A cat rescue in Llangedwyn, Powys, has expressed amazement after a stray cat in their care gave birth to a kitten with two mouths and two noses, a condition known as diprosopus or craniofacial duplication. This rare congenital disorder leads to what are colloquially referred to as Janus cats, named after the two-faced Roman god.
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Shelley Jones, the founder of PurrfectlyFeral, reported that the mother cat welcomed a total of eight kittens after being brought to the rescue three weeks ago. Jones noted that most Janus kittens either do not survive long after birth or are stillborn. The kitten, named Gemini, is currently being closely monitored, as she requires round-the-clock care.
Jones remarked, "In all our years of rescue, we've seen so much... Today was one of those moments." She admitted to being shocked upon discovering Gemini and initially suspected she might be dealing with a conjoined twin.
Since Gemini was the first born, she was unfortunately rejected by her mother and now needs to be bottle-fed every hour. Jones mentioned the unique challenge of feeding, as Gemini attempts to feed from both mouths. "It's quite funny to watch," she said, noting the kitten's eagerness.
Currently, Gemini is being kept warm and loved at the rescue, with Jones emphasizing the rare opportunity to care for such a unique animal. She expressed gratitude for public support, which is crucial for the rescue's operations, stating that they strive to give every cat a chance.