Meet Mochi, a unique feline originally bred in China and now residing in the United States. Mochi has been facing health challenges due to ischemic dermatopathy, affecting her ears, tail, and right hind leg. After traveling halfway across the globe to live with a family in Boston, her medical conditions became too overwhelming for her previous owners, leading them to entrust her to the caring hands of the MSPCA-Angell rescue shelter. Despite her physical setbacks, a compassionate couple named Greg and Natalia welcomed Mochi into their home with open arms. Both animal lovers with a deep bond, they have embraced Mochi and her differences wholeheartedly, offering her a loving and supportive environment in Boston, MA. Follow their heartwarming journey on Instagram and TikTok as they navigate life with their special feline companion, Mochi.
Recently, Bored Panda connected with Greg McDouglas, the new owner of Mocchi, and inquired about her background. Greg revealed that Mocchi, a munchkin kitten, originally came from China and was purchased by a family in Boston. Shortly after joining her new family, she began exhibiting signs of a mysterious illness that led to her surrender to MSPCA-Angell, a rescue shelter. By that time, her condition had significantly worsened, prompting the shelter’s doctors to amputate one of her hind legs, both ears, and her tail, as well as treat her for ringworm.
The previous owners decided to surrender their dog to mSPCA-Angell, a rescue center that was ready to give her the care she needed.
After two months of dedicated care from the shelter’s doctors, Mochi made a remarkable recovery despite having to undergo amputation of one hind leg, both ears, and her tail. During her time at the shelter, she was quarantined for safety, but once she regained her health, she was put up for adoption. My fiancée, Natalia, an animal enthusiast, came across Mochi’s profile and immediately felt a connection. We were thrilled to receive a call the next day from the shelter informing us that we were chosen to adopt Mochi. Natalia was overjoyed, and although I tried to keep a level head suggesting we meet Mochi first, when we finally did on January 22nd, 2023, it was love at first sight for both of us. Mochi has been a part of our family for just over two months now, bringing so much joy and love into our lives.
The medical team at the shelter took care of her for a period of two months, providing her with the necessary care and keeping her separated from others.
After that, we delved into Mochi’s character and the daily routines she enjoys in her new environment. Greg described her as incredibly sweet, quirky, and full of vitality. She loves engaging in games like hide and seek around the house and isn’t shy about expressing herself with a variety of meows, chirps, and squeaks. Mochi is also very affectionate, relishing belly rubs, head scratches, and snuggling on Natalia’s head at bedtime. She thrives on being the focal point of attention and eagerly greets new acquaintances, embodying a bold spirit of exploration and insatiable curiosity. Both Greg and Natalia are smitten with her and spare no effort in pampering her; welcoming Mochi into their lives has undoubtedly proven to be a decision that fills their hearts with love.
After receiving care and being restored to good health, the shelter made her available for adoption.
When asked about Mochi’s health, Greg shared that they are hopeful about her future. Despite some concerns, such as not being able to receive vaccines due to a suspected reaction in the past, they believe Mochi will lead a long, happy life. They also need to be mindful of her weight because she only has three legs. Mochi, who was under 2.5 pounds when they adopted her, now weighs over 4 pounds. They also have to be careful when cleaning the little part of her ears that remain. However, overall, Mochi is in good health and full of energy. She recently had her first vet checkup and received a clean bill of health. Natalia and Greg’s decision to adopt her was immediate when they saw her listing.
The following day, the shelter contacted them to inform that they were chosen to welcome Mochi into their home.
We were fascinated by the origin of this charming name, and discovered that it was because they thought she resembled a sweet vanilla mochi ice cream ball! Others also likened her to an owl, seal, otter, cloud, potato, and ferret. She truly is a beauty! The following day, when the couple met Mochi, they instantly fell in love with her.
Having a good understanding of Mochi’s health issues, we were curious to see how it affects her daily life. Greg shared with us that they make sure her daily routine is stress-free to prevent any potential autoimmune reactions. Mochi is primarily an indoor cat, with the freedom to roam around the house as she pleases. She enjoys sleeping either in bed with her owners or in a cozy kitty bed nearby, and surprisingly, she sleeps quietly through the night. In the mornings, after eating, she has bursts of energy and loves to play with her owners. When she’s in the playful mood, she meows and tries to initiate a game of hide and seek. Mochi is not just a sweet kitten but also a lively one who brings joy to the household with her playful antics.
Greg provided some amusing details about his cat’s playful behavior: “When we approach her, she enjoys playing a game of chase where she runs away and hides, only peeking out to see if we’re following. It’s a never-ending cycle of hide-and-seek until she eventually tires out and ends up flopping over for belly rubs. She’s a big fan of head scratches and licking our hands, and she can be found napping all around the house. Her favorite pastime is chasing after the laser pointer and zooming up and down the stairs or sprinting around the house. She’s a bit quirky when it comes to running in a straight line, often zigzagging like a snake. Plus, she’s a TV enthusiast and absolutely adores her wet food.”
She absolutely loves receiving affectionate attention and enjoys belly rubs and gentle head scratches.
We also asked about any additional care required for her given her medical background. The owner reassured us, saying that besides taking the necessary precautions, there isn’t much extra care needed on a daily basis. She acts just like any typical cat, oblivious to her missing limbs. She enjoys climbing furniture like the couch, chairs, and even our bed. At night, she finds comfort sleeping on Natalia’s head!
Meet Mochi, an adorable 8-month-old who has recently been embraced by her new family, who often joke that she looks like a sweet vanilla mochi ice cream treat.
Ever since Mochi’s story went viral on the internet, it has spread quickly. We caught up with Greg and his partner Natalia to discuss what it’s like to be the proud owners of this famous feline. Greg shared, “We love sharing Mochi’s journey because it’s an extraordinary and heartwarming tale of a resilient cat. Despite enduring a tough journey from China on a plane, followed by a lengthy quarantine due to illness and the loss of her limbs, Mochi remains strong and full of life. She’s the toughest little cat I’ve ever known, yet she’s still as sweet and affectionate as ever. We hope that Mochi’s story can bring joy to others during tough times.”
Currently, she is thriving and in excellent health, but her family must take certain measures to ensure she maintains that status.
Finally, Greg stressed the importance of raising awareness about rescue shelters. Organizations like SPCA-Angel, which took care of Mochi, do incredible work, and Greg encourages people to show their support. He also urged people to consider opening their hearts and homes to rescue pets and animals with disabilities. There are countless unique and lovable animals out there waiting for a second chance, and Greg hopes that those looking to bring a pet into their lives will consider adopting a special needs animal.
She finds it a bit challenging to walk in a straight line, often swaying like a snake as she moves.
Furthermore, she behaves just like any other typical cat, relishing in climbing on the couch, chairs, and bed.
Whenever Mochi is feeling playful, she lets out a little meow and starts her playful antics to get her owners to join in on the fun.
Watching TV shows with Natalia and Greg is something she truly enjoys.
Greg and Natalia are enthusiastic about supporting the efforts of rescue shelters like mSPCA-Angell, where they personally witnessed the exceptional care given to their beloved pet, Mochi.
That’s why they chose to share Mochi’s story and inspire others to consider giving a home to a special needs pet.
Showing our pets some extra love and care might be necessary, but the love and affection they give us in return make it all worthwhile.
Greg shared how welcoming a pet cat named Mochi has brought immense happiness into their lives and filled their hearts with love.
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