A 3-year-old cross-eyed cat from Russia has become an internet sensation for his fluffy fur coat and unusual stare.
Fedya, from Rostov, captured netizens’ attention after his owner, Natalia Zhdanova, 41, shared pictures of him on Instagram.
Before Fedya rose to fame, however, he had a difficult start to life. He was one of two kittens born to a stray cat named Lisa, who sheltered herself in Zhdanova’s backyard.
When Zhdanova rescued Fedya—who was born with a coordination disorder and struggled to move around—she feared that the feline wouldn’t survive, as he was weak and underdeveloped.
Zhdanova nursed the kitten back to health and continued to take care of him, as she believed that no one would want to adopt a cat with a facial condition such as his.
A few weeks after caring for Fedya, Zhdanova’s neighbor’s cat, Handsome, stepped into the role of an adoptive father.
“When he noticed Fedya, he began to look after him, and we realized that our kitten really needed him,” Zhdanova said. “We have good neighbors, they allowed Handsome to live with us. This is how this little touching cat family was created!”
The pair share an inseparable bond and they enjoy playing together.
As for Fedya’s unique appearance, Zhdanova believes there are many different reasons behind it.
“We do not know why Fedya looks like this and is a little behind in development,“ she said. ”We assume that these are complications of his condition after birth, he was very weak and was dying. Either that, or it’s a genetic disorder. The analysis for genetics was not done.”
Apart from his puzzled face, Fedya’s movements while he walks and plays are perfectly normal.
“I love photographing cats, but they don’t really like it,” she said. “So I have to interest them.”
Zhdanova usually plays with her cats and captures their photos when they’re in a good mood.
“Our cats are very fond of licking each other, such videos are very pleasing to our subscribers,” she said. “Cats play and catch up with each other.”
Fedya’s gentle demeanor and funny antics have proven to be a hit amongst his fans, and Zhdanova is delighted that her pet is making people happy.
“People really like photos and videos with Fedya,” she said. “It evokes good feelings and wonderful emotions ... people laugh, are touched, and admire Fedya.”
