A Good Samaritan discovered Otter and his sister, Bunny, orphaned in Northern California and brought them in and began caring for them. It didn’t take her long to recognize the twins were very different, so she sent them to Baby Kitten Rescue, where they could receive the specialist care they need.
Otter’s front paws are missing several toes, while Bunny is missing both of her front paws. They’re both tenacious, though, and they get around quite well. Caroline Grace, the director of Baby Kitten Rescue, noted these discrepancies as soon as the duo arrived in her care, and as they recovered from other health difficulties, she began to suspect Otter actually had some additional differences.
“They were in terrible health when they arrived: upper respiratory sickness, fleas, dirty, and had bad diarrhea,” Caroline told the shelter . “I noticed Otter’s head and face appeared different than an usual kitten his age as I focused on getting them healthy (under the supervision of our vet).” He had a massive forehead and enormous, protruding eyes. Otter also appeared to have an abscess on the top of his head. He was given antibiotics for the ‘abscess,’ but it did not resolve.”
Caroline brought Otter to the doctor, who diagnosed him with hydrocephalus and meningocele. The abscess on the top of his head is really a section of his skull that has become exposed. He’ll be able to receive an MRI once he’s 6 months old to establish the degree of his issue and needs. He’ll have surgery when he’s a year old to implant a plate over the hole in his skull. Until then, his caregivers have learnt to adapt.
“That’s why Otter has a Band-Aid on,” Caroline said. “That’s also why he wears a [helmet]: to keep his brain safe.”
Caroline has kept Otter’s head covered with a Band-Aid since he came in her care. He’s such a small kitten that having a Band-Aid on his head only makes him appear cuter. Otter’s buddies also fashioned him an unique helmet to protect his head while playing and being a kitty.
Otter and Bunny, despite their disabilities, don’t appear to realize they’re different from other kittens. They’re having a great time with their foster mom and haven’t let anything slow them down yet.
Caroline described Otter’s demeanor as “brave and curious, but also exceedingly loving and cuddly.” “Otter enjoys discovering new places, things, and people.” He’s generally the first to attempt something new, while Bunny stands back and observes.
Otter will demonstrate Bunny that it is safe, and she will try the new item! Otter is the big brother that looks out for his sister. She’s had to learn to adapt to her impairment by standing and walking on her rear legs, and Otter has started doing the same… Bunny and Otter have both adjusted quite well to their limitations. They have no idea they are different, and they are both overjoyed!”
Otter and Bunny are a bonded pair, therefore they must be adopted together when they are ready. It will be some time before they are ready to go to their forever home, but when they are, they will be seeking for a family who has experience caring for special needs dogs and is prepared to continue any specific care they may require.
Otter may appear odd with a Band-Aid and helmet on his head, but they keep him safe and make him look fairly cute, so he’s not complaining. He is having a great time exploring the world and can’t wait to see what happens next.
