A Good Samaritan discovered Otter and his sister Bunny orphaned in Northern California and started taking care of them. The pair’s differences were apparent to her quickly, so she sent them to Baby Kitten Rescue so they could receive the specialist care they need.
Otter’s front paws are missing a few toes, while Bunny is missing both of her paws. But they both have a strong sense of determination, and they move around quite well. When the two entered Caroline Grace’s care, she immediately recognized these variances, and as they recovered from various health difficulties, she started to see that Otter actually had some further peculiarities. Caroline Grace is the director of Baby Kitten Rescue.
“When they arrived, they were in horrible condition: upper respiratory illness, fleas, filthy and had severe diarrhea,” Caroline told The Dodo. “As I focused on getting them healthy (under the direction of our vet), I noticed Otter’s head and face looked different than a typical kitten his age. He had a very large forehead and big, bulging eyes. Otter also had what looked like an abscess at the top of his head. He was put on antibiotics for the ‘abscess,’ but it didn’t go away.”
Otter was seen by a neurologist after Caroline took him, who determined that he had meningocele and hydrocephalus. An exposed portion of his skull is what is causing the abscess on top of his head. He will be able to obtain an MRI once he is 6 months old to find out the severity of his illness and what he requires.
He will have surgery to put a plate over the hole in his skull when he is a year old. The individuals who are taking care of him till then have mastered improvisation.
Otter wears a Band-Aid because of this, Caroline remarked. He wears a [helmet] to protect his brain, which is another reason.
Ever since he arrived in her care, Caroline has kept Otter’s head covered with a Band-Aid. He’s such a tiny kitten, so having a Band-Aid on his head just makes him look even more silly and adorable. Some friends also made Otter a custom helmet to protect his head when he’s playing and just being a kitten.
Despite their disabilities, Otter and Bunny don’t seem to have any idea that they’re different from other kittens. They’re loving life with their foster mom and so far haven’t let anything slow them down.
Otter has a fearless and inquisitive nature, but he’s also really loving and cuddly, Caroline added. “Otter enjoys discovering new things, places, and people. He typically tries new things first while Bunny observes. Otter will get Bunny to try the new thing when he proves it is safe. Otter is the older sibling and undoubtedly watches out for his sister.
She’s had to learn to walk and stand on her hind legs to accommodate her impairment, and Otter has also started doing the same. Otter and Bunny have both adjusted to their limitations quite well. Both of them are ecstatic, and neither of them is aware of their differences.
Otter and Bunny are a bonded pair, so once they’re ready, they’ll need to be adopted together. It’ll be a while before they’re ready to head off to their forever home, but when they are, they’ll be looking for a family with experience taking care of special needs pets, and who are willing to continue any specialized care they may need.
Otter may look a little different with a Band-Aid and helmet on his head, but they keep him safe and make him look pretty cute, too, so he’s definitely not complaining. He’s so happy exploring the world and can’t wait to see what happens next.
