Cincinnati Cats

We had the best visit this week with Lynn, the angel who rescued Mazikeen, Bananas, and Lucipurr - the cats with EB . It is coming on two years since these special babies were born in Lynn's horse barn. Asa she has done many times, Lynn caught the kittens and started socializing them in preparation for finding the homes. Lynn noticed a number of skin and paw issues with the kittens and spent considerable time and effort to find what was wrong. Eventually tests confirmed that they had the extremely rare condition Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Cincinnati Cats brought the cats with EB into our care in March of 2023. We are honored to have been entrusted with their care and the amazing support provided by Lynn and all of our donors.

Little Mazikeen, AKA Mazi, is the most dainty and delicate of the 3 cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Mazi has far fewer skin issues than her brothers, but her poor nose and paws suffer significantly more than either Bananas or Lucipurr. As you can see, her front paws are a bit swollen while the beds for the claws are black and hollow holes. While we do everything possible to minimize stress on their paws, EB still has a significant impact on all three of the EB cats’ paws. This aspect of the disease is also a major factor in human patients, often resulting in loss of digits and/or limbs.

We work hard to accommodate flare ups of issues, like the current condition of Mazi’s paws. Since she loves looking out the window, when we notice her limping we will lift her up and down from the perch so she can avoid having to climb up and down the stairs to the window level.

Special needs kitty Lucy enjoying a sunbeam and the air conditioning on a hot August day.

Our 3 cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) live in a rather protective environment. They are isolated from the other cats on the house as their skin is so delicate that even a playful claw could cause very serious injury. Likewise, all sharp edges have been eliminated in their space and soft flooring installed to help limit injury. We provide a lot of rolling and soft toys, but by far their favorite activities is watching the wildlife and people outside.

We LOVE getting updates on the cats that came through Cincinnati Cats. But there are a few Cats that stole our hearts while they were with us, Grover is high on that list. Grover and his brother, Kermit, came to as as very ill little kittens from a small county shelter (thank you Jessica H.). In addition to having been extremely ill, they also suffered from Cerebellar Hypoplasia, CH. CH affects muscle control and at its worse can prevent the cat from being able to stand and walk. Kermit's CH was very mild and other than a bit of a wobble he got around very well. Grover, however, had a significant case. But what Grover lacked in smooth mobility, he made up for in determination and an infectious attitude that nothing was going to hold him back. His personality shines as bright as the sun! Thank you Jennifer for the wonderful update.

“Hi John. I just wanted to let you know on what is Grover's 3rd 'gotcha' anniversary that he is thriving and has all of us wrapped around his paws 😻 He is so sweet, a big time cuddle bug. He loves to go outside and he loves to try and pounce on his rescued sister lol.

Thank you again for enriching our lives with him, my perfect precious ginger prince!

Jennifer”

Our 3 cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) continue to thrive and enjoy most everything other cats do. Mazikeen, Bananas, and Lucipurr do have some limitations due to their condition. They are restricted to an isolated area with padded flooring and no sharp edges. They don’t interact with the other cats in the house. Our next few posts will explain how EB affects their bodies and the special accommodations required to keep them healthy.

Neighborhood kitty Peachy really enjoys the porch on this cat shelter.

Lucy sunbathing in a rather awkward looking position. Lucy came to Cincinnati Cats suffering from a parasitic infection that got to her brain
She suffers from some neurological issues and stomach problems as a result. Lucy is one of our long-time sanctuary cats requiring extra care.

Nanners looking suspiciously at the remote control robot with camera. We bought it to give us another camera perspective of the Cats with EB and also for entertainment. Lucipurr especially likes to chase the mechanical toys.

Mazikeen and Lucipurr waiting for their night feeding.

Bananas looking a bit rough here. Epidermolysis Bullosa really messes with many aspects of the cats body systems, but most significantly the skin. Bananas, Mazikeen, and Lucipurr all ooze fluids from the skin especially areas where sores and bare spots exist. Combined with excess saliva, the cats’ fur quickly collects dirt and results in this rather messy appearance.

Bananas, Mazikeen, and Lucipurr had a good Saturday. Now it's time to say goodnight.

Neighborhood cat Peachy relaxing on the patio chair

No, this is not Rudolph’s nose. Sadly it belongs to our Epidermolysis Bullosa kitty Mazikeen. Of the 3 cats with EB only Mazi’s nose is this delicate. Her nose seems to always be injured, though we don't see whole skin peels like this very often. Her nose is so sensitive that she normally flinches if you reach towards her face to pet her. Even with her delicate nose, Mazi absolutely loves receiving attention and remains very sweet and loving.

