Little cutie with a lazy eye

One of the stray cats I care for brought me a little surprise last week.

This cat I call Gypsy, as for her habit of coming and going, usually for weeks at a time.

She's been coming around for the last two years and has never had a litter with her, nor seemed to go into heat (not that she was around long enough) so I assumed she belonged to someone and was spayed, she may still, I don't know.

either way about 2 weeks ago, she (up until last night) set up permanent residence on my porch when she brought with her a tiny little ball of fluff!

I've been caring for them both, and had gotten the kitten (Ewok) used to being handled, Gypsy is still "look, but don't touch"

when the kittens eyes opened fully, I realized that she has a lazy eye (which makes it certain that Grimble, a black tom with a lazy eye who was hit on the road last week) must be the father.

Last night, before it rained, Gypsy took the kitten off, back into the woods from wence they came. who knows when(if at all) they'll be back, but I do wish the little critter all the luck in the world, I had planned on getting Gypsy spayed, for I am certain she does not belong to anyone.

here are some pics I got yesterday afternoon

How gorgeous!

I do hope you can get her spayed.. it would be stopping so many more coming.

Also, perhaps the kitten could find a good home?

OH my... are they ever beautiful. That is not a lazy eye. If the father, Grimble, had an eye like that then it is some sort of genetic problem. Here are some absolute possibilities:

Horner's Syndrome http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2124&aid=2477

It could also be a uveitis or a neurological problem. Also - Toxoplasmosis (a parasitic protozoa) can effect the eyes and central nervous system. I don't mean to put a scare in you, but the best thing to do would be to get this kitten to a vet right away. If you cannot keep the kitten, then we will hope for the best if you have to bring the kitten and surrender to a vet. I will say that most times, vet's and their assistants will care for the kitten and find it a good home. Kitten's in such a way usually tug at the heartstrings of compassionate vets/assistants and they step up to help. Please do not let the kitten get away next time it comes back. Take the Ewok to a vet. :heart3: it will be much kinder than turning a blind eye to it's disorder

As for the mother, Gypsy, please do get her spayed. I am certain she has had other kittens in the past two years since you have fed her. Even though you have not seen other kittens, believe me, they were born. Gypsy may be bringing this baby to you on purpose. She may know the little one needs more help than she can offer her. Yes, cat's are THAT smart and intuitive. :nod: Please do get her spayed. All my best to you and thank you for caring!!

p.s. Also, if there are these stray cats roaming about such as Grimble (sorry about the accident), Gypsy and Ewok. Please see about contacting your local vet's and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organizations for assistance or they will keep breeding. You will be saving lives and much suffering. :nod:

I don't think it was anything neurological as the kitten was a perfectly normal, playful kitten. she had no issues getting around and acted like a normal kitten despite the eye, which I am pretty sure she had little to no vision in since the pupil did not contract/ dilate like the other one.

that being said, I saw Gypsy again about a week after I posted the pics, did not see if the kitten was with her as she would not come out of the treeline, have not seen her since.