Two Cats Born Without Eyelids Are Living Their Best Lives After Being Rescued and Adopted
Two tiny kittens were found on the side of a road in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, and from the start, Felix and Dora needed far more help than most animals their age. What rescuers discovered next made their situation even more unusual, because the pair had been born without eyelids and needed careful treatment before they could move on to a normal life.
After being taken in by the RSPCA in 2016, the kittens were monitored until they were old enough for surgery, then given the chance to recover and eventually be adopted. Their story has since become a sweet reminder that even the roughest beginnings can still lead to a happy ending.
Now Felix and Dora are thriving in homes of their own, and their journey is the kind that sticks with you.
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."
Their next chapter was already starting to look a lot brighter.
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!"
That nickname clearly stuck.
Felix and Dora’s eyelid miracles feel similar to a one-eyed rescue kitten’s transformation into her forever home.
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.
It sounds like a full house, but Felix and Dora seem right at home.
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."
Felix and Dora's journey from the side of the road in the Blue Mountains to loving homes highlights a crucial aspect of pet adoption: the profound emotional benefits that come from animal companionship. The bond formed between humans and animals is often described as vital for mental health, providing a sense of purpose and connection that many individuals seek. Furthermore, the impact of pets in nurturing empathy and responsibility in children cannot be overstated. The stories of Felix and Dora serve as a reminder that adopting animals not only saves lives but also fosters deeper connections within families, ultimately enhancing emotional well-being for everyone involved.
Wait until you see King Aslan, the Maine Coon who needed several intricate eye surgeries.
Share this article:
