After months in the shelter, a spirited tortie with a neurological condition proves joy doesn’t need perfect balance.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
There’s something unforgettable about Ivy.
Not just her striking tortoiseshell coat or her big, curious eyes—but the way she moves through the world. A little wobbly. A little unsteady. Completely full of life.
Ivy, a 6-month-old Domestic Short Hair, first arrived at the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area as a tiny stray kitten in November. Found alone in a yard at just 7 to 8 weeks old, she’s spent nearly her entire young life waiting for someone to notice her.
And once you do, it’s hard to look away.
From the beginning, staff could tell Ivy was different. Her head gently trembles, and her steps come with a quirky, off-balance rhythm. A veterinary exam revealed she likely has cerebellar hypoplasia, often called CH—a condition where the part of the brain that controls balance doesn’t fully develop.
But here’s the thing about Ivy: she doesn’t let it define her.
CH isn’t painful. It doesn’t stop her from playing, exploring, or being a kitten. If anything, Ivy seems determined to squeeze even more joy out of every moment. She zooms, pounces, and wrestles with other cats like a pro—just with a little extra flair.
CHECK OUT HER PHOTO GALLERY
Wobbly wonder Ivy still waiting for her forever home | Forgotten Friends
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Her personality? Pure tortie.
Ivy is bold, talkative, and absolutely convinced the world revolves around her. She’ll chirp and chatter about everything—your day, the weather, probably your outfit choices too. She loves to follow her people from room to room, always staying just close enough to keep an eye on things.
She’s not much of a lap cat and prefers affection on her own terms. Pick her up mid-play, and you might get a little sass in return. But lie down on the floor, and she’ll happily bat at your hands, turning you into her favorite toy.
Because of her condition, Ivy does need a home that understands her unique needs. A low-entry litter box helps her keep her balance, and a safe, supervised space ensures she can play without taking a tumble. She may wobble—but she’s also resilient, adaptable, and eager to learn.
She’s currently thriving in a foster home with children and other cats, showing just how well she can fit into a loving environment. With a little patience and a lot of heart, Ivy will blossom.
And really, what she’s been waiting for all this time…is someone willing to meet her exactly where she is.
Ivy is spayed, vaccinated, and ready to go home. Her adoption fee is just $50—covering extensive medical care and giving you a one-of-a-kind companion in return.
Because sometimes, the most special friends are the ones who move through life a little differently.
Visit the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area located at 3353 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels, call them at (830) 629-5287 or email them at GeneralInfo@HSNBA.org.
The normal fees to adopt are $120 for large dogs, $200 for small dogs and puppies, $100 for kittens, $50 for adult cats.
They are open:
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sundays and Holidays: Closed to the public
You can fill out your adoption application by CLICKING HERE.
Are you ready to adopt an animal but you’re not sure what you are looking for? Visit their website to see all of their available cats and dogs CLICK HERE. They also always need more fosters. Did you know they pay for all the costs including food, medical and just about everything else? You just supply the home and the love! CLICK HERE to learn more.
Because kitten season is still going strong, they are in urgent need of fosters to help them with the abundance of tiny furballs coming through their doors. Visit www.hsnba.org/get-involved/foster/kitten-fostering to learn more and sign up to be a foster caregiver.
And those kittens need to eat, so any donations off of their Kitten Wishlist would be much appreciated! The other animals at the shelter need some items as well. Visit the Amazon Wish List here.
Here are some of the items that they need the most right now. CLICK HERE for the list.
Felines
- Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR, Breeder’s Edge, GNC)
- Kitten Bottles
- Miracle Nipples
- Kitten Canned Food
- Disc Warmers
- Cat Toys
Canines
- Dog and Puppy Food
- Treats
- Leashes
- Kong Toys
- Slow Feeders
- Interactive Feeding Toys/Bowls
HSNBA always needs more folks to help out with the animals. Do you want to get involved? CLICK HERE for more information.
HSNBA currently has around 400 pets in their care, and meeting their daily needs is a huge challenge. Please consider donating to help them continue providing food, medical care, and shelter to the pets in their care. Donations can be made online, in person, or through the mail.
HNBA is located at 3353 Morningside Drive, NBTX 78132. They can even receive credit card donations over the phone by calling them at (830) 629-5287 (Press ZERO to speak with staff).
CLICK HERE to donate to the shelter.
To learn more about what is happening at HSNBA visit their website.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.