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These Two Sibling Kittens Are Quite Different From Other Cats, But They Are Living Their Life To The Fullest After Being Rescued
These Two Sibling Kittens Are Quite Different From Other Cats, But They Are Living Their Life To The Fullest After Being Rescued
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These Two Sibling Kittens Are Quite Different From Other Cats, But They Are Living Their Life To The Fullest After Being Rescued

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Otter and his sister, Bunny, were discovered orphaned in Northern California by a kind-hearted woman who took them in and began caring for them.

Caroline Grace, the head of Baby Kitten Rescue, began treating them since they had many health risks. After they were healed, the focus shifted to their disabilities and assistance to their adaptation. Caroline will help them find a permanent home where they will live together.

Baby Kitten Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue that specializes in neonatal, critical care, and special needs kitten rescue in Los Angeles, CA. “We hope to show that these kittens are capable of being saved and are worth saving! We also hope to promote acceptance, inclusion, and compassion and show that special needs animals can live full, rich, and happy lives!”
RELATED:

    Caroline Grace found Bunny & Otter orphaned and took them in

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Bored Panda has contacted Caroline Grace to get an update about these two adorable kittens. We asked about the situation they were in when they arrived in the care of the Baby Kitten Rescue, and Caroline explained that “Bunny & Otter were only 3 weeks old and very sick when they arrived. They had upper respiratory infections, infected eyes, and horrible stomach issues.”

    The kittens waited outside for mama cat to return, but sadly she never did, and they were left unhealthy and vulnerable

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    She reached out to Baby Kitten Rescue once she noticed the kittens were missing limbs and needed bottle feeding

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    This is big brother Otter

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Otter was born with an underdeveloped front arm. We asked Caroline if he walks on all 4, and she explained that “Otter walks on 3 legs. His front right arm only has 1 toe and 1 claw, so it’s not very stable. So he doesn’t use that arm when he walks.”

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    He was born with an especially rare congenital defect called ‘Meningoencephalocele’

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    His skull never closed properly, leaving part of his brain protruding out of the hole in his skull

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    For his own safety, he wears a custom-made helmet to protect his brain

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    This kitten is so used to wearing it now, he doesn’t try to scratch at it or pull it off

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Otter is an adventurer and enjoys exploring new places

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    He loves to play, snuggle and relax, purring whenever possible

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Little Otter just had cutting-edge brain surgery to place his brain back into his skull and cover the opening with titanium mesh

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Bored Panda asked the director about Otter’s surgery, and Caroline was very happy to let us know that “Otter’s surgery went better than we could have hoped! He had surgery to place his exposed brain back into his skull and to cover the hole in his skull with titanium mesh. There were no complications with his surgery.”

    He’s doing very well, enthusiastically taking care of his sister

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    To find out if Otter would still need to wear the helmet, we asked Caroline, and she told us that “Otter had to continue to wear his helmet for 2 weeks after the surgery to protect the incision. But now he no longer needs the helmet and will never have to wear it again.”

    Meet Bunny

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Bunny was born with congenital bilateral hemimelia, meaning she was born missing both of her forearms

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    The kitty has successfully adapted to her circumstances by moving on her back legs

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Bored Panda asked about the process of Bunny learning to walk on her rear legs. Caroline said, “Bunny started experimenting with standing on her hind legs around 4 weeks old. I caught the first time she stood up on video!! I was so impressed! Slowly she gained strength and balance, and now she mainly walks and gets around using her back legs only.”

    Her disability even taught Otter how to stand on his rear feet too

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Bored panda asked Caroline how long it took for Otter to walk on his rear legs, and she answered by saying: “He started standing up on his hind legs shortly after Bunny did. I think he learned from her. Now he stands on his hind legs every day, and it’s just normal for him and Bunny!”

    There are several ramps dedicated for Bunny to get up onto the bed and couch, yet she jumps straight from the ground onto the bed or the couch

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Seems like she is living her best life with so much joy and confidence every day

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    It has been incredible for Caroline Grace to see Bunny & Otter adapt to their disabilities so well

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    After seeing these two little kittens with disabilities, we were keen to know if Bunny and Otter’s abnormalities were common. Caroline said that “Bunny & Otter’s disabilities are very rare. Their congenital abnormalities are most likely the result of siblings breeding with each other. But we will never know for sure since they were found outdoors and we never located their mom.”

