Would you adopt a kitten with a facial deformity?

Deformities would not deter me unless it was costly then I would be worried will I be doing more harm.  I have a cat whos canine teeth grew in wrong.  There is no issue eating or anything and vet also confirmed that.  But if she was outside not sure how great of hunter she would be.  I got her when she was 1-2 already.

Ziggy'smom said:

 
I just picked up a 3-month old kitten from the pound today and when I got her home I noticed that she has a deformed lower jaw and lip. Her lower gum line is too wide so her bottom teeth sits quite high and her bottom lip is too small for her to fully close her mouth. You can't tell when you just see her and she's absolutely beautiful. However, it is noticable when you pick her up. You can basically see her gums below her bottom teeth and because she can't fully close her mouth she drools a bit when she's been drinking.

She's a really pretty white girl with calico spots and she is super sweet. There isn't a shy bone in this kitten's body. She'd make a great pet for someone. But, to be honest, I'm worried that people will not be willing to adopt her because of her deformity. So, I'm curious, if you were looking to adopt a kitten would you consider one with a minor facial defect or would that be a deal breaker?

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Totally. To be honest, I kind of have a soft spot for the "flawed" ones. One-eyed pirate cats, grumpy cats, etc. I think it's their disposition, because they're not like humans -- they don't know they're different, and they just think they're fabulous no matter what they look like.

My Pia is physically perfect, save for a slight kink in the last joint of her tail. I didn't plan it that way. I just happened to fall in love with her. But when I get her buddy -- probably sometime in the next year (I've got a big move ahead of me and I'm still working on her trauma stuff, so I want to wait until all that is behind her) -- I'll probably be keeping an eye out for the different ones.

She looks so adorable. How could anybody send her or any animal to the pound jut because of a deformaty at certin angles she looks like her mouth is just open.

I wouldn't worry to much about her getting adopted. My girl Delilah only has half of a nose from being ill as a kitten. I wouldn't have her any other way though. Although I shouldn't have favorites she really has stolen my heart. On a regular basis I have people who want her just based off of her personality. She is my baby girl though and not going anywhere. Your little girl is gorgeous and looks very sweet. I am sure she will charm her way into a wonderful home that will love her just the way she is.

catsknowme said:

 
Yes, and in your case, your little cutie has a really special look that would probably go viral on the internet, if you had the right marketing campaign 

Bless you for rescuing her - mega vibes & prayers that she finds her forever-family very soon.

  and maybe we will be seeing her on the "Net

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Any idea of how I could get her out on the net to be seen by more people? Once she's spayed she'll be posted on Petfinder and the sites Petfinder cross posts too but there is so much competition there. If anyone knows how to advertise her well please let me know.  Please feel free to share her picture and info. Her name is Tulani, she's 3 months old, loves to sit on someone's lap or be held. She is a bit "talkative" and will let you know when she wants to be picked up. She's big on purring too. She's definitely a people's person. She likes other cats too but seem to prefer humans. She's being fostered in the Chicago area and will be fully vetted before adoption. We can be contacted at [email protected]

I also use petfinder, rescuepets (my fave since it puts in out on several sites) and craigslist.

It seems the overwhelming majority of my posts that get the most attention are the ones that are from the cat's view.....

LOOKING FOR WONDERFUL ME? I'M HERE!! (fairfield / vacaville)

Of course you are!! How do I know this you ask??
Because I am the most friendly, cheerful, outgoing, affectionate, loving companion you could ever ask for!!
Did I forget to mention soft, huggable, beautiful, talker, purr-monster?
Imagine all this in one package! I know, pretty rare find I am
I'm a diva and I know it, so I am happier being the only wonderful kitty in your life, so why bother with another cat??
I will be all this and more, just wait and see.

I am a year old, vaccinated, spayed, dewormed, de-flead, tested neg for felv and microchipped.
Oh did I mention gorgeous??!
All this for $XX.00 they say, such a deal!! Personally that price is an insult, but if it gets me my forever home, so be it!
Hope to see you soon
Love Bootsie

You can say something about her "uniquely designed" rare lower lip, allows her to look suprised easier, only one like that, not necessarily that but you get the picture.

Great close ups of her face and showing her personality are critical, they always do the best.

Hard I know to get great kittens pic since they don't hold still, sometimes it takes me several tries to get a couple of perfect pics.

Well worth the hassle though.

I agree with catwoman above, do at least one story from the cat's perspective. Be very detailed so that your cat's story is unique and she does not get lost in a lot of superlatives. 

