Christine “Chrissy” S. was scrolling through her Instagram feed in April 2023 when she came across a photo of Stevie, a blind, black-and-white kitten available from the ASPCA in Los Angeles. She showed Stevie’s photo and story to her husband, Mark.

“We looked at Stevie and just knew,” says Chrissy, a longtime animal advocate and rescuer with Mark. The couple had recently lost their 16-year-old blind tabby, Mirabelle, to kidney failure.  

Chrissy filled out an application and was contacted the next day by Ariel Collins, Director of Operations for the ASPCA LA Feline Programs.

Ariel arranged a Zoom call between Chrissy and Stevie’s foster caregiver, Jacqueline S.

Within two weeks, Chrissy and Mark adopted Stevie, but Stevie’s claim to fame as the family’s only blind kitty was short-lived. Three weeks later, the couple adopted a second blind cat, a young female named Bo-Katan, or Bo, from Stray Cat Alliance.

“We always look out for special needs cats,” Chrissy says. “We feel lucky that we found both Stevie and Bo when we did. They’re a perfect match.”

Coping with Seizures and Blindness

Found living outdoors with a group of community cats, Stevie was assisted as part of the ASPCA’s Cat Spay/Neuter Project in El Monte, California. The project aims to reduce the cat population by providing spay/neuter services for both owned and community cats as well as foster care services for kittens. This focus area was chosen due to the high number of kittens entering animal shelters from the area.

After being neutered by the ASPCA Community Medicine team, Stevie was accepted into the ASPCA L.A. Foster Program in November 2022.

While in foster care, Stevie, who had underdeveloped eyes, was treated for an upper respiratory infection. His foster caregiver also noticed signs of seizures on two occasions, so Stevie was placed on seizure medication in February 2023. That same month, ASPCA veterinarian Dr. Casey Connors removed Stevie’s remaining eye tissue. After he was neutered at the ASPCA’s Spay/Neuter Clinic, he was cleared for adoption.

‘They Give So Much Love’

Always the first one at the door when visitors come over, Stevie is social and outgoing, according to Chrissy.

“He was at the door waiting when we brought Bo home,” she said. “Mark held Bo back slightly, but they were fine with each other right away. We knew from Jacqueline that Stevie was comfortable with her cats and didn’t have to separate them.”

Shyer than Stevie, Bo takes time to get used to people’s voices and movements. But both cats love going outside on walks or road trips.

“We take them everywhere,” says Chrissy. “Outside, they’re in harnesses or safely inside backpacks in their ‘touring wagon.’”

“They will adapt to a hotel room in 10 minutes,” says Chrissy, a professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College. She often takes Stevie and Bo to class, where she lectures with Bo on her shoulder. Both cats like to explore her classroom.

Chrissy and Mark, a musician, live just east of Los Angeles. Each grew up with dogs.

“I always loved cats, too, but my sister was allergic,” says Chrissy. She and Mark have adopted and rescued many cats during their 30-year marriage, and as the cats grew older and developed the need for specialized care, she and Mark became adept at administering subcutaneous fluids, caring for them post-op and administering daily medications.

While Stevie and Bo are fortunate to have found a perfect home, Chrissy says she and Mark are the lucky ones.

“Having Stevie and Bo is very gratifying; adopting them is one of the best things we’ve ever done,” Chrissy says. “For us, helping special needs pets has always been a priority. Anyone in a position to do so should. They give so much love.”