kitty in need.
So, naturally, they ended up helping each other, making each other’s lives ten times easier and more enjoyable. Good for both of them!
Read more: Brave Man Goes Down A Storm Drain To Save A Tiny Kitty