    Both Otter and Bunny love each other so much and are a bonded pair

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Baby Kitten Rescue works with disabled kittens, making sure they are rightly taken care of. Caroline talked with Bored Panda about the organization itself: “At Baby Kitten Rescue, we specialize in caring for kittens with disabilities. I care for multiple kittens with disabilities every year. And now we have multiple fosters who are also willing and able to care for special needs kittens! So we hope to care for even more special needs kittens in 2023.”

    They snuggle together, groom each other, bird watch, and play together

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    They are such an inspiration for how resilient, adaptable, and happy they are

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    We asked about the process of adoption in Baby Kitten Rescue, and the director explained the criteria. “Adopters must agree to never declaw their cats, never allow the cats to be free-roaming outdoor cats, agree to take the cats to the vet for yearly checkups and whenever needed, to return the cats to Baby Kitten Rescue if they are ever unable to care for them.”

    It makes Caroline’s heart burst with cheer and restores her faith in humanity to see people so in love with these two kittens with special needs

    Image credits: babykittenrescue

    Carolina promised to make sure that they are adopted together as a pair. She is very grateful for having the experience of foster parenting these 2 guys, saying: “They are so incredibly special to me and always will be.”

    Caroline Grace talks about the adoption of these sibling kittens: “We have not started accepting adoption applications for Bunny & Otter yet. There is still a 2-3 month monitoring period after Otter’s surgery to make sure no complications arise. Once he is past this monitoring period and has no issues, we will start accepting applications for Otter & Bunny to be adopted together as a bonded pair.” Future adopters of Bunny and Otter should be open about “Adapting their home to be accessible for Bunny & Otter, so having ramps to the couch and bed and low-sided litter boxes that are easy for them to use.”

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    Hidrėlėy

    Hidrėlėy

    Author, Approved Contributor

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    I am a Brazilian digital artist who loves transforming imagination into hyper-real visuals. I work with artificial intelligence and image editing to create what I always wondered as a child: how would our favorite characters look in real life? Over time, many of my artworks have gone viral and were featured in international publications. I have recreated realistic versions of cartoon characters such as Disney and The Simpsons, imagined how celebrities who died young would look today, and even gave modern faces to historical figures like Mona Lisa or Shakespeare. Beyond entertainment, I created Para Não Esquecer, a social project that revisits memorable criminal cases in Brazil. My goal is to honor victims, keep memory alive and remind society that justice and empathy matter. I also write for Bored Panda, where I create articles featuring artists, photographers, rescue stories and feel-good moments from around the world. My work aims to highlight creativity, kindness and emotional storytelling. In everything I do, my purpose is the same: to touch hearts, evoke emotion and make people feel something real.

    Read less »
    Hidrėlėy

    Hidrėlėy

    Author, Approved Contributor

    I am a Brazilian digital artist who loves transforming imagination into hyper-real visuals. I work with artificial intelligence and image editing to create what I always wondered as a child: how would our favorite characters look in real life? Over time, many of my artworks have gone viral and were featured in international publications. I have recreated realistic versions of cartoon characters such as Disney and The Simpsons, imagined how celebrities who died young would look today, and even gave modern faces to historical figures like Mona Lisa or Shakespeare. Beyond entertainment, I created Para Não Esquecer, a social project that revisits memorable criminal cases in Brazil. My goal is to honor victims, keep memory alive and remind society that justice and empathy matter. I also write for Bored Panda, where I create articles featuring artists, photographers, rescue stories and feel-good moments from around the world. My work aims to highlight creativity, kindness and emotional storytelling. In everything I do, my purpose is the same: to touch hearts, evoke emotion and make people feel something real.

    Agne Dracanovaite

    Agne Dracanovaite

    Writer, Community member

    Read more »

    Agnė is a Community Manager for Bored Panda. She is a dreamy, down-to-earth person who believes practice makes perfect; this is why after school, she wasn't planning on continuing education at university, but rather decided to travel the world to find her true calling. Agnė's hobbies are rooted in creativity: painting, sewing, leather crafting and cooking are the most popular ones she chooses to invest her time in.

