Bullied boy adopts cat with same facial conditions as him
A little boy who was born with a rare condition that caused two different-coloured eyes and a cleft lip, has befriended a kitten who shares his facial features.
With matching distinguishing features, seven-year-old Madden, from Oklahoma, US, and Moon the cat, were destined to be best of friends.
When the little boy's family heard about the special rescue kitten, they embarked on a 3400km interstate journey to meet the moggie and bring him home.
Heterochromia is the condition where a difference in coloration of the iris. Combined with a cleft lip, the pairing is believed to be extremely rare, which makes Madden and Moon's match-up so incredible.
The little boy's mum Christina Humphreys learned of the feline who shared her son's distinguishing features when a friend posted a picture of the rescue centre kitten in her "cleft moms" Facebook group, she told Love What Matters.
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"We knew immediately that this kitty was meant to be part of our family," she shared.
"Not only does he have a cleft lip like our seven-year-old son Madden, he also has complete heterochromia iridum (contrasting eye colours), like Madden. They were destined to be best friends. Funny how a pet can make you feel less alone."
She said Madden had already undergone six surgeries, with many more to follow, and had been seriously bullied from a young age, which still "rears its nastiness once in a while".
The family travelled from Oklahoma to Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota, and then back to Oklahoma to collect Moon.
Moon is now a symbol of how distinguishing facial features can be something to be celebrated.
"Everyone needs a friend, and everyone needs to feel understood. I’m so thankful Madden has Moon," she told Love What Matters.
"Not only so that both he and the kitty have a relatable and sweet companion, but also, I hope Moon helps Madden realise that being born unique in an incredible thing; that he is magic."
After Moon joined the family, Ms Humphries shared heart-warming photographs of the pair to a newly created Instagram page maddenandmoon last Sunday: "Moon is proving to be the sweetest kitty, ever", she wrote in the caption accompanying the photo of a besotted Madden hugging his new friend.
"He's a little nervous as he's adapting to a new place, but he's so affectionate, and he LOVES Madden. He'll come right up, and snuggle in his lap!"
The first picture of the little boy and his matching kitty received more than 2,300 likes in just five days, and many positive messages of love from complete strangers.
