Pepino the CH Kitten

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Pepino the CH Kitten Pepino has severe Cerebellar Hypoplasia. I opened this page to show a CH cat can live a good life. They used oxygen to help for the first 48 hours.

Pepino’s Story

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/2717821291601377

On October 15th, 2015, a pregnant tuxedo cat was brought to VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital to be spayed with the intent to abort any kittens. Two staff veterinarians on-duty that day, Dr. Krystian Dabrowski and Dr. Cara Spagnoletti pleaded, to no avail, with the cat’s owner(s) to let the cat have her litter while being foste

red by the hospital. As a desperate last measure, they asked if the owner(s) would allow Dr. Dabrowski and Dr. Frattini to give birth to any kittens by Cesarean section prior to the spay. The owner(s) would sign over any surviving kittens to the hospital. The owner(s) agreed and the VCA team delivered only one premature tiny male kitten that was not breathing. Later that day the VCA staff posted the following on their page:
“ An hours old, mom-less kitten. Our technicians and doctors have worked hard all day with him, getting him breathing, warming him and now feeding every 2 hours. Here's hoping he keeps fighting.... ”

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/2717821304934709

Pepino's introduction picture from the VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital page

I responded by posting the comment: “Come on little guy!”. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1089945837722272

"Mousie" receiving oxygen. The VCA team started and restarted the tiny kitten’s breathing for days. The veterinarians and veterinary technicians took shifts around the clock tube feeding the kitten in a desperate attempt to save him. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/2717821258268047

More oxygen and a surgical glove as a "hot water bottle" to warm him. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1867163860000462

Trying to keep Mousie Warm at VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital

After 4 days he only weighed 90 grams. They weren’t sure if he’d survive so they didn’t name him but nicknamed him “Mousie” because he looked like a tiny mouse. After 8 days he weighed 125 grams and started moving around. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078098158907040

October 23, 2015. "Mousie" weighs in at 125 grams and starts moving on his own. On November 6, 2015 the VCA staff posted: “ Kitten Update:
23 days old and on the move. His eyes are open now so he's quite vocal when he sees the food coming! ”

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078098232240366
Mousie on the move...

November 16th they posted: “ The little one just wanted to check in with his admirers. Just starting to eat solid food...not sure if he likes it yet though. ”

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078020335581489

The Picture that had many fall in love with "Mousie"

On December 1, 2015 the VCA staff announced that “Mousie” has Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH) with the following post: “A kitten is born with “CH” when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls fine motor skills and coordination, is underdeveloped at birth. A cerebellum’s growth can be stunted by a number of factors, most commonly if the mother contracted the feline panleukopenia virus while pregnant or if there was some sort of trauma to the kittens while they were in the womb. CH cats may also experience head tremors, the uncontrollable shaking of the cat’s head when they’re trying to focus. Unless a CH cat has other health issues, their life expectancy is the same as a cat’s without CH. Since the condition is non-progressive, it will never get worse — and in some cases, owners say that their cat became more capable over time. One of the great things about CH cats is that they don’t seem to know that they’re any different from other cats. Even though they may think they’re normal, they may be somewhat limited in ability and learn how to do things differently (i.e. trouble jumping = expert climbers). ”

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078098352240354

Little "Mousie" when VCA announced that he has CH

I quickly contacted all my TinyKittens-cam chat friends that put me in contact with owners of CH cats. They added me to closed CH groups where I started learning as much as I could about his condition. I would take advantage of any reason to stop by VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital to see if I could meet him and finally did when one of his foster moms, and veterinary technician, Ashley, brought him out to meet me after one of his baths:

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078101362240053

The moment I met little Mousie

On December 16th, 2015 VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital announced that little “Mousie” was up for adoption. One of the requirements was a “meet & greet interview” with Dr. Spagnoletti and “Mousie” as they announced on their page:
“ CH Kitten Meet & Greet Dates:
12/19: 1:30pm-2:30pm
12/22: 3pm-4pm
*Interested adopters only please*
Please give us a call, email us,or message us here if you're planning on coming.”

https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1528274907222694

Pepino's picture for the "Meet & Greet" announcement

I applied to be his forever human immediately and interviewed on 12/19/2015 when I learned that “Mousie’s” CH was classified as “severe” (cannot walk or stand). https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078102915573231

Pepino at my "Meet & Greet" in a walker Dr. Spagnoletti made for him. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/1078102785573244

