Meet Merlin, The Water-Bottle-Sized 2-Year-Old Kitty That Is Taking Over Twitter Because Of His Pure Beauty
You met Merlin, the cranky Canadian Ragdoll cat, with resting b*tch face, well another feline Merlin has taken over the internet – but his face is nothing short of angelic. With milky bluish eyes and luxurious dark gray fur, this adorable kitten looks like a plush toy. Merlin rose to internet fame thanks to his human parents Nathanial Green and Elliot Green, two visual artists that curated a visually stunning Instagram page dedicated to their beautiful tiny kitten, which has amassed 28k followers.
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Image credits: heyelliotgreen
The Greens first laid eyes on Merlin in 2017 at the Lynchburg Humane Society on their “Free Cat Friday.” And while it was love at first sight, Elliot admitted to Bored Panda Merlin hadn’t been his first choice. “It actually was my coworker that convinced me to go in–she had just adopted a cute kitten from there. Browsing through their cat adoption site, Nathanial and I had our hearts set on a Siamese kitten, but by the time I got off work, they were all either on hold or already adopted.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Not to be discouraged the couple continued their search. “The lady who had shown us around eventually noticed us indecisively meandering; she stopped to tell us that she had a favorite, but that he had some issues and was sick. She took us to the medical wing to show us this tiny kitten who was recovering from a head cold. When I was first told that he was blind, I was a bit worried. As a full-time student also working two jobs, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to provide Merlin with the attention he needed. As soon as I got to hold him, I think it was pretty obvious that he was perfect.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
The Greens couldn’t be happier that they found Merlin, “He’s an affectionate cat that loves being acknowledged and held. He’s never destructive or petty, either,” said Elliot, “Because he was born blind, he really has no concept of fear, and so he’ll attempt to jump off of pretty high places. He doesn’t hide or avoid people–he’ll run-up to the door to meet us and climb all over guests sitting on the couch. His preferred place is on someone’s lap.”
That’s right this loving ball of fur can’t get enough of his human dads. “Anytime we sit on the couch or the bed, he jumps up and is ready to be cuddled. He loves having his face and ears scratched; we aren’t quite sure why, but he loves having the areas around his eyes massaged. If someone puts their hands up to his eyes or nose, he’ll usually awkwardly press into it as if he’s trying to push them away, but it’s his way of feeling loved,” said his other dad Nathanial
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Looking at Merlin you can’t help but notice his unique features, that’s because he is a rare mixed breed of a Munchkin and a Persian cat, called a Napoleon. “It’s a pretty new breed–by new I mean 20 to 22 years,” explained his owner, “Napoleons are pretty small, but they’re able to move around as easily as normal-sized cats. For the most part, they inherit the Persian’s physical characteristics.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: nathanialtgreen
Merlin’s milky white-walker style eyes, however, are not a characteristic of his breed but due to his blindness. But even with his poor vision, his dad said this handsome guy still lives a full life. “Honestly, we forget that he has blind eyes. When we first moved to our apartment, he definitely had trouble navigating, but he learns quickly and really knows how to own the space. His greatest recurring struggle is from our coffee table’s glass edges: Every now and then, he’ll jump or walk into it, but we think he’s learned. All he really cares about is where the food is and how far away it is from his dads.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
While being a blind cat hasn’t been an issue, Merlin did suffer from some other health issues, “For a while, he was having seizures, and we really couldn’t figure out why,” recalled Elliot, “Through some research and trying out alternatives, we learned that his food was causing it. We removed wheat from his diet, and he’s been perfectly content since then.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Meet the Greens: “@nathanialtgreen (left) was born in Michigan and is an insanely talented keyboardist, designer, and communications specialist. He loves chicken and waffles and syrup on almost everything. Often times can be found reading about politics. @elliotgreen.co (right) is an art director, branding specialist, and photographer from Istanbul, Turkey. Lover of olive oil and Daniela Andrade. Often can be found admiring typefaces at target. Both met at Liberty University and eventually made their way to Nashville, TN. they got married last September and spend most of their time hanging out at Baja Burrito or 51st Deli!”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
As a snuggly, social kitty, Merlin loves all living things, but sadly the feeling is not always mutual, “We’ve also learned–the hard way–that he’s easily dominated by other animals. Cats, in particular, tend to bully him. He never fights back, but we have seen him hiss a time or two. We have to keep a close eye on him around other animals. Other than that, he really is perfect!”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
“Merlin loves watermelon, and since it’s Elliot’s favorite food, he gets it often”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
It’s easy to see why Merlin has become an internet sensation, but the Greens say it was never their intention. “We just started accumulating a lot of pictures on our phones and decided to share them with the world. It wasn’t an account we were regularly posting on, but when we did we made sure that it looked good. Honestly, Elliot was proud of the way his apartment looked at the time and thought Merlin was a good subject to help show it off,” said Nathanial.
