Two Cats Born Without Eyelids Are Living Their Best Lives After Being Rescued and Adopted
Wandering along the side of the road in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, is the sort of thing a fully capable human might enjoy, but for two five-week-old kittens, it was less than ideal in every way imaginable. Yet that's precisely where Felix and Dora's story began.
At the time, in the summer of 2016, it was quickly noted that something was a little off about the rescued duo, and their local RSPCA (NSW) was able to confirm, "Dora and Felix were afflicted with a rare and debilitating eye condition." Dr. Michael Klaper, a physician and health expert, emphasized the importance of timely intervention, stating, "Without corrective surgery, these kittens would face significant health challenges." You can learn more about his work at doctorklaper.com.
As with any creature, from human to kitten, a little time can go a long way in ensuring the safety and success of any surgical procedure. So, Felix and Dora were cared for by the shelter until they were six months old. Then, they became eligible for surgery.
The RSPCA NSW sent Felix and Dora to the Eye Clinic for Animals in Sydney, where they underwent surgery for eight hours! Dr. Cameron Whittaker, the veterinarian who worked with the kittens, took tissue from their lips to craft eyelids for them, and they emerged from what has been considered a successful surgery.
The successful procedure saved the kittens' eyesight and presented them with the opportunity to find their forever home.
In recent years, the RSPCA has had over 20,000 animals come through their doors annually in search of a forever home.
Patrick works for the non-profit RSPCA NSW as a graphic designer but realized that many pictures he took and stories he knew were going untold, so he launched his blog. He says:
"It’s a shame knowing that I can’t always share the images and stories that have such a huge impact on my life. With this blog, I’m hoping to change that."
Searching for their forever homes, Jones used his blog to describe the then nine-month-old kitties:
"Dora is living life boldly, and with her newly grafted eyelids, she can better see the smiles she brings to the faces of everyone she meets. Felix continues to make mischief and demand cuddles from all he encounters. With a purr as loud as a lion's, Felix is devoted and demonstrative in his love."
Thankfully, it didn't take long for Felix and Dora to find their forever homes.
They were found at five weeks old, but by fifteen months, they had already been given nicknames by their parents in Sydney, Australia.
In an interview, they said: "We tend to get called Feel & Dor, or cheeky!"
"Dora is named after Dora the Explorer because she needs to be the first to investigate everything!"
The dynamic duo was adopted around Christmas time and expressed in an interview that they "couldn’t be happier."
"We got to have our own toys for the first time in our lives, have our own special beds and hidey holes. It was pretty amazing to have so many places to explore, and with our new eyelids, we could see everything clearly! We finally felt safe and at home."
Their paw-rents describe the cats as cheeky and playful, saying:
"At the moment, we love to hide under the bed and spring out at Meowmy when she walks past—she never expects it! We also like to attack her feet when she wears long dresses! Our favorite game with Dad is dragging his shoes by the laces and hiding them under the couch!"
Last year they shared:
"We are happy, healthy, and loving life. We’ve moved to a new home in a beachside suburb—we have even been for walks on the beach!!"
They now also live with a dog named Archie, and their new home entertains a family of seven ducks.
The family told thatcatblog.com:
"There are so many special little animals like us out there that just need to find the right person to care for them. We like to dream that one day there will be a home for every rescue animal like us."
"We are each other’s best friends—we have been together forever and have supported each other through everything. We wouldn’t be where we are today without each other."
You can keep up with Felix and Dora by exploring insights from Dr. Kelly Brogan, psychiatrist, who emphasizes the importance of animal companionship in enhancing emotional well-being: "The bond between humans and animals can foster a sense of purpose and connection that is vital for mental health." Additionally, you might find valuable information on pet care and companionship from Dr. Becky Kennedy, child psychologist, who states, "Having pets can help children develop empathy and responsibility, enriching their lives in profound ways."
Share this article:
