How a rescue cat named William became a beloved foster parent in Fish Hoek

A once-emaciated ginger kitten rescued from the side of a road in Retreat has not only found a loving home in Fish Hoek – he’s also taken on the role of assistant foster parent to dozens of kittens.

The cat, now known as William, or affectionately, ‘Uncle William’, was discovered by a team of workmen laying fibre cables in May last year.

They spotted the frail kitten lying motionless on the verge and contacted Tears Animal Rescue in Sunnydale, who responded immediately.

William was taken in and cared for by the team at Tears, including operations manager Mandy Store, who nursed him back to health.

He was severely underweight and needed round-the-clock attention.

“It was touch and go in those early days,” said Fish Hoek resident Catherine van der Linden, who later became his foster mum.

“He was tiny and weak, but the staff at Tears provided him with everything he needed: food, medication, and love.”

As William recovered, he was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), often called wobbly cat syndrome – a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination.

“It’s similar to cerebral palsy in humans. His brain didn’t develop properly in the womb, which means his body doesn’t always do what he wants it to do," Ms van der Linden said.

Tears asked her if she’d be willing to foster a special-needs kitten.

“Of course, I said yes. At the shelter, they’d been calling him ‘Wobbles’, but once I got to know him, I renamed him William – or Willy Wonky," said Ms van der Linden. 

What was intended to be a temporary foster placement soon turned into something permanent.

“I let a couple of families meet him, but I quickly realised that William wasn’t the right fit for homes with small children. And honestly, I couldn’t part with him,” she said.

Caring for William required major lifestyle adjustments, according to Ms van der Linden.

At first, he couldn’t use a litter box without falling over, sometimes into his mess, and had to be held upright.

“I had to learn his bathroom schedule and be there to help him,” said Ms van der Linden. “Eventually, he figured it out on his own.”

Then there was his habit of climbing and promptly falling off furniture.

“He’d always land on his head,” she said. “So I padded the entire flat with cushions and gave him a little beanie to protect his skull.”

Despite the challenges, William thrived – and soon took on a surprising role.

As a rotating group of rescue kittens passed through Ms van der Linden's home, William began helping to socialise them.

“He’s amazing with them,” she said. “So calm and patient. He plays with them, teaches them how to be gentle, and helps them adjust. That’s how he got the name ‘Uncle William’.”

His talents don’t end there.

Ms van der Linden, who tutors students at her home, said William has become a hit with her learners, especially the teenage boys.

“They adore him. He wobbles to the door to greet them, lets them cuddle him before the lesson starts, and always makes them laugh. If he’s not there, the first thing they ask is, ‘Where’s William?’”

William now features regularly on Ms van der Linden's foster-kitten Instagram page and is described as “a mix of very compassionate and very funny.”

“He’s the only cat in my house who comes running when I call his name,” she said. “He’s incredibly tuned in. You simply can’t have a bad day when William’s around.”

She credits Tears for saving William and giving him a chance at life.

“Thank you for bringing this beautiful, special boy into my life. He’s changed not only my life, but the lives of so many others too," Ms van der Linden said.

For more information on fostering or supporting special-needs animals, visit www.tears.org.za