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Still, the response has been surprising, “Yea! Friends keep telling us that they see Merlin’s pictures all over–it’s just mind-blowing.”
Image credits: nathanialtgreen
This family couldn’t be more grateful for finding this little ball of joy and say they owe it all to shelters like the Lynchburg Humane Society, “We’re grateful for animal shelters and the selfless, essential work they continue to do.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
“I’m a gift. You’re welcome.”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
“Weather got meow like”
Image credits: heyelliotgreen
Image credits: merlin.griffith
“New room who dis?”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: merlin.griffith
“We’re a family of personality types. @nathanialtgreen is a 9w1/INFJ @elliotgreen.co is a 4w5/INFJ. They say I’m a 4w3 always cuddling up for attention with a melancholic twist. What’s your Enneagram number or MB identifier?”
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: merlin.griffith
Image credits: merlin.griffith
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It's really sad that this poor kitty has been overbreeded like that. It's probably the reason he's blind, and that's devastating. Designer breeding is as cruel and mean as breeding dogs in Puppy Mills
Designer breeding is disgusting,but his blindness seems to have come from other health issues. IIRC, eye problems are one of the few things either side doesn't have. At least he got a real nose out of everything.
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Such a creepy, beautiful, mystical looking baby . . . I would snuggle him for days! It’s sad though. Selective designer breeding can be harmful. I’m glad that this magical guy has a good family.
Well designer breeding sucks but this particular cat was a rescue. I think he's ADORABLE. So so so cute. Honestly this post doesn't make me want to get overbred cats... it makes me want to rescue animals with the surprises and joy of saving a unique cat. Merlin you are a sweetheart!
Poor thing. I'm so glad these dads adopted her, but this is what happens with irresponsible over-breeding.
You should not feed a cat an all vegetable diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meat eaters. Without proper cat food he will face death and a huge variety of health issues. Cats need taurine and if he's eating only vegetables that is probably why he is blind. He's a cute cat but will suffer the consequences from a vegan diet.
Ignore the comments. I read the article earlier today and it definitely said "vegetable only diet". I wonder which "quote" was correct?
Load More Replies...
He's cute, although allowing him to ride unrestrained in a car is an accident waiting to happen. Plus, mutations that cause harm should be discouraged, not celebrated.
I think munchkins in general should be discouraged, but I have no problem celebrating one they obviously discarded...
Load More Replies...
Bless those two for taking this baby on and giving him a good life. I hope he's neutered. I just wish idiots hadn't felt the need to 'make' him in the first place. The world doesn't need short-legged cats! (Or bald ones, either, but...)
I have a fun sized rescue kitty too. He's little because he was malnourished and being eaten by fleas when we took him. He's very healthy and happy now, just little.
The most surprising part of this whole thing to me was that a gay couple met at....Liberty University? WOW. That is ....unexpected. Sweet cat, too.
Can we do something with BP's editing already? I still can't get used to articles titles changing 25 times a day and now apparently they can edit the article without acknowledging it to the readers in any way, too? To change from 'meat was causing seizures so we switched to an all vegetable diet' to 'wheat was causing seizures so we switched to wheat-free diet' out of the blue is, sorry, bullsh*t. First, do your proof reading before posting, second, if you screwed up, have the decency to admit it, don't make us all look crazy.
If I wake up at night and the cat is looking at me, I'd probably scream ...
“We’re a family of personality types. @nathanialtgreen is a 9w1/INFJ @elliotgreen.co is a 4w5/INFJ. They say I’m a 4w3 always cuddling up for attention with a melancholic twist. What’s your Enneagram number or MB identifier?” I have read this about 10 times now. I recognise that it is English. I still have not got the slightest clue what it means.
Don't worry, it's all b******t. It's like describing yourself by your astrology sign only for modern day.
Load More Replies...
Merlin is so precious, I'm glad he now has a loving family. I do hope though that they will use Merlin's fame to highlight the dangers of overbreeding and to discourage others from designer breedings. Merlin's health issues are a direct result of the selfish desire to have a designer status symbol, without any care or concern for the animal itself!
How cute can a little cat be? This one is far beyond cute! He is exceptional! And although his eyes can not see they are so piercing! I believe he sees you anyways! He is just wonderfully lovely!!!! I'm in love with the little fluffy!
