Meet Ethel, the beloved OIIA Spinning Cat who captured hearts worldwide. Her story isn’t just about internet fame – it’s a tale of second chances, unconditional love, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.
In 2017, Ethel was discovered wandering through a cemetery, her past a mystery. By the time she arrived at the Cat Welfare Association in 2018, she was facing multiple challenges: significant weight issues, suspected blindness, and serious dental problems.
Despite these hurdles, something special about this eight-year-old cat caught Donna’s eye, and their paths became forever intertwined.
The journey home marked the beginning of a new chapter, though it wasn’t without its challenges. Ethel’s blindness, caused by a degenerative eye disease, meant she needed help navigating her new environment.
Donna thoughtfully laid rugs throughout the house to help her furry friend find her way – though she admits with a laugh that she initially forgot one crucial detail: hiding spots!
Nevertheless, Ethel soon discovered her favorite places, including her signature spot nicknamed “The Potato Patch” and her peculiar habit of lounging in doorways.
Getting Ethel healthy became the top priority. Armed with a food scale and carefully reading calorie counts on cans, Donna helped her new companion shed the extra pounds.
Through dedication and patience, Ethel transformed from a “megachonk” to a svelte 8 pounds. Though she later settled at a healthy 9 pounds, she remained, as Donna lovingly puts it, “chubby in spirit.”
Multiple dental procedures eventually led to the removal of all her teeth, but Ethel never lost her zest for life – or her appetite!
She still enthusiastically announces mealtime by running circles around Donna’s husband’s feet, proving that nothing can dampen her foodie spirit.
Despite her blindness, Ethel lives life to the fullest. She’s developed quite the personality quirks: a passionate sock thief with a particular fondness for Donna’s smaller socks, though she won’t turn down a wrestling match with her husband’s larger ones.
Her toy collection includes crinkle balls, catnip bags, and even a Christmas light bulb that doubles as a mouse toy. While she’s not a fan of being picked up, gentle pets never fail to activate her famous purr motor.
Ethel’s kingdom includes two younger siblings: Milo, an energetic ginger tabby who tries to engage her in play (though she prefers her naps).
And Penny, a 55-pound brindle pit bull mix whom Ethel tolerates – but only when she’s calmly lounging on the couch. The loud zoomies? Not so much.
Her rise to internet stardom began unexpectedly with a viral Facebook post featuring her as the “Ai Dice Gratis” meme. Her fame reached new heights when she became the star of the spinning “OIIA” cat meme.
Donna was surprised by her pet’s celebrity status, humbly noting, “I do not take credit for the creation of the memes, I am just the proud owner of the adorable cat in them.”
Now 12 years young, Ethel continues to charm everyone around her with her endearing habits – from her carpet-licking antics to her thorough inspection of her siblings’ food bowls for leftover crumbs.
Her snoring serenades have become as beloved as her purring, and she maintains her health with regular senior check-ups twice a year.
Looking back at the transformation from a lonely shelter cat to an internet sensation and beloved family member, it’s clear that Ethel has everyone wrapped around her paw.
Her story reminds us that with love, patience, and dedication, second chances can lead to extraordinary journeys.
While the world knows her as a famous meme cat, to Donna and her family, she’s simply their precious queen, bringing joy and laughter to their everyday lives.
This special kitty proves that neither age, health challenges, nor disabilities can stand in the way of living a full, happy life – especially when surrounded by those who love you just as you are.
Ethel’s journey from the cemetery to celebrity status isn’t just about becoming an internet sensation; it’s about finding a forever home where she can be herself, quirks and all.
Take a look at the video below`:
A big thank you to Donna for sharing Ethel’s story with us.
You can see more of Ethel on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
Related story: Fur Real! How a Blind Kitten and Her Bestie Conquered the World
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