Smush is a special girl. Smush has some genetic deformities that make her look a little different than other cats, and she has come from very humble beginnings. We found Smush on Instagram, and we were very curious about her. We had the privilege of talking with one of her awesome mommies, Shannon! We are so excited to introduce Smush to those of you who don’t know her!

Rough Beginnings

Before Smush was adopted, she was rescued by a bystander, and taken to a pet rescue in Gainesville, Florida, where she resided. She was extremely sick – wouldn’t eat, had an upper respiratory infection, and a horrible case of ringworm. Not to mention, her genetic deformities added to her difficulties dealing with her sicknesses. If Lindsey [Shannon’s friend, and vet student at the time] didn’t take her home with her and feed her every four hours she would have been euthanized.

Life Begins

Luckily, a lovely little family soon adopted Smush. “Smush had been turned in by a good Samaritan when they found her all alone on the side of the road. Lindsey posted Smush’s photo on Facebook and I fell in love immediately. So did my wife, Sarah,” The rest is history! Before Smush was adopted, Shannon and Sarah fostered her for a week to make sure she’d get along with the other animals. It was a perfect fit. It seems as if it was fate! “We weren’t looking for any more animals!! I honestly feel like she was just meant to be with us. Sarah and I didn’t discuss adopting her and didn’t discuss that we were both following her so closely on Lindsey’s Facebook page from the beginning,”

Who are Smush’s humans?

Smush’s mommies are superstars.

Shannon tells us about being involved in many organizations in Florida. She takes photos and makes video for multiple pet rescues and also her local TNR organization, Operation Catnip. She is also going to Puerto Rico this summer with The University of Florida’s Shelter Medicine Program to document their trip to help a shelter there succeed. Additionally, Shannon told us she is also going to the Odd Cat Sanctuary in Salem, MA this summer to take photos, make a video and help them with their marketing. For those of you keeping up with this series, the Odd Cat Sanctuary is where our last featured kitty, Maya, was adopted from!

Life at home

When Smush isn’t busy being an Instagram star, she is typically playing with her siblings! Smush has 3 dogs, 3 cats, and a hedgehog (who she’s very unsure about) to hang out with now. What’s Smush like now that she’s in a loving home? “She’s just funny. Every single thing she does is hilarious to me. She’s the best,” Shannon tells us.

Future for Smush

Smush is a special kitty, and while special cats are amazing, it is important to understand the responsibilities of owning a special needs animal. “Most people look at Smush and say, ‘oh, she’s so cute’ or ‘I want a cat like that’ without knowing what it’s really like on the daily. Smush is a handful. Since she wasn’t raised with other kittens or a feline mother and was isolated so long, she never learned how to play and will often play rough. She needs a lot of patience to learn how to behave. (I watch a lot of Jackson Galaxy!) Also, due to whatever is going on in her little squishy head, she tends to have outbursts occasionally where she can strike out like a feral cat” However, Shannon stresses that she would not trade Smush for anything, as Smush love for her humans is immeasurable.

We urge you to always choose adoption when looking for a furry friend, and to consider those kitties that may seem a little quirky, they will love you just the same!