Cats born with disabilities deserve a loving home where they can thrive, and social media sensation Maya and her family are a case in point. She became a true social media star despite being born with a genetic abnormality, just like the rest of the pets she shares a home with.
Maya was brought to The Odd Cat Sanctuary when she was eight months old, and her life would’ve looked much different if she hadn’t. She was found behind a Chinese food restaurant, and the initial plan was to put her down because she looked and acted unusual.
The Odd Cat Sanctuary decided to take things into their own hands after hearing Maya’s story and brought her to a foster home. Lauren Beader from Salem, Massachusetts was immediately drawn to her and decided to adopt her after stumbling upon her photo on Facebook.
Beader spent years working with people with disabilities and even coached a Special Olympics team, so she felt an immediate connection with Maya. She gave her a forever home and shared her story with the world in an attempt to remind people that special needs pets deserve all the love in the world.
Maya is no longer Beader’s only disabled pet. She shares her home with a paralyzed cat Dragon and the deaf dog Mordecai, and they’re showing the world that different is awesome.