    Read less »

    Agne Dracanovaite

    Agne Dracanovaite

    Writer, Community member

    Agnė is a Community Manager for Bored Panda. She is a dreamy, down-to-earth person who believes practice makes perfect; this is why after school, she wasn't planning on continuing education at university, but rather decided to travel the world to find her true calling. Agnė's hobbies are rooted in creativity: painting, sewing, leather crafting and cooking are the most popular ones she chooses to invest her time in.

    What do you think ?
    Susan Green
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These sweet angels. This made me cry 😥

    teddybearnotsomean
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont know how this couldnt make someone cry. This is so sweet 🥹

    Load More Replies...
    Lemonia Van Tongeren
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so adorable to watch them play on IG! Really melts my heart, so nice to see Otter is doing so well after his surgery!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    DPNY 53
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so glad you will adopt these two together. They need each other. You're a good soul!

    Happy Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been following these cuties for a while now on Instagram :D Otter underwent brain surgery 2 weeks ago, so now he does not require the helmet anymore and his scar is almost healing now. Such a strong boy! :D

    Epona
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yay for him not having to wear the helmet anymore! It was adorable though!

    Load More Replies...
    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What little sweeties. I first saw these two on Instagram and am glad to see that they are doing so much better. Thank you for rescuing them and giving them a loving and happy life.

    Well-Dressed Wolf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw Otter’s story on Love Meow a while back! It’s a great site to get one’s “heartwarming cat story” fix XD

    Load More Replies...
    Rosemary Janiak
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are smart kitties and learned how to stand up all by themselves.

    Deborah Harris2
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my heart hurts looking at these little cherubs, what a fabulous foster mother she is, praying they find a furever home soon <3

    Lemon Beans
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The tiny toe beans on their front legs are so cute 😭🥺

    ZombieRedfox
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh how I love Otter and Bunny!!!!! I think I follow them on every social media platform LOL. They are just too precious. And they have had so many people to inquire about adopting them.

    Richard Ross
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are an amazing lady. ❤️

    Isabela Cincu
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is obvious that the mother cat deserted them for being vulnerable. I m so hapy got help💝

    Tan Bops
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Little soldiers.... Bless them both.x Thank god there are still some gd people in the w orld. I take my hat off to you @Caroline Grace.x

    tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seeing Bunny and Otter waddling around like penguins would make my day

    Linziaj
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww they are gorgeous and happy thanks to you

    LaMaud
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Même si elle fini bien, je trouve cela déchirant. La nature est parfois si injuste pour laisser des êtres vivants naitre avec de telles pathologies. Néanmoins, heureusement qu'il existe des personnes au grand cœur, qui sont au bon endroit, au bon moment pour sauver ces petits êtres plein de résilience et combatifs. Je trouve cette histoire magnifique et tire mon chapeau à Caroline pour qui cela n'a pas dû être évident tous les jours. Beaucoup d'inquiétude et d'angoisse, qui sont heureusement derrière elle aujourd'hui, ils peuvent couler des jours heureux tous les trois et c'est la beauté de cette histoire. Bravo à eux ! 💕

    Paulo Freitas
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love his little helmet he looks só cute with it, they are both gorgeous but the those big eyes that furry face with the little helmet i dunno i just love it.

    Lisa T
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bless those fur babies!

    Janet Howe
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are the most adorable pair of kittens. Livin' the good life.

    Kristi Northcutt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anyone know what causes such congenital defects in cats? Is it random mutations, or was the mother malnourished, or was it something else? They are adorable, but it breaks my heart thinking of other kittens elsewhere born with similar conditions, and inevitably, in some cases, what nightmares their lives ended up being. There are some truly awful people out there who I wouldn't want with a mile of vulnerable babies like these.

    Pheline
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine some are de novo (new) mutations, others are the result of preexisting ones. I know that in humans spina bifida can be because of low maternal folic acid stores which is why women should make sure to increase dietary folic acid before they try to conceive. That’s not to say Otto’s issue is the same- it’s not but might be similar. Could it be environmental toxins? Possibly. Someone could Google it but don’t expect a lot from "patient" type websites. (I know how long I might spend if I do it.) Moms do abandon kittens so it’s actually probably hard to know how often some mutations or malformations occur when they give birth out of sight. It could be more likely they abandon them at birth than nurse them so they die young. Cold comfort, I know but at least they wouldn’t be at risk from terrible people.

