A UNIQUE kitten born with both male and female reproductive organs has found a new home after being raised at the South East Animal Welfare League.
League worker Caitlin Mellor knew early on there was more to the kitten she had named Russell, booking the feline in to be desexed which was when the discovery was made.
“I always thought there was something strange about him when he was growing up,” Ms Mellor said.
“When he started developing his genital parts I thought there was a vulva, which led me to believe he was in fact a she.
“Yet as he kept growing, I also found a scrotum so I was not too sure and I have no veterinarian experience so I just waited until we took him in.”
Gambier Vets veterinarian Dr Teagan Rainford said Russell’s condition was uncommon and could be the result of inbreeding.
“Initially we thought he was a male cat but his testicles had not descended, but then looking at where his penis should be he actually had a vulva so we thought it was weird,” Dr Rainford said.
“When we checked again he definitely had a scrotum,” she said.
“It was a bit confusing because he had both.
“None of us here have actually seen this before, but other than that he is in perfect health.
“It is hard to tell why it has happened to him but because of the large population of stray and outdoor cats it would not be surprising if it was inbreeding,” she said.
“Whatever bits of reproductive system he has we will remove to prevent future health issues,” Dr Rainford said.
“Particularly if they are testicles because they need to be keep at a cooler temperature so if they are kept too warm it can result in cancer.
“He is still very cute and we do love him.”
Ms Mellow started hand raising Russell last year after he was handed over to the league.
“I have never done it before but they do not stay little as long as a baby so it was fairly easy,” she said.
With only a month of night feeds, Ms Mellor said Russell was then able to eat on his own.
“It is so rewarding as you are saving a life but it is difficult not to get too attached,” Ms Mellor said.
Ms Mellor said if anyone is considering fostering a young kitten research is the key.
“There is an amazing YouTube channel with loads of information available which is great,” she said.
The league put Russell’s photograph and a short description of his situation on Facebook where within the hour they were contacted for an adoption.
“It was not surprising he was adopted so quickly,” Ms Mellor said.
