Special Needs—Please read entire biography before applying.

GOR-GE-OUS! There is just no other way to describe Cleo. She is stunning, bold and bright with a twinkle in her eye. Cleo is a 1.5-year-old, calico ragamuffin. She joined PurrHarmony via our partnership with the CFA Breeders Assistance Program. It is so hard not to just fall head-over-heels in love with this vibrant feline.

Cleo never stops purring. She confidently investigates, playfully explores and exuberantly flops on your lap whenever given the chance. Cleo wants to be where the action is and will vocalize her displeasure when she feels she is missing out. She has no concerns with dogs, other cats or kids. (However, she will pick on very shy or other special needs kitties.)

As always Cleo is spayed, has her rabies and distemper vaccines, has tested negative for heartworm, FELV and FIV. She is microchipped and had a complete blood panel.

Her coat just pops with color and that eye liner!!!! Soft like a bunny, it is hard not to just keep running fingers through her hair. She has her claws and weighs about 8.75 pounds.

PLEASE KEEP READING ABOUT HER SPECIAL NEEDS — Cleo has bi-lateral hip dysplasia. We have taken a few months and done several consults to determine the best course of action for her. For several months she was in foster care with a veterinarian who could observe her movements, her restrictions, and any abnormalities on a daily basis. Multiple x-rays and exams were completed. She was started on Dasuquin (to counteract inflammation) and a very low dose of daily meloxicam for pain management. Cleo had a thorough exam with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon prepared to do FHO surgery on one or both hips. The surgeon and her veterinary foster mom both agreed that she was doing so well on the pain and inflammation protocol, that surgery was not in her best interests and very possibly will never be. Cleo has no trouble moving, running, playing, climbing or jumping. One would never know by her daily activities.

Over time that could change. Surgery is now considered to be one of the last resorts and if she has trouble over time there are other options for less invasive, successful management including things like laser therapy or serum injections. Cleo’s current supplements and medication cost about $35/month.

An adopter must understand her condition and be absolutely willing to continue a protocol that keeps Cleo happy and mobile. An adopter must be committed to periodic evaluation and potential change in regimen should her condition worsen as she ages.

Cleo should always be schedule fed and never allowed to become overweight since excessive weight will put undue stress on the hip joints. An adopter must have access to a specialty clinic or veterinary orthopedic specialist to determine best options for Cleo when necessary. Hip dysplasia is a common ailment and the advances in treatment are tremendous.

If you are committed to providing this gorgeous girl with a lifetime of appropriate care and lots of love, do apply.