Mystical Kitten with Enormous Eyes is a Rare Survivor
In the bustling community of Little Canada, Minnesota, an extraordinary feline named Dorito has captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide. The feisty 5-month-old kitten doesn’t just meow; she squeaks and howls, a charming idiosyncrasy that sets her apart from other cats. What truly makes Dorito stand out, however, are her enormous opalescent marble-like eyes.
This is Dorito in real life, not an AI-generated or enhanced image, as some Facebook commenters speculate. Rest assured, Dorito isn’t an oracle or an alien, despite such humorous claims from onlookers. Her unique eyes are the result of a rare condition linked to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease known for causing inflammation in felines.
Though FIP rarely presents with eye issues, Dorito’s case is notable for its rare symptoms. Less than a quarter of cats with FIP experience any ocular problems, making Dorito’s iridescent eyes an uncommon side effect of this disease.
Dorito and her sister, Cheeto, were discovered behind a dumpster, both with cuts on their ears and suffering from colds. Fortunately, they were brought to The Bitty Kitty Brigade, where they received the compassionate care they needed. “Her eyes weren’t enlarged when she first arrived,” explained Mandy Dwyer, director of The Bitty Kitty Brigade. Initially, only one eye appeared cloudy, but both kittens quickly recovered from their respiratory infections.
The real concern began when Dorito’s eyes started to swell. An ophthalmologist diagnosed her with FIP, a devastating condition that was nearly impossible to treat just a decade ago. “Treatment for FIP has only been around for about eight years,” Dwyer noted, “and didn’t become legal in the U.S. until 2024.”
Thankfully, Dorito’s vet team addressed the FIP immediately, and the courageous kitten is now disease-free. Although her vision remains limited, she is otherwise a thriving cat. “The pressure in her eyes is back to normal,” Dwyer said. Dorito receives over-the-counter eye lubricant drops to keep her eyes moisturized, as she cannot fully close her eyelids.
It remains uncertain if Dorito’s eyes will return to their normal size, but her future looks bright. Captivated by her charm during their foster period, Dorito’s new mom decided to adopt both Dorito and Cheeto. “She’s a cuddle bug,” Dorito’s new mom joyfully shared. “She’s very excited to explore everything all the time. She’s extremely gentle and loves to give kisses.”
Despite The Bitty Kitty Brigade’s efforts to assure followers of her authenticity, some remain skeptical. The enduring myth of Dorito’s magical nature continues to thrive: “You cannot convince me this cat isn’t magic!” exclaims one fan. For now, Dorito is cherished not as a mythical creature, but as a beloved and ordinary kitten with an extraordinary story.
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