A kind-hearted woman in Florida rescued a homeless kitten that had a condition resembling Down Syndrome, and now the spirited feline is gaining popularity as an Instagram sensation.
Lori Farris, a 50-year-old special needs teacher, found Willow, who is now two years old, roaming the streets with a bloody nose and infested with fleas when she was just five weeks old.
When Lori took Willow to the vet for cleaning up, she was warned that a shelter might euthanize her for not being conventionally ‘pretty enough’.
Despite having physical features similar to humans with Down Syndrome, like low muscle tone in her face and a flat nasal bridge, it is important to note that cats and humans have different numbers of chromosomes, making it technically impossible for cats to have Down Syndrome.
Watch the video below to see more of Willow’s adorable antics.
Larry Ferris, a seasoned 50-year-old special education teacher hailing from Florida, stumbled upon a tiny kitten named Willow, who was just two years old. Willow was wandering the streets with a bloody nose and covered in fleas when she was only five weeks old.
Lori decided to adopt a kitten she found on the street and named her Willow. Willow now lives happily with her canine best friend, Ella the boxer dog, and has gained an impressive following of 130,000 online fans.
Reflecting on the day she found Willow, Lori shared, “I found a tiny, dirty kitten on a doorstep while leaving a student’s house. She followed me to my car, so I took her in and cleaned her up as she had fleas and a bloody nose.” After a visit to the vet, Lori learned that Willow was a five-week-old girl kitten in need of care due to eye infections, fleas, and intestinal parasites. Despite facing challenges, Lori decided to keep Willow as she knew a shelter might have euthanized her for not being conventionally cute.
Describing the bond between Ella and Willow, Lori said, “Ella and Willow hit it off right away. When I introduced Willow to the house, Ella was curious and eventually approached her.” The two furry companions quickly formed a strong friendship, bringing joy to Lori’s home.
When she was taken to the vet for a checkup, she was warned that an animal shelter might euthanize her because she wasn’t deemed “attractive” enough – simply because she’s a kitten.
At the age of two, Willow has amassed a large following of 130,000 online fans who adore her charming photos. Willow and her owner have developed a strong bond since she playfully bit her owner, and now they do everything together – from eating to playing to sleeping side by side. Willow’s Instagram page, where she is seen wearing a variety of cute hats made of flowers, has attracted 136,000 followers who can’t get enough of her unique style.
The animal was returned to Lori’s place and now happily resides with her boxer dog Ella, forming a strong bond and becoming the best of friends.
When Lori, a special education teacher, first came across the animal when it was only five weeks old, it was dealing with eye infections, fleas, and intestinal parasites.
Willow and boxer dog Ella have become inseparable best friends, often seen sporting matching outfits together. Lori, Willow’s owner, mentioned that Willow’s love for wearing various flower hats has been a hit on Instagram. According to Lori, people are drawn to Willow because she represents love, kindness, and beauty despite her unique appearance.
While Lori is accepting of people describing Willow as “weird-looking,” she strongly disagrees with any negative remarks labeling her as ugly, retarded, or gross. In Lori’s eyes, Willow is a remarkable cat in every aspect, and she feels grateful to have her in her life.
On Willow the Beautiful Cat’s Instagram page, she has a significant following of 136,000 fans who appreciate her beauty.
Larry mentioned that Willow really loves flaunting her collection of hats and fashionable outfits on her Instagram account.