Pepino at my "Meet & Greet". This did not deter me as I expected it from my research on the condition. I then had to wait as they went through the selection process. On January 6th 2016, I received a call from the Hospital Manager, Sandy, informing me that I was selected to be “Mousie’s” guardian. I brought him home on January 8, 2016 and named him “Pepino” after a silly song I would listen to over-and-over when I was a very young child: “Pepino the Italian Mouse” by Lou Monte. I originally started Pepino’s page so my TinyKittens and LAPS kitten-cam chat friends, and the staff at VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital could see his progress but as his following grew, and continues to grow, it is my sincere hope that Pepino and I raise awareness for CH kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs. The page is here to show that a CH kitten can live a good life. Pepino is not in pain. He has no idea there is anything at all different or wrong about him. He loves to play, snuggle, and give and receive love. CH babies do not need to be euthanized. They are not suffering. They just need a little help and some love to live a good, healthy, and happy life. Please help us spread this message to raise awareness for CH kittens and other CH pets. My name is Carmelo. My friends describe me as a “feral, motorcycle racing, pizza wolfing, gym rat stray”. I’m also the guardian of a little pride of seven ferocious cubs, one of which is Pepino. Thank you for visiting us. May God bless you and where ever you are, may He bring you sweet dreams. https://www.facebook.com/Pepino.CH/photos/2249193821797462

Pepino at his second birthday party.

21/06/2024
09/06/2024

It’s Sunday morning and Pepino wakes up snuggled up to his hoomin and purrs.
Have a great day everyone!
🤗🤗🤗🥰

02/06/2024

Binx is now eating with the rest of The Pride Cubs. Good job Binxy!!!
Cricket has been coming almost all the way down the stairs. I’m sure she’ll join in soon!
Have a great day everyone!
🤗🤗🤗🥰

01/06/2024

It’s Saturday morning and Pepino is excited for his breakfast.
Have a great day everyone!
🤗🤗🤗🥰

31/05/2024

Pepino’s bedtime.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

25/05/2024

After breakfast, I brushed Pepino and clipped his nails.
As a reward for being a good boy, he got Churu.
Later we will go outside for some sunshine.
Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

25/05/2024

Hi everyone,
Dottie was at the veterinarian today and had dental surgery. They had to remove most of her teeth and cleaned the ones left.
They saw the bad teeth at her last checkup.
Dottie was a little upset with me for bringing her to the vet so many times recently but she’s home now, ate some dinner.
She’s feeling better now and I’m forgiven.
Have a great night everyone!
🤗🤗🤗🥰

19/05/2024

It’s Pepino playtime and he’s hunting the shoelace. Actually he has it and I don’t think he’s going to let it go. We’re going to keep playing until he wears himself out and goes to bed.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams. 🤗🤗🤗🥰

14/05/2024

We’re getting ready for bed but not before Pepino has some Churu. He loved it and was making biscuits the whole time. He finished it and I’ll have to clean up his little face but he’s happy and purring.
Pepino is definitely a “Velcro Cat” and will snuggle up next to me all night as we sleep.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰❤️

Happy Mother’s Day from Mother Mary (and her baby Niko Bean).
12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day from Mother Mary (and her baby Niko Bean).

06/05/2024

It’s bedtime and Pepino is all tucked in and ready for sleep.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

23/04/2024

UPDATE : JROCK IS SAFE AT HOME ❤️

MISSING from River gate Drive in Cromwell. JRock has been missing since Sunday 4/21/24. He is an indoor cat that snuck out. He is 5 yrs old and does have a microchip but no collar. If you see JRock Please contact Cromwell Animal Control at 860-635-7859.

21/04/2024

It’s bedtime and Pepino snuggled up to his human.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

19/04/2024

This is huge! Niko and Binx touched noses! I’ve been keeping the door open and The Pride Cubs have been going in there with lots of little meows from Cricket, Binx, and the Cubs. Just now I saw Binx and Niko touch noses so I got a video going and Niko went back in there!
It won’t be long until Binx and Cricket start exploring the house!!!

13/04/2024

As promised, Pepino got Churu after my walk. He got too excited so I had to stop the video so I could help him eat it. Right after I clipped his nails and gave him some treats!
Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

13/04/2024

Pepino and I just woke from a snuggle nap. I’m about to go for a walk so Pepino nested between the pillows for a second nap while I’m gone. When I get back I’ll give him some Churu (he doesn’t know that word yet).
Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

13/04/2024

Niko is back from the veterinarian after his checkup and ran right to his Mother Mary. They’re grooming each other right now. I think Mother Mary wants to get the veterinarian office smell off of him 😁

13/04/2024

Niko weighed in at 17.1 pounds (7.76 KG). He’s a big cat but the veterinarian says he’s fat too!

13/04/2024

Niko goes to VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital for a checkup and meowed the whole ride there and when he was in the waiting room!

10/04/2024

Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

10/04/2024

I had the door open last weekend and Binx & Cricket started exploring but they quickly went back into their room. Still it was progress. Here they are getting dinner…

09/04/2024

As soon as I went into the bedroom Pepino meowed. Of course as soon as he realized he had my attention he stopped!

08/04/2024

So many of you ask if Pepino meows. Yes he does! When I got home and opened the door to his room he meowed a lot.
Once he saw that he had my attention he stopped.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll start recording before I open the door 😃😃😃

05/04/2024

As soon as Mother Mary returned from the veterinarian, she went looking for her baby Niko Bean.
Mommy’s home Niko!

