What Is a Kitty With 2 Faces?
A kitty with 2 faces, often called a Janus cat, is a feline born with a rare congenital condition that results in two faces on one head. The term comes from the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions.
Why Does This Happen?
This condition is usually caused by an excess of the protein sonic hedgehog during early development. It can affect the structure of the skull, face, and mouth. In many cases, the condition is not compatible with long-term survival.
Care and Outlook
Most Janus kittens have serious health challenges, including breathing and feeding difficulties. Veterinary care focuses on comfort and supportive treatment. Reliable information on congenital conditions in animals can be found on sites like https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center.
