When Otitis the cat developed Otitis externa, a painful condition causing large cysts to form on his ears, his original guardians neglected to seek medical attention for him. As the condition worsened, it reached a point where surgery was the only option, but they couldn’t afford it. Consequently, Otitis was surrendered to the Feline Rescue Association of Baltimore. Thankfully, the rescue organization was able to provide the necessary surgery, removing his ears and setting out to find him a forever home.
The perfect home for Otitis came in the form of Molly Lichtenwalner. Over a year ago, Molly suffered a serious car accident that left her with severe anxiety. Aware of the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship, Molly turned to Petfinder.com in search of a furry friend. There, she discovered Otitis and was immediately drawn to him. She adopted the earless kitty, who quickly became a beloved member of her family and an Instagram sensation.
Molly created an Instagram page for Otitis to showcase his unique appearance and to inspire others to adopt special needs animals. The response was overwhelming, with people falling in love with Otitis and his story. But Molly and Otitis didn’t stop at social media fame. They embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of adopting special needs animals.
Molly and her roommate, both speech therapists, are currently working on a children’s book about Otitis and his journey. Their goal is to teach children to embrace differences and to show that every animal, regardless of their appearance or health issues, deserves a loving home.
The story of Otitis highlights a larger issue: the plight of homeless animals. Every year, six to eight million dogs and cats end up in animal shelters, with approximately 2.7 million being euthanized. Shockingly, around 70 percent of the euthanized animals are cats, many of whom are healthy and adoptable. This staggering number underscores the critical need for more people to choose adoption over buying pets from breeders or pet stores.
Adopting a pet not only provides a loving home to an animal in need but also helps reduce the overall homeless pet population. When one animal is adopted, it creates space in the shelter for another animal who may desperately need it. The act of adoption can save lives and offer a second chance to animals like Otitis.
