Published Feb 8, 2025
Ethel the cat’s Instagram bio describes her as a “blind, toothless, rescued, purring potato.” This 13-year-old cat was found wandering a cemetery in 2017 and brought to the Cat Welfare Association in Columbus, Ohio, where she remained for about a year before finding the perfect home.
An unplanned adoption
Ethel’s mom visited the Cat Welfare Association to see a friend but fell into the same trap as many cat parents. When asked if she wanted to see the adoptable cats, her answer was an immediate yes!
There, she spotted a tiny, overweight cat and immediately fell in love. Ethel was sweet, adorable, and immediately captured her mom’s heart. She went home and told her husband that they needed to add Ethel to their family.
Adjusting to a new life
Life in her new home wasn’t without its challenges, including Ethel’s obesity and blindness. Although blind cats can live full, happy lives while depending on their other senses, feline obesity is a larger issue, with the potential to cause diabetes, heart disease, and more. Ethel was adorably round, but it was important for her to lose weight in her new home.
Her blindness seemed to contribute to Ethel’s unwillingness to explore her new home, and her obesity made her reluctant to play. She had to learn her way around slowly but didn’t spend much time playing with her dog and cat siblings or exploring new areas.
Ethel’s mom laid down rugs of different textures so she could better orient herself in the home, and had to be cautious about moving furniture so that Ethel wouldn’t bump into it. Blind cats usually memorize the layout of the house to get around more easily since they can’t rely on their sense of sight.
The family also worked on weight loss, which brought a spring to Ethel’s step and a newfound interest in play. Ethel bonded with her new siblings, a senior dog and cat, who she was happy to spend time with.
Meeting new siblings
However, when both of the other pets passed away a year later, Ethel’s family adopted a younger cat and dog which came with new challenges. Though Ethel likes to cuddle when they’re calm, she tries to stay out of the way when the younger animals are feeling rambunctious. “She’s retired,” her mom explains.
She also says that the family jokingly calls Ethel a linebacker for her small yet muscular build. She’s not afraid to put her pesky younger siblings in their place when needed!
Most cats choose a favorite person in the home, and Ethel is no exception. Her mom says she thinks about her while she’s away, longing for Ethel’s comforting cuddles and purrs. Like many cat owners, Ethel’s mom feels less stressed when she’s with her fur baby.
Though not much is known about Ethel’s background, her future in her forever home looks bright! You can find Ethel on Instagram along with her cat brother, Milo.
