When Molly Lichtenwalner decided to welcome a new pet into her life, she had her heart set on an animal with special needs. Having grown up with a deaf sheepdog, Molly understood the unique joy and connection that comes with caring for a special needs pet.
At the shelter, she was instantly drawn to a cat named Otitis. Molly decided to adopt Otitis during a tough period in her life, following a car accident that left her dealing with anxiety.
“I suffered from anxiety as a result of a car accident,” Molly shared. “Growing up on a farm, surrounded by animals, I realized just how much animals help me and my mental health.”
Otitis had been surrendered to the Feline Rescue Association of Baltimore because his previous owners couldn’t afford the surgery he needed for large, painful cysts in his ears. The rescue staff raised the necessary funds to treat him, and he was now ready for a new home.
When Molly saw Otitis, she felt an immediate connection. “I knew he was the perfect cat for me,” she said. “He was an older, special needs cat who needed the home and love I knew I could provide. I later learned that many people inquired about him, but no one had submitted an application— I was the first.”
Otitis had been in so much pain from his cysts that he rarely played and moved as little as possible. Molly told The Dodo, “Now he’s constantly running around and playing and loving life; he’s so much happier without his ears.”
Since joining Molly’s family, Otitis spends his time playing and cuddling with his new mom. He’s been a tremendous help with her anxiety, even sensing when she’s distressed. Molly recalled, “One night, I woke up from a nightmare and Otitis was sleeping on my pillow. My heart was beating very fast, and Otitis could tell I wasn’t myself. He crawled onto my chest and stayed there until my heartbeat returned to normal, then went back to his pillow.”
“He’s so perceptive to my feelings, it’s incredible,” Molly added.
Otitis was featured on Inside Edition, which highlighted his remarkable resemblance to his favorite toy, a stuffed white seal. Now living happily with Molly and her partner, Otitis is healthy and pain-free.
Molly expressed to The Dodo, “He is by far the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Today, Otitis is a happy, healthy senior cat who adores his family. He has two new feline siblings and a tiny human sibling, all of whom he loves dearly. Otitis has truly found a wonderful place to call home. For more photos and videos of Otitis, you can visit his Instagram page.