This obsession with breeding extra tiny carts or dogs is disgusting. Just get a hamster for f**kssake! Or a cute rat - they are very sociable and trainable. (And why do you keep a glass coffee table when you have cats, much less a blind one? They are already hideous and super unpractical, but having animals eyes on eye level with the sharp edges is just plain cruel)
DANIELA ANDRADE! OMG!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER TOOOOOO!!!!! (the kitty is amazing)
Aren't they just cataracts that can be removed? So sad that he is blind. He's beautiful.
Regardless of how Merlin came to be, he deserves love like all kitties. It's a thing I've noticed with humans choosing to "terminate pregnancies" because of issues with their unborn child. I've also noticed you can tell alot about a man by the way he treats animals. (Yes all of this relates if you put it in the right perspective.) If nothing else, a lesson can be learned by one very smart bunny named Thumper: IF YOU CAN'T SAY NOTHIN' NICE, THEN YOU SHOULDN'T SAY NOTHIN' AT ALL." I think it's great that these two took in this beautiful kitty and gave him a home and their love.
I have said this before, the Designer of cats and dogs should be stopped Who will take steps to end this ???
He's a beautiful boy and I don't plan to sling mud or insult your intelligence. I'm so happy for you to have him in your life. I wonder if he knows he's a cat. Have you tried acclimating him with a gentle non-judgmental cat companion who will teach him? Or maybe just enjoy him as he is. I thought I'd ask if surgery was an option for his eyes. I would donate to a GoFundMe page but with all the criticism ...... I'm sure you've explored that avenue. Just love him as he is. HE's happy.
Merlin is the mini meow spitting image of my cat Boongie Bear. She passed three years ago and I still break into tears at odd moments. My heart stopped for a moment looking at Merlin but I'm so happy he has a loving home. My kitty was left behind by people who up and moved without a thought about her. She was the most amazing cat. Magical Merlin survived those folks who mess with Mother Nature. I think she's got it handled and really doesn't need our experimental f*ing around.
I want myself a fun sized cat but not overbreed. I want it done right.
I have a kitty just like him... Ziva is four, and has some... bodily quirks (she isn't blind but has had an operation for an entropic eyelid). She's only tiny, and a long haired black tabby. (Hilariously people see photos of her with no size point of reference and think she's a Maine Coone!!!) She's not a pedigreed kitty, just the runt of a litter I was fostering, and was rejected by her mum, so for the first nine weeks of her life, I was syringe-feeding her. She grew to the size of a teenage kitten and has stayed like that, but she's sassy and adorable and I love her.
It's surprising how well cats can deal with blindness. We had a blind cat and didn't even discover that he was blind for several years. The first time we noticed it was when I'd rearranged a bedroom. He dashed into the room and jumped up onto where the bed used to be, then slid across the floor. He was also an excellent mouser.
It's really sad that this poor kitty has been overbreeded like that. It's probably the reason he's blind, and that's devastating. Designer breeding is as cruel and mean as breeding dogs in Puppy Mills
Designer breeding is disgusting,but his blindness seems to have come from other health issues. IIRC, eye problems are one of the few things either side doesn't have. At least he got a real nose out of everything.
Load More Replies... Such a creepy, beautiful, mystical looking baby . . . I would snuggle him for days! It’s sad though. Selective designer breeding can be harmful. I’m glad that this magical guy has a good family.
Well designer breeding sucks but this particular cat was a rescue. I think he's ADORABLE. So so so cute. Honestly this post doesn't make me want to get overbred cats... it makes me want to rescue animals with the surprises and joy of saving a unique cat. Merlin you are a sweetheart!
Poor thing. I'm so glad these dads adopted her, but this is what happens with irresponsible over-breeding.
You should not feed a cat an all vegetable diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meat eaters. Without proper cat food he will face death and a huge variety of health issues. Cats need taurine and if he's eating only vegetables that is probably why he is blind. He's a cute cat but will suffer the consequences from a vegan diet.
Ignore the comments. I read the article earlier today and it definitely said "vegetable only diet". I wonder which "quote" was correct?
Load More Replies... He's cute, although allowing him to ride unrestrained in a car is an accident waiting to happen. Plus, mutations that cause harm should be discouraged, not celebrated.
I think munchkins in general should be discouraged, but I have no problem celebrating one they obviously discarded...
Load More Replies... Bless those two for taking this baby on and giving him a good life. I hope he's neutered. I just wish idiots hadn't felt the need to 'make' him in the first place. The world doesn't need short-legged cats! (Or bald ones, either, but...)
