'Special' kitten born with two mouths and two noses dies

Warning: This story contains an image that some readers may find upsetting

An "incredibly special" kitten who was born with two noses and two mouths has died.

Gemini had a rare congenital disorder called diprosopus, also described as craniofacial duplication. Janus cats, as they are typically known, are named after the mythological Roman god who is traditionally depicted with two faces.

On Tuesday, rescue centre PurrfectlyFeral in Llangedwyn, Powys, said Gemini had died peacefully "wrapped in love until the very end".

"Her journey may have been short, but the impact she had was immeasurable," a spokesperson at the centre said, adding that, due to the short life expectancy of the condition, "every moment we had with her was a gift".

Rescue founder Shelley Jones said she was "shocked" when she first saw the kitten, having previously been unaware of the highly unusual condition.

Janus kittens are either stillborn or survive only for a short time after birth.

Gemini's mother was brought into PurrFectlyFeral as a stray three weeks ago, and gave birth at the rescue centre.

The first-born of the eight-strong litter, Gemini was rejected by her mother, meaning staff at the centre had to bottle-feed the tiny kitten every hour.

Jones said Gemini had been "very keen to feed from both little mouths" which was "quite funny to watch", because she could only feed one mouth at a time.

In Tuesday's statement, the rescue centre said Gemini's life had not been in vain, helping to "shine a light on what PurrfectlyFeral stands for".

"Her story reached thousands of people and gave us the opportunity to talk about the importance of neutering, responsible pet ownership, and why rescues like ours exist.

"If even one cat is neutered because of Gemini's story, or one person chooses to support rescue instead of irresponsible breeding, then her tiny life will have created a legacy far greater than we ever imagined."

Staff who cared for Gemini at the centre said, although their "hearts are shattered", they took comfort "in knowing that she did not suffer during her time on earth".

"She knew only warmth, comfort, gentle hands, full tummies and unconditional love."