Munchkin kitten with cranial deformity

[IdahoChick]

I guess all munchkin kittens have something physically wrong with them.. but this little one seems extreme with her deformity.

She is brachycephalic ( breathes like a pug ) has a cranial deofrmity which has her soft pallate inhibiting her ability to breathe normally, her eyes are bulbous and protrude from her skull, and she cannot eat solid foods.

She is othewise a healthy 3 month old kitten. Nutritionally adequate despite her being unable to eat solid foods or drink water.

I do have to add water to her canned food so that she can lap it up.

I essentially have two options for her, a life with me where I will care for her unique needs, or euthanasia for a kitten who obviously just 'shouldn't be'.

She was initially a 'throw away' kitten that came in as a stray to a local animal shelter. No one wanted her and their only option was euthanasia for her due to her deformities.

does ANYONE have any experience with dwarf kittens that have deformities like this one? websites, articles, and personal information on this subject is always appreciated.

At the end of the month, she will be spayed and a resection will be done on her soft pallate to help her breathe better, assuming that she survives the anethesia.

My personal opinion is that it is not cruel to keep her alive since she has lived no other life then what she has now. She does not know or miss being what a 'normal' kitten is.

Please, no FLAMING me for keeping her. I have experience with dwarf cats and have the ability and financial stability to care for her for the duration of her life.

pictures below are of my Myrtle.

[Ted]

Actually, the last thing I was thinking was to flame you. I admire your strength and courage. I don't think I could do it...so my hat's off to you.

With regards to her eyes, do their being bulbous hinder the functioning of her eyelids? I'm guessing not... but thought I'd ask. My cat that I had had an eye that was smaller than the other, but it didn't hinder his eyelids closing/opening. Of course, I couldn't tell you if he had normal vision.

Myrtle is a cutie and I'll be praying that her life (however long/short) is a good one with you.

[IdahoChick]

thank you for the kind words. I have had her less than 3 days, and she fits perfectly into my life.

Her eyelids function normally. she can close her eyes all the way and there appears to be no excessive dryness of the eyes.. She almost has an overproductive tear gland, like a persian.

I may do a shirmer's tear test on her.

Sounds like your kitty had micropthalmia of the eye.

I do think that if Myrtle's eyes were affected by her deformity, the best option would be to have her humanely euthanized.

[MowMow]

I can't imagine anyone here flaming you for taking in this poor little tyke. She needs you so much. Good on you for stepping up and helping her.

I look forward to many more pictures and stories after her surgery

[bluepearlmoon]

Aw, the poor little thing. Kudos to you for taking her in and giving her love. I can't imagine who would flame you for doing that. I sure hope her soft palate can be fixed so she can eat and breathe better.

[Coyote]

She may well be a 'kitten that just shouldn't be' but she's made it this far, so she's a tough little cookie, and deserves a chance as much as any cat. You're incredible for giving her such a loving home. No flaming, just pure admiration - give her snuggles from me x

[doodlebug]

As long as you and your vet are comfortable that she's not suffering in any way...then love her and give her a good life...as simple as that. I wish these people who breed cats for traits caused by genetic mutations would just stop it.

[Nora B]

I'm sorry I have no links or info for you.

I do have words of support and encouragement - clearly no flame throwing here, just a bunch of softies - lol

For what it is worth little Myrtle could well be a 'poster child' to argue against breeding for so called munchkin kitties. She is blessed to have you and I'm guessing you'll soon feel the same in reverse.

Good thoughts and prayers to you and Myrtle both

[IdahoChick]

upon further consulataion with my veterinarian, we do believe that she is not a munchkin cat at all, but a severely inbred cat with midgetism and Mucopolysaccharides 6, a recessive genetic condition.

Her symptoms match up entirely. Apparently, the average lifespan of these cats are between 6-21 months of age. She is already 3 months.

This link details descriptions of dwarfism/midgetism in cats. a picture that is eerily similar is about halfway down the page and is that of an inbred feral kitten

DWARF, MIDGET AND MINIATURE CATS (TEACUP CATS) - HISTORICAL CASES AND RANDOMBRED CATS

I have decided to not have her spayed ( she will not be bred ). We may decide to do the resection on the soft palate in time.

I was so hoping that I would have this little creature for longer then a few months..

[Nora B]

There is so much difference in the life you are giving her and the life she likely would have led without you. The unfortunate truth is that we never really have as much control over the length of time available as we like to think - but you can impact the quality of the time and you have already started to make that count. Lame answer I guess, but it's the best I've got and for what it's worth I still think the pain is worth it.
Nora