04/04/2024

Mother Mary went to VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital for her checkup.
She weighed in at 16.9 pounds (7.66 KG).
She’s very healthy and athletic but we talked about how we may “slim her down “.
Mary just wanted to go home and jumped into the Sherpa Bag before the exam was over 😁

30/03/2024

I got some Churu from the vet and brought it home for Pepino.
I’ll have to clean him up when he’s done! 🤪

30/03/2024

Dottie is at VCA Cromwell Animal hospital for her checkup.
She’s doing well but needs some dental work so she’s going back soon…
Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

30/03/2024

I’m about to leave to take Dottie to the veterinarian for a checkup but Pepino wants treats before I go!

Mother Mary was never separated from her baby Niko Bean. Years later, they are inseparable and I can tell they know they...
28/03/2024

Mother Mary was never separated from her baby Niko Bean. Years later, they are inseparable and I can tell they know they are mother and baby.

27/03/2024

The human is tired and though Pepino is a little scampy, he’s ready to go to bed and snuggle.
Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

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Videos

After hunting the shoelace, the mighty Pepino gets some well deserved treats. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰
After hunting the shoelace, the mighty Pepino gets some well deserved treats. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Time to wake up!
Time to wake up!

It’s Sunday morning and Pepino wakes up snuggled up to his hoomin and purrs. Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Binx Joins In
Binx Joins In

Binx is now eating with the rest of The Pride Cubs. Good job Binxy!!! Cricket has been coming almost all the way down the stairs. I’m sure she’ll join in soon! Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Saturday Breakfast
Saturday Breakfast

It’s Saturday morning and Pepino is excited for his breakfast. Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Bedtime
Bedtime

Pepino’s bedtime. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Churu Reward
Churu Reward

After breakfast, I brushed Pepino and clipped his nails. As a reward for being a good boy, he got Churu. Later we will go outside for some sunshine. Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Dottie had dental surgery
Dottie had dental surgery

Hi everyone, Dottie was at the veterinarian today and had dental surgery. They had to remove most of her teeth and cleaned the ones left. They saw the bad teeth at her last checkup. Dottie was a little upset with me for bringing her to the vet so many times recently but she’s home now, ate some dinner. She’s feeling better now and I’m forgiven. Have a great night everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Hunting the Shoelace
Hunting the Shoelace

It’s Pepino playtime and he’s hunting the shoelace. Actually he has it and I don’t think he’s going to let it go. We’re going to keep playing until he wears himself out and goes to bed. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams. 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Bedtime Churu
Bedtime Churu

We’re getting ready for bed but not before Pepino has some Churu. He loved it and was making biscuits the whole time. He finished it and I’ll have to clean up his little face but he’s happy and purring. Pepino is definitely a “Velcro Cat” and will snuggle up next to me all night as we sleep. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰❤️

All tucked in and ready for bed
All tucked in and ready for bed

It’s bedtime and Pepino is all tucked in and ready for sleep. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Bedtime Snuggles
Bedtime Snuggles

It’s bedtime and Pepino snuggled up to his human. Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Binx and Niko touch noses
Binx and Niko touch noses

This is huge! Niko and Binx touched noses! I’ve been keeping the door open and The Pride Cubs have been going in there with lots of little meows from Cricket, Binx, and the Cubs. Just now I saw Binx and Niko touch noses so I got a video going and Niko went back in there! It won’t be long until Binx and Cricket start exploring the house!!!

Pepino gets the Churu
Pepino gets the Churu

As promised, Pepino got Churu after my walk. He got too excited so I had to stop the video so I could help him eat it. Right after I clipped his nails and gave him some treats! Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Second Nap
Second Nap

Pepino and I just woke from a snuggle nap. I’m about to go for a walk so Pepino nested between the pillows for a second nap while I’m gone. When I get back I’ll give him some Churu (he doesn’t know that word yet). Have a great day everyone! 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Back home with momma
Back home with momma

Niko is back from the veterinarian after his checkup and ran right to his Mother Mary. They’re grooming each other right now. I think Mother Mary wants to get the veterinarian office smell off of him 😁

Niko Checkup Part 2
Niko Checkup Part 2

Niko weighed in at 17.1 pounds (7.76 KG). He’s a big cat but the veterinarian says he’s fat too!

Niko Checkup Part 1
Niko Checkup Part 1

Niko goes to VCA Cromwell Animal Hospital for a checkup and meowed the whole ride there and when he was in the waiting room!

Bedtime
Bedtime

Good night everyone. May you have sweet dreams 🤗🤗🤗🥰

Cricket and Binx dinner time
Cricket and Binx dinner time

I had the door open last weekend and Binx & Cricket started exploring but they quickly went back into their room. Still it was progress. Here they are getting dinner…

Pepino Meows
Pepino Meows

As soon as I went into the bedroom Pepino meowed. Of course as soon as he realized he had my attention he stopped!

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