When Myrtle caught our attention on Instagram, we were instantly smitten! To satisfy our curiosity, we reached out to her mom Brandi, who happens to work at an emergency veterinary hospital in New Jersey. She shared with us some fascinating insights into the life of this adorable one-eyed kitty, who was born with genetic abnormalities back in August 2021. We learned that Myrtle was just a mere five months old when she met her caring owner for the very first time. Not only did we discover the challenges of raising a cat with genetic abnormalities, but we also discovered the joys that come along with it. We’re excited to share our interview with you and hope you enjoy getting to know Myrtle as much as we did!

Purrfectly Fluffy:
What’s the story behind meeting Myrtle?

Brandi’s account:

I came across Myrtle at the vet clinic where I work, after her breeder surrendered her. I wasn’t even there for that purpose, but ended up spotting her in a cage.

The photograph shared by @myrtle_the_exotic_shorthair on Instagram shows a cat that appeared to be quite unhappy and lacking in character. The feline’s right eye was ruptured due to an untreated eye ulcer, which likely contributed to her despondent state.

MAF:
What was the reason behind your decision to adopt a cat with genetic abnormalities?

B:
I frequently rescue cats with special needs and decided to provide a home for this one. Working at a specialized animal hospital gave me the necessary resources to provide her with optimal care.

Myrtle, the exotic shorthair cat on Instagram, has a unique name with an interesting backstory. According to her owner, B, she has a preference for old-fashioned feline names. When she brought her new pet home, she asked her colleagues for suggestions and they came up with a list of options. After narrowing down the choices, they voted on the final selection and Myrtle emerged as the clear winner.

Have you seen the adorable picture of @myrtle_the_exotic_shorthair on Instagram? It got me thinking about cats with genetic abnormalities and the misconceptions that people may have about them. One of the biggest misconceptions is that these cats cannot live normal lives and enjoy the same things as other cats. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! These unique felines can still lead happy and fulfilling lives just like any other cat.

MAF:
Can you share some of the difficulties you have encountered due to Myrtle’s genetic abnormalities?