ALSO, The way that I have seen kitties like these (i.e. deformity or missing a limb etc.) get adopted is by advertising their deformity VERY prominently, make sure it is in the title description, letting people know if there are any special things they have to do to care for her. (be honest). Make it clear that she is special needs.

Also, be very detailed about how she likes to sleep on your head, or give you kisses,, or how she comes to wherever you are at night when it is her bedtime.

I would also make it clear that she will end up at the pound if she does not find someone to help her. 

catwoman707 said:

 
You can say something about her "uniquely designed" rare lower lip, allows her to look suprised easier, only one like that, not necessarily that but you get the picture.

Great close ups of her face and showing her personality are critical, they always do the best.

Hard I know to get great kittens pic since they don't hold still, sometimes it takes me several tries to get a couple of perfect pics.

Well worth the hassle though.

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There's an app for Windows Phones (which means there's probably a hundred of equal or better quality for Androids and iPhones) called Smart Shoot. You touch the screen where you want it to focus and it takes five or six shots in a row, then you pick the best shot. It's great for taking pics of kitties who may like to move. Gives you much better odds of getting a good shot! And it's free.

She is a cute kitty. Enjoy!

Yes I would. I want that cat. Please let me adopt it.:cat:

Yes, I would. I think it's cute. My cat Len, one of his ears is deformed and I love him even more with it cause it give him character.

My daughter and I just adopted a cat each and I have to say I found Petfinder completely overwhelming and not helpful. There are so many cats there and almost no details about them. The local rescue sites weren't much better. We ended up going to an Adoption Showcase instead where we could get to know the cats.

What one of my friends who fosters does when she has a cat that is a "problem child" is to post about the cat a lot on Facebook along with pictures. That gets everyone she knows invested in finding a home for the cat and the pictures help people fall in love with the cat, too.

Hello everybody!
I'm brand new here. I was considering making a proper presentations for myself and Emilio when I watched this topic. So I Would like to share with you my story, that I adopted Emilio (7 months old) having a facial deformity. He's got what is called a microftalmos or 'tiny eye' which means his right eye didn't grow as it should. That is causing to him some problems because he is suffering from his down eyelid rolling over inside the place left around the eye, so it was constantly damaging the cornea. He got surgical treatment three days ago to retrieve part of the skin in his eyelid and reconstruct it thereafter so it is going to be in its right place with no more rolling inside the eye. Right at this moment he is doing ok and getting well. Our vet gave him a look and said he is on his way to recovering.
He is a very happy kitty we love him very very much. I never thought I could feel so much love for a pet, he makes me very happy!

Hi Smilax. Welcome to TCS! So good to hear your kitty is doing well post-surgery. I do hope you'll share some pictures of him.

Hi Lara, thanks for your welcoming! I just uploaded some in my profile! Look how gorgeous he is!

Smilax said:

Hi Lara, thanks for your welcoming! I just uploaded some in my profile! Look how gorgeous he is!

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He's a cutie!

A deformity would be a reason to adopt to me. I know a lot of people want a perfect happy healthy little kitten but a cat with a deformity has just as much love to give. I'd hate to see it sit in a cage because it's not perfect. I'd be more likely to adopt it before another.

Hello, We went to the shelter to adopt the cat that had been there the longest. I'll post the LoNG

story soon,.....But the one we chose had one bad eye,that looked like a marble. She turned out to be the friendliest ,obedient ,fun traveling companion,...and family member.....More than just a 'pet'. She  would

even from time to time say "hello' ......like a parrot and amaze our friends..! ! She lived a well loved happy 13 years. The eye problem never bothered her ,or us. We protected her from outside fights or danger from other cats. ...And ,we miss her dearly and will always treasure the time we had. Your "flawed" cat

could be your favorite 'angel'...!             .....................Komment Kat

Um....YES! Of course I would!  And besides, she's a cutie pie. I, alike many members on here, love cats with unique physical qualities/personalities. I recently visited the shelter and saw a kitten with a very bad eye (the red lining that they have was taking over her eyeball). It was very sad, but I would've probably saved her if I could (unfortunately, I cannot since my resident cat is positive for FeLV). I sure do hope someone adopts that furry feline though!   

I would adopt her for sure )  I would want it to be verified by the vet that it isn't some future medical problem though.  It doesn't look like it bothers her much though.  And as for the best way to do that, I would totally use that first picture.  I love a kitty that stares me straight in the face and is totally interested in interacting with me - that really shines through with her on that first shot )