Pet of the Week

Community Animal Network has three special-needs kittens with neurological disorders that affect their fine motor skills and coordination.

Rihanna, a diluted calico (not pictured); Lady Gaga, a Siamese mix; and Jagger, a black and white, are named after rock stars because they wiggle and shake with noticeable head tremors when excited or stressed.

The three kittens have occasional balance loss, too. But they run and play chase just like normal kittens with their mom and family members — Jewel, a classic calico; Halle, gray and white; and Presley, a tabby and white — though their condition causes them to fall down like a toddler would.

Their moms, Cher and Madonna, are beautiful Siamese mixes, and we hope to place Cher with either Jagger or Lady Gaga, as her presence comforts them and they exhibit less of the symptoms.

According to Dr. Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, a local board-certified feline expert, the condition is nonprogressive, which means it does not worsen with age.

Kitties like Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Jagger can live long, normal lives. However, homes with hardwood floors and stairs would be a problem for Lady Gaga and Jagger, who have a moderate loss of balance. Kitten Rihanna has more mild symptoms and can climb stairs and walk on hardwood floors.

All three kittens would need to have raised bowls so as not to eat like Cookie Monster.

Call (949) 759-3646 or email contact@animalnetwork.org for more information. To see other available animals for adoption, log onto https://www.animalnetwork.org.

We need your help to continue to provide valuable veterinary services and direct care to the many animals that rely on Community Animal Network.

Please donate to help local animals; Community Animal Network, P.O. Box 8662, Newport Beach, CA 92658, memo, “Help Local Animals”, Tax ID 33-0971560.