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As with humans, Epidermolysis Bullosa afflicts each of the cats differently. Bananas constantly loses Fur over significant areas of his body. Lucipurr has a good bit of fur loss around his hips and sides. Mazikeen, however, rarely exhibits much fur loss. All three require frequent brushing to prevent matting and remove loose fur. Because of the sensitivity of the skin in EB patients. So the brushes we use on them have the bristles are each covered with plastic nibs.

Maude's magnificent whiskers

Lucipurr’s huge ‘Bear Claw’ fell out last night. Epidermolysis Bullosa affects each of the three cats in different ways. As has been posted earlier, Lucipurr’s claws tend to grow very large and significantly malformed before falling out. All three of them have malformed, larger than normal claws that fall out easily and leave gaping holes where they were. But Lucipurr frequently ends up with absolutely huge claws we refer to as his ‘bear claws’.

Bananas, Mazikeen, and Lucipurr LOVE watching out the window during the day. After dark they want pettings and to be brushed. While they do like to be brushed, we have to be gentle and only use brushes with rounded plastic covers on the bristles. The Epidermolysis Bullosa makes their skin very fragile and also causes their fur to come out in clumps at times. So brushing is good, as long as it is done gently and with covered bristles.

Even on overcast, dreary days the cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa love looking out the window and watching everything going on. We keep feeders outside their window to attract birds and squirrels. Bananas, Mazikeen, and Lucipurr are very happy even with the limitations imposed by their condition.

The cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa have always suffered the most in the paws. In fact, it was problems with their paws that led to their diagnosis. Their rescuer, Lynn, was very concerned with the condition of the paws and the pain the kittens were suffering. Lynn's concern led her on an extensive search for answers.

These photos show the current state of their paws. Missing claws and big malformed claws are constant in all three cats. Thankfully we have seen far fewer blisters or sores on the bottom of the pads since replacing the rubber floor with soft padded flooring.

Mazikeen has very small, dainty paws and her claws tend to remain small as well. Unfortunately her claws sometimes grow out at odd angles and into her paw pads.

The cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa have always suffered the most in the paws. In fact, it was problems with their paws that led to their diagnosis. Their rescuer, Lynn, was very concerned with the condition of the paws and the pain the kittens were suffering. Lynn's concern led her on an extensive search for answers.

These photos show the current state of their paws. Missing claws and big malformed claws are constant in all three cats. Thankfully we have seen far fewer blisters or sores on the bottom of the pads since replacing the rubber floor with soft padded flooring.

Bananas’ claws tend to fall out before becoming terribly large.

The cats with Epidermolysis Bullosa have always suffered the most in the paws. In fact, it was problems with their paws that led to their diagnosis. Their rescuer, Lynn, was very concerned with the condition of the paws and the pain the kittens were suffering. Lynn's concern led her on an extensive search for answers.

These photos show the current state of their paws. Missing claws and big malformed claws are constant in all three cats. Thankfully we have seen far fewer blisters or sores on the bottom of the pads since replacing the rubber floor with soft padded flooring.

Lucipurr most often suffers from very large malformed claws.

Mazikeen’s nose is pretty much healed up already. It is amazing how well these cats heal most of the time despite their being afflicted with Epidermolysis Bullosa. As with humans, the cats with EB require extra calories and excellent nutrition to continuously fuel the body's healing process. Additionally we work to keep them happy and free of stress for their overall well-being.

Mazikeen’s nose is a bit raw, which is a frequent thing for her, but her whiskers are looking magnificent!

Lucipurr, Mazikeen, and Bananas love watching activities outside. Today was a busy day with lots of birds and their fosters working in the garden. These very special cats may have a somewhat limiting condition, epidermolysis bullosa, but we work to give them the same enjoyments other cats enjoy within the limits of their condition.

We would like to highlight a very special donor:

Denise F. is another long time donor, though her contributions come in a different form. Denise donates directly to the care of a surprisingly long lived foster. Some years ago Cincinnati Cats took in two hospice case cats from our local shelter just before Christmas. The shelter staff did not want to see them live out their final days and last holiday in the cold cages of an animal shelter. Walter and Bud came to us and our veterinary partners at PetVet365 agreed to take them in and provide hospice care and a loving environment.

Although Bud did pass away shortly after we took him in, Walter thrived under the specialized veterinary care provided by PetVet365. After some time as a clinic cat, Denise offered to foster Walter and look after him. Denise not only provided a loving home she has also donated the majority of his veterinary and daily care. With his medical expenses Walter is more resource intensive than some other cats and we are forever grateful that Denise has contributed so much to giving him a wonderful Life.

We would like to highlight a very special donor:

Tracey S. has been a long time regular donor to Cincinnati cats. Donors like Tracey are the lifeblood of our financial health. We know we can depend on donations from Tracy and the others who have chosen to provide regular contributions. We thank Tracy and all of our donors for providing us the ability to help our special needs cats.