I have a fun sized rescue kitty too. He's little because he was malnourished and being eaten by fleas when we took him. He's very healthy and happy now, just little.
The most surprising part of this whole thing to me was that a gay couple met at....Liberty University? WOW. That is ....unexpected. Sweet cat, too.
Can we do something with BP's editing already? I still can't get used to articles titles changing 25 times a day and now apparently they can edit the article without acknowledging it to the readers in any way, too? To change from 'meat was causing seizures so we switched to an all vegetable diet' to 'wheat was causing seizures so we switched to wheat-free diet' out of the blue is, sorry, bullsh*t. First, do your proof reading before posting, second, if you screwed up, have the decency to admit it, don't make us all look crazy.
If I wake up at night and the cat is looking at me, I'd probably scream ...
“We’re a family of personality types. @nathanialtgreen is a 9w1/INFJ @elliotgreen.co is a 4w5/INFJ. They say I’m a 4w3 always cuddling up for attention with a melancholic twist. What’s your Enneagram number or MB identifier?” I have read this about 10 times now. I recognise that it is English. I still have not got the slightest clue what it means.
Don't worry, it's all b******t. It's like describing yourself by your astrology sign only for modern day.
Load More Replies... Merlin is so precious, I'm glad he now has a loving family. I do hope though that they will use Merlin's fame to highlight the dangers of overbreeding and to discourage others from designer breedings. Merlin's health issues are a direct result of the selfish desire to have a designer status symbol, without any care or concern for the animal itself!
How cute can a little cat be? This one is far beyond cute! He is exceptional! And although his eyes can not see they are so piercing! I believe he sees you anyways! He is just wonderfully lovely!!!! I'm in love with the little fluffy!
This obsession with breeding extra tiny carts or dogs is disgusting. Just get a hamster for f**kssake! Or a cute rat - they are very sociable and trainable. (And why do you keep a glass coffee table when you have cats, much less a blind one? They are already hideous and super unpractical, but having animals eyes on eye level with the sharp edges is just plain cruel)
DANIELA ANDRADE! OMG!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER TOOOOOO!!!!! (the kitty is amazing)
Aren't they just cataracts that can be removed? So sad that he is blind. He's beautiful.
Regardless of how Merlin came to be, he deserves love like all kitties. It's a thing I've noticed with humans choosing to "terminate pregnancies" because of issues with their unborn child. I've also noticed you can tell alot about a man by the way he treats animals. (Yes all of this relates if you put it in the right perspective.) If nothing else, a lesson can be learned by one very smart bunny named Thumper: IF YOU CAN'T SAY NOTHIN' NICE, THEN YOU SHOULDN'T SAY NOTHIN' AT ALL." I think it's great that these two took in this beautiful kitty and gave him a home and their love.
I have said this before, the Designer of cats and dogs should be stopped Who will take steps to end this ???
He's a beautiful boy and I don't plan to sling mud or insult your intelligence. I'm so happy for you to have him in your life. I wonder if he knows he's a cat. Have you tried acclimating him with a gentle non-judgmental cat companion who will teach him? Or maybe just enjoy him as he is. I thought I'd ask if surgery was an option for his eyes. I would donate to a GoFundMe page but with all the criticism ...... I'm sure you've explored that avenue. Just love him as he is. HE's happy.
Merlin is the mini meow spitting image of my cat Boongie Bear. She passed three years ago and I still break into tears at odd moments. My heart stopped for a moment looking at Merlin but I'm so happy he has a loving home. My kitty was left behind by people who up and moved without a thought about her. She was the most amazing cat. Magical Merlin survived those folks who mess with Mother Nature. I think she's got it handled and really doesn't need our experimental f*ing around.
I want myself a fun sized cat but not overbreed. I want it done right.
I have a kitty just like him... Ziva is four, and has some... bodily quirks (she isn't blind but has had an operation for an entropic eyelid). She's only tiny, and a long haired black tabby. (Hilariously people see photos of her with no size point of reference and think she's a Maine Coone!!!) She's not a pedigreed kitty, just the runt of a litter I was fostering, and was rejected by her mum, so for the first nine weeks of her life, I was syringe-feeding her. She grew to the size of a teenage kitten and has stayed like that, but she's sassy and adorable and I love her.
It's surprising how well cats can deal with blindness. We had a blind cat and didn't even discover that he was blind for several years. The first time we noticed it was when I'd rearranged a bedroom. He dashed into the room and jumped up onto where the bed used to be, then slid across the floor. He was also an excellent mouser.
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