Due to his rare condition, this terrifying hairless cat has become an internet sensation
More under this adNot all animals have to be cute and cuddly to be popular. This Sphynx cat names Jasper has attracted thousands of followers to his social media due to his rare, and rather spooky looking, medical condition.
Jasper, or Jazzypurrs as he is known on social media, looks like the kind of cat to come straight out of a Tim Burton movie. Not only is the cat hairless but due to a rare medical condition, he is also sporting a heavy lack of eyes. However, the spooky look has caused the unique cat to gain over 77,000 followers on Instagram.
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The 12-year-old cat is famous on social media and despite his old age and lack of sight, he's still just as enthusiastic and playful as a little kitten. Jasper's owners regularly dish on his Instagram by providing updates and detailing Jasper's harrowing medical condition that caused him to lose his sight. They stated:
More under this adMore under this adFor those who don't know Jazzy's story, he was adopted at two years old seemingly healthy. After a couple of years he was diagnosed with FHV (feline herpes virus), but at the time all that meant was he was a sniffly boy. Then in November 2013, he got a corneal ulcer in his right eye. It was so bad that removal was the only option.More under this adMore under this ad
The owners continued to detail that Jazzy fell victim to a second infection which took his remaining eye:
He went on being a happy, healthy, now one eyed kitty. Until September 2018 when he ended up with a corneal ulcer in his remaining eye. Again so bad that removal was the only option.More under this adMore under this ad
But, Jasper's health journey doesn't stop there, not even a full year after his eye removal the poor cat had suffered from a stroke. The cause was unknown but luckily the kitty seems to be doing just fine now:
As scary as the news was that Jasper would now be totally blind, he adapted super well. Finally in April 2019 he had a mild stroke. It was a terrifying experience trying to figure out what was going on, why he woke me up spinning in circles, but the diagnoses was a relief.More under this adMore under this ad
Jasper's owners believe the not so furry-feline is currently in great health and if he keeps going this way he may even have another ten years left. Not to mention the support and well-wishes from his 77,000 followers probably help the cat to see the brighter side of life.
More under this adMore under this adOwner Kelli spoke to Buzzfeed, describing the attention Jasper gets as the new internet sensation. Loyal followers regularly send in fan art and one even sent the eyeless cat a model toy made in his likeness. However, some fans have gone over and above and even gotten Jasper themed tattoos.
I get art of him all the time, and at least five people have gotten him tattooed on them, and that's not including me! It's wild, but so, so appreciated!More under this adMore under this ad
Kelli also urges people to consider adopting disabled pets as they are often overlooked and need a home just like any other cat or dog:
A blind cat can still live a very fulfilling, happy life. If you're thinking of adopting a pet, maybe take a look at the less loved: the elderly, the disabled. They may just be the best companion you'll ever have.More under this adMore under this ad
How could anyone resist a little cat in need, especially if they're anything like Jazzy!