Pets simply exude a comforting aura that warms the cockles of even the coldest hearts. Animals that look a little different, owing to many incurable diseases, have a sweet spot reserved in the heart of the Certified Veterinary Technician, H Due. “I like animals with missing parts,” they say. As the caretaker of the famous cat Nora, they have tackled all preconceived notions about animal care and have opened a miniature zoo in their home.
The Dane County Humane Society posted about the “Lady in a Fur Coat” on their Facebook page. With a purple crocheted pair of ears, Lady quickly warmed the hearts of many people. H was one such individual who was immediately captivated. As they stated, “I saw this picture of this cat that didn’t have any ears … Oh my God, I need this cat.”
After the adoption in January 2020, Lady became known as Nora No Ears and subsequently an internet sensation. Featured on Cattitude Daily, Spectrum 1 News, CNN, Metro, and even Bored Panda, Nora intrigued many people and was loved far and wide. Being featured and gushed upon on The Kelly Clarkson Show propelled Nora to even more fame. Her Instagram, @Nora.no.ears, managed by H themself, has earned more than 36,000 followers.
Nora suffered from a chronic ear infection and hematomas that damaged and crumpled her pinnae, or outer ears. However, the ear canal and Nora’s hearing remain unaffected. This feline enjoys sleeping, making biscuits, and cuddling with H’s two dogs. As a CVT, H has boundless empathy and affection for every animal they care for and understands the underlying features that go into animal care.
Thus, with their experience and clinical knowledge, they quickly brought Nora over for some blood work and had her FIV/FELV status checked. H and their wife, Megan, then gave this former stray cat a home and a safe space. As the Spectrum 1 News article relays, “The Dues hope Nora’s story encourages other people to adopt senior pets or pets with ‘quirks’ like hers.”
The ear-resistible gray tabby cat was given a chance by H, who was well aware of the damaged pinnae and scarred tissues, taking special care of Nora even after her treatment. Now healthy as ever, Nora is on a miraculous journey to leading a colorful life with her pet parents, H Due and Megan Due. The little feline might appear to have no ears, but she can still hear us all loud and clear. H has been documenting Nora’s life ever since they got her and plans to explore more to help other pet parents take better care of their living companions.
