On a chilly January day in 2020, H Due, a certified veterinary technician, stumbled upon a post that would change their life forever. The Dane County Humane Society’s website showcased an earless tabby cat in search of a forever home. Little did H know that this seemingly ordinary lunch break would lead to an extraordinary connection with a unique feline named Nora.
Nora, a nine-year-old grey tabby, had a tumultuous past. Found as a stray, her ears were severely infected, prompting the shelter to remove them due to irreparable damage. Despite her challenging history, H felt an instant bond with Nora, driven by a soft spot for special needs and senior animals.
At the time, H and their wife already shared their home with a cat, a three-legged pit bull, and a one-eyed Shih Tzu. Yet, the allure of Nora’s resilience and spirit proved irresistible. With the support of H’s wife, a special education teacher, Nora found herself on the way to a new and loving home.
Upon Nora’s arrival, H was captivated by her charm, and the bond between them deepened with each passing day. Tests confirmed Nora’s relatively good health, dispelling concerns about potential risks to their resident cat. Nora quickly adapted to her new surroundings, defying misconceptions about pets with unique appearances.
Over a year into her forever home, Nora thrives. Despite her earless status, she is far from deaf, and her health is robust. She shares cozy naps with Matilda, the family’s three-legged dog, and indulges in her favorite pastime – making biscuits. H dispels the notion that cats with unique looks can’t lead fulfilling lives, emphasizing Nora’s content and comfortable existence.
While Nora’s ear canals require gentle handling, she needs no special care. H advocates for the adoption of special-needs kitties like Nora, urging people to look beyond appearances and offer loving homes to all cats. Nora’s story is a testament to the joy that comes from embracing the uniqueness of each feline, proving that every cat, regardless of their background, deserves a place in a loving home.
As H reflects on the past year with Nora, they speak with a heart full of love, declaring Nora Jean the Earless Queen as the best thing ever, a sentiment that echoes the profound bond shared between a human and their extraordinary feline companion.
