Shake ‘n Bake: The Wobbly Kitten Who Turns Every Room Into a Party

Some cats tiptoe into your life. Shake ‘n Bake wobbles in at full speed, trips over her own enthusiasm, and immediately decides you are her favorite person. This four-month-old Domestic Shorthair kitten was born with a little extra shake in her step, and she has never once let it slow down the fun. If you have been waiting for a cat with main-character energy, say hello. Shake and bake, baby.

Shake ‘n Bake is a grey-and-white girl with a personality several sizes larger than her medium frame. Once she knows you, she demands every second of your attention, and she is not subtle about it. She will chirp, meow, and play her way straight into your heart.

Play is her whole love language. She pounces, bats, and gives affectionate little “love gnaws” on fingers, ankles, and anything loose and dangly. She is still learning to use her claws to help herself move around, so every day she gets a bit more coordinated and a bit more confident. When she finally runs out of steam, she melts into a cuddle and lets you hold her like the tired, happy kitten she is.

What is cerebellar hypoplasia, or “wobbly cat syndrome”?

Shake ‘n Bake has a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia, often affectionately known as wobbly cat syndrome. It happens when a kitten’s cerebellum, the part of the brain that manages balance and coordination, does not fully develop before birth. The result is a cat who walks with her legs set wide for stability, sometimes leans on a wall for backup, and shows the most tremor when she is concentrating hardest on a toy, a food bowl, or a friendly hand reaching in to say hi.

Here is the good news, and there is a lot of it. Cerebellar hypoplasia does not hurt, it is not progressive, and it will never get worse as she ages. It is also not contagious to other cats. A cerebellar hypoplasia cat like Shake ‘n Bake simply moves through the world a little differently, joyful and affectionate.

What life with Shake ‘n Bake looks like

Setting up a home for a wobbly cat is pretty simple. Shake ‘n Bake does best as an indoors-only kitty with soft footing to grip, so carpet, rugs, towels, or padded floors help her cruise around like a pro. Low-entry litter boxes placed in easy-to-reach spots are already helping her aim improve every week, and non-spill or elevated food and water dishes keep mealtimes tidy.

Because she is an enthusiastic, wobbly eater, she can be a little messy and occasionally needs a wipe-down or a quick clean-up. She is not the world’s biggest fan of baths and firmly believes blow dryers are the enemy, so a gentle towel and a patient hand go a long way. In exchange, you get a cat who greets you like you have returned from a long trip every single time you walk in the door.

She loves being picked up and held on her own terms, accepts cuddles when she is sleepy, and prefers play over petting when she is wound up. Learn her rhythm and she will reward you with the most devoted companionship you can imagine.

Ready to meet Shake ‘n Bake?

If your heart just did a little wobble, that is a good sign. Shake ‘n Bake is looking for the person who sees her sideways strut and thinks, “There she is.”

Have questions about this sweet girl, or ready to take the next step toward adoption? Complete our Adoption Inquiry Form or call us at (925) 426-8656. Copy and paste this link into your browser to get started: https://valleyhumane.org/adopt/adoption/

You can also meet more adoptable cats anytime at https://valleyhumane.org/adopt/adopt-a-cat/

Shake and bake, baby. Your new best friend is ready when you are.