    Load More Replies...
    Ariom Dahl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a lovely item. They both look so happy. :)

    Susan Green
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These sweet angels. This made me cry 😥

    teddybearnotsomean
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont know how this couldnt make someone cry. This is so sweet 🥹

    Load More Replies...
    Lemonia Van Tongeren
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so adorable to watch them play on IG! Really melts my heart, so nice to see Otter is doing so well after his surgery!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    DPNY 53
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so glad you will adopt these two together. They need each other. You're a good soul!

    Happy Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been following these cuties for a while now on Instagram :D Otter underwent brain surgery 2 weeks ago, so now he does not require the helmet anymore and his scar is almost healing now. Such a strong boy! :D

    Epona
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yay for him not having to wear the helmet anymore! It was adorable though!

    Load More Replies...
    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What little sweeties. I first saw these two on Instagram and am glad to see that they are doing so much better. Thank you for rescuing them and giving them a loving and happy life.

    Well-Dressed Wolf
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw Otter’s story on Love Meow a while back! It’s a great site to get one’s “heartwarming cat story” fix XD

    Load More Replies...
    Rosemary Janiak
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are smart kitties and learned how to stand up all by themselves.

    Deborah Harris2
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my heart hurts looking at these little cherubs, what a fabulous foster mother she is, praying they find a furever home soon <3

    Lemon Beans
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The tiny toe beans on their front legs are so cute 😭🥺

    ZombieRedfox
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh how I love Otter and Bunny!!!!! I think I follow them on every social media platform LOL. They are just too precious. And they have had so many people to inquire about adopting them.

    Richard Ross
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are an amazing lady. ❤️

    Isabela Cincu
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is obvious that the mother cat deserted them for being vulnerable. I m so hapy got help💝

    Tan Bops
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Little soldiers.... Bless them both.x Thank god there are still some gd people in the w orld. I take my hat off to you @Caroline Grace.x

    tHeBoRdEsTpAnDa
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seeing Bunny and Otter waddling around like penguins would make my day

    Linziaj
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awww they are gorgeous and happy thanks to you

    LaMaud
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Même si elle fini bien, je trouve cela déchirant. La nature est parfois si injuste pour laisser des êtres vivants naitre avec de telles pathologies. Néanmoins, heureusement qu'il existe des personnes au grand cœur, qui sont au bon endroit, au bon moment pour sauver ces petits êtres plein de résilience et combatifs. Je trouve cette histoire magnifique et tire mon chapeau à Caroline pour qui cela n'a pas dû être évident tous les jours. Beaucoup d'inquiétude et d'angoisse, qui sont heureusement derrière elle aujourd'hui, ils peuvent couler des jours heureux tous les trois et c'est la beauté de cette histoire. Bravo à eux ! 💕

    Paulo Freitas
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love his little helmet he looks só cute with it, they are both gorgeous but the those big eyes that furry face with the little helmet i dunno i just love it.

    Lisa T
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bless those fur babies!

    Janet Howe
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are the most adorable pair of kittens. Livin' the good life.

    Kristi Northcutt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anyone know what causes such congenital defects in cats? Is it random mutations, or was the mother malnourished, or was it something else? They are adorable, but it breaks my heart thinking of other kittens elsewhere born with similar conditions, and inevitably, in some cases, what nightmares their lives ended up being. There are some truly awful people out there who I wouldn't want with a mile of vulnerable babies like these.

    Pheline
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine some are de novo (new) mutations, others are the result of preexisting ones. I know that in humans spina bifida can be because of low maternal folic acid stores which is why women should make sure to increase dietary folic acid before they try to conceive. That’s not to say Otto’s issue is the same- it’s not but might be similar. Could it be environmental toxins? Possibly. Someone could Google it but don’t expect a lot from "patient" type websites. (I know how long I might spend if I do it.) Moms do abandon kittens so it’s actually probably hard to know how often some mutations or malformations occur when they give birth out of sight. It could be more likely they abandon them at birth than nurse them so they die young. Cold comfort, I know but at least they wouldn’t be at risk from terrible people.

    Load More Replies...
    Ariom Dahl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a lovely item. They both look so happy. :)

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