MY TURN
Embracing the Zigzags
BY MEG EDSON
30 Washington FAMILY MAY 2023
of “climbing trees.”
My second reason for writ-
ing was to raise awareness for
special cats like Zeph. Special
needs cats are often overlooked
in the adoption process as per-
fection is sought. Having two
CH cats and a third with one ear
has taught me the valuable les-
son of how wonderful these cats
are. In the past, kittens with CH
were regularly euthanized, and
the same with adult CH cats
left at shelters. The assumption
was they couldn’t thrive or were
in pain. Neither is true. Zeph is
a mild-to-moderate case, but
even with severe cases in which
cats can’t walk at all, people find
ways to help their cats be happy.

While the more severe cases
require extra dedication, most
CH cats simply take longer to
walk from A to B, are messier
when they eat and might need
a little extra patience and atten-
tion while they figure out how to
navigate the world. Through the
book, my hope is to get the word
out about Cerebellar Hypoplasia
and how amazing these wee-
ble-wobble cats are.

It’s all part of how our society is moving
towards embracing differences in those we
love, whether it be kids or animals. We don’t
assume kids with challenges can’t flourish.

They can and do, often in inspiring ways. It’s
the same with a special needs pet, and this is
what Zeph would like to get across.

Meg Edson is a former special educator who
lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband
and band of merry cats. Zeph’s lively spirit and
ability to overcome difficulties prompted her
to share his story. “Zig Zag Zeph” is available
to order on Amazon or zigzagzeph.net. You can
follow him on Instagram @zigzagzeph. ■
PROVIDED PHOTOS
B eauty is inside out, and
we should embrace our
differences. Those wise words came
from my cat, Zeph, who is the
subject of a children’s book I
wrote: “Zig Zag Zeph.” Zeph has
Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH),
a brain condition that makes
him walk in zigzags. But he
is a happy cat who doesn’t let
his challenges slow him down.

Zeph does what other cats do
but with his own quirky style.

His strong spirit and amazing
attitude are inspiring.

I wrote this book for
two reasons.

First, I am a former special
educator and worked at The
Lab School in Washington, D.C.

for many years. Zeph finds ways
to do what he wants, and I saw
that with my students. One day,
watching Zeph’s determina-
tion inspired me to write a book
aimed primarily at kids with
differences, but actually for
anyone facing challenges.

Because of his condition,
Zeph can’t jump as high as
other cats, but he never gave up on try-
ing to get to the top of his cat tree. He sat
proudly when he finally was able to get up
there after using his front legs to climb up.

His joy and perseverance is an inspiration,
and my hope is that children will understand
his message and enjoy that it is coming from
the voice of a cat. Zeph embraces his differ-
ences and shows that it is cool to do things
your own way.

My former students thrived when they
were allowed to learn in their own way ver-
sus the standard/expected/traditional way.

They go on to do amazing things—they’re
often highly intelligent and highly talented
but just need to figure out their unique ways



MY TURN
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