When it comes to cats, sometimes, all it takes is one look to know that soon our lives will be changed forever. And there is something about special needs cats that inspires us to show them they deserve to be loved forever. Special needs cats are beautiful and brave and have so much love to give—just like Thor and Nyla do. But, oftentimes, they must face obstacles on their path to living their best life.
For this bonded pair of blind cats, they captured the hearts of their humans at first sight. But this wasn’t by chance or random—it took lots of planning and 500 miles of traveling to give them the forever home they so deserved. These two cats tugged at their heartstrings, and immediately the couple knew that they had to open their home and hearts to these poor little babies in need. And, as they say, the rest is history!
How did Thor and Nyla come into your life?
Tiny Kittens, a cat rescue/TNR based out of Langley B.C. Canada trapped both Thor & Nyla in January of 2020. We watched their intake on Tiny Kittens 24/7 YouTube live stream. The moment we saw them they captured our hearts. Injured, malnourished, and vulnerable, but to us Thor and Nyla were perfect. After some Covid related delays, we flew the 800 km / 500 miles to officially adopt and bring them home.
How did you come up with their names?
Shelly Roche, the head of Tiny Kittens, chose names she felt represented what they’d overcome. Nyla: “the achiever, the successful one, survivor.” Thor: “strength, thunder, protection”. Thor’s is particularly accurate. Dr. Renee Ferguson the veterinarian, at Mountain View Veterinary Hospital who performed Thor’s eye surgery determined Thor had, somehow, managed to survive in the wild, completely blind, for at least a year.
Can you tell me about their special connection?
What makes their connection so special is the one word that also, perfectly, defines it: “inseparable” They are either intertwined in sleep, eating together, engaging in marathon wrestling matches, chasing each other with reckless abandon, or grooming each other to go back to sleep. They are virtually never apart. Their bond is so deep and so strong it almost defies description.
What are their favorite hobbies?
Their favorite hobby is playing tag. Thor has our home entirely mapped out and can navigate hallways, corners, and doorways, running at top speed, as if he was sighted. Nyla will announce the game is on with a sharp trill and a galloping run toward Thor. She’ll pull up just inches from him give him a light tap and the chase is on. We will hold our breath watching them pursue each other, at times, for 20 minutes straight, as Thor cuts corners, winds between, and hurdles over furniture, chasing Nyla.
What’s something special you’d like cat people to know about Thor and Nyla?
Thor and Nyla, even as special needs cats, are leading incredibly fulfilling, happy and, perhaps most importantly, normal cat lives. We like to think that they can champion the cause for cat owners who might not have otherwise considered adopting a special needs cat to perhaps welcoming one into their home. Any extra time that may be spent on addressing any requirements they have, is returned so many times over by the love you receive from them. We always tell people that you may adopt a special needs cat with the belief that you are helping them, but you may find that they end up helping you in ways you could never imagine.
I want to give a special “thank you” to Danielle and Joel for opening their hearts and homes to these special cats, and also, for allowing me to share their story and images with all of the Cattitude Daily readers. I truly hope their heartwarming tale can inspire others to give a special needs cat a chance to be loved forever. For more on this adorable duo, be sure to check them out here on Facebook.
All Images Courtesy of Thorla.Pet on Facebook