West End star falls for wobbly cat in need of home

A kitten born with wobbly cat syndrome has well and truly landed on her feet after being adopted by stage and TV actor Sarah Hadland.

Cassia and brother Dill were both born with cerebellar hypoplasia and were taken to a rehoming event hosted by West End theatre stars in London, by staff from charity Peterborough Cat Rescue, who were looking after them.

The charity felt it better that the pair were rehomed separately, and Hadland fell for Cassia who has now moved in with her family.

Renaming her Wibbles, Hadland said: "She's brought so much joy to us."

Dill and Wibbles (Cassia) had been hand-reared since birth as their mother died when they were just a week old.

Cerebellar hypoplasia, also known as wobbly cat syndrome, is a neurological disorder affecting balance and movement, and the animals often stand with their legs far apart and sway or wobble when walking.

However, as it is non-progressive, most cats learn to cope well with the condition.

The kittens were shown off at West End Woofs, a charity event bringing together stars of theatre to raise awareness of both dogs and cats in need of rehoming.

This year's event took place in London on 15 August and a number of rescue charities took animals along, including staff from Peterborough Cat Rescue.

Cassia caught the eye of Hadland, who is currently starring alongside Stephen Mangan, Ardal O'Hanlon and Janie Dee in comedy The Truth, at the Apollo Theatre.

Hadland is perhaps best known for her roles as Stevie Sutton in BBC One's BAFTA-nominated comedy television series Miranda, ITV's The Job Lot, CBBC's Horrible Histories and Strictly Come Dancing, with her dance partner Vito Coppola.

Hadland, who took Wibbles home last Sunday, said: "Wibbles has hardly any wobble and she can bound up the stairs like a wallaby.

"She's the most agile, sprightly little thing.

"I almost feel I've been mis-sold," she joked. "I expected a wobbly kitten and Wibbles barely wobbles at all."

As Wibbles was hand-reared almost from birth, she is very happy to be handled and be around people.

Hadland has taken her to the theatre where she has a little corner set up with food, water and a litter tray while the actress is on stage.

"She travels quite happily on the train, the Tube and in taxis and everyone at the theatre loves her," said Hadland.

"She's even given Stephen Mangan [her co-star in The Truth] a few words of encouragement. He said Wibbles was so perfect she was almost AI.

"She's brought so much joy to us since coming into our lives and even though I wonder about trade descriptions because Wibbles doesn't wobble much, we've reviewed the product and decided to keep her."

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Hadland also stressed the importance of adopting cats from shelters, and neutering pets to ease the pressure on charities overrun with unwanted cats and kittens.

Wibbles will be neutered when she is old enough.

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