Cat with cleft palate

Question
Hi Jessica,

I am debating on adopting a 9 month old kitten with a mild cleft palate. What type of special care would she need? How difficult is it to care for a cat who has cleft palate?

The shelter says that she has a good appetite and is eating well, and is apparently very sweet. I attatched a link to her listing below.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#!/photo.php?fbid=364283603583478&set=a.255779241

Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Holly,

I wouldn't expect this little girl to need much extra in the way of medical attention. Her abnormality appears minimal. Because her lip is attached to the gum line, this can allow some drying of the teeth and gums, which could lead to early tartar in the front teeth. However, the incisors (the tiny teeth between the canines) often fall out within the first few years of a normal cat's life anyway. You may want to try to keep her teeth clean and hydrated with a pet mouth rinse, if possible, to preserve her upper canines, although they don't appear to be exposed by her lip at all. Although a consultation with a vet would be required to say for sure, I'm almost 100% certain that lip could be repaired pretty simply with surgery if desired. In my opinion, that is not necessary for her.

I think the cat's biggest challenge is just going to be finding someone who loves her because she's different, and people fear that she may be unhealthy, or that they won't be able to provide for her needs. Overall, I don't think she's going to require a lot of special care. Just the usual TLC.

Best wishes!
Jessica