Oh, the tiny cyclops kitten, who has touched all our hearts. Who knew this little creature (intelligently designed, to be sure) would become so beloved in such a short amount of time? Pictures of its sweet face adorn blogs, myspace accounts and chat room avatars worldwide.
"Cyclops Kitten" is featured on Yahoo's "Buzz Log" as one of the most searched keywords of the moment, and there are even blogs with poetry dedicated to this strange and delicate creature.
We weep for thee, kitten. Rest in Peace.
Apparently, along with being cute and disturbing, the Cyclops Kitty is now the official symbol of Atheists: http://www.infidelguy.com/ftopicp-320881-The_Official_Atheist_Animal_Symbol_Cyclops_Kitty.html
Posted by: Kipling | January 13, 2006 at 09:39 AM
I second Sleestack. I want a t-shirt with this image on it!
Posted by: Swayframe | January 13, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Hi - I have to post a comment. It just so happens the owner of this kitty is a friend. And when the kitty was born she did everything to help it survive. When the kitty died, he mom called the associated press and told them about it, and they bought the pictures from her instantly. We are truly amazed at the response this has generated, and your site was just one of many that was sent for us to see. I am amazed at your drawing and your kind words. - Tanya
Posted by: Tanya Swails | January 13, 2006 at 10:18 AM
Although it's very cute, this thing has got to be a hoax, and this is why. Kittens aren't able to open their eye(s) for the first two weeks after they are born. So if it was only alive for a day, how is that possible? Sheesh.
Posted by: Jasonda | January 13, 2006 at 10:31 AM
God bless his little cycloptic heart.
Posted by: Isaac Moore. | January 13, 2006 at 10:36 AM
Jasonda, there are links to articles about the condition this kitten had, I know I had the same question. Apparently these animals are born without eyelids or color in the iris, so that explains the open eye and lack of blue coloring. I did actually check this with a vet I know, cuz I was having a hard time believing it myself.
Posted by: Kipling | January 13, 2006 at 10:48 AM
Can I make a shirt for myself from the painting?
I will wear it and tell all you painted it...It is just so..soo...NEEDED...
Posted by: Rachel | January 13, 2006 at 11:42 AM
You know, I feel kinda uncomfortable with the teeshirt idea. I mean, selling a painting is one thing, because it's payment for the hours of work involved (and shipping from Canada ain't cheap). But repeating the image over and over for profit is something else*. I'd be happy to license the image if someone can figure out a way to have the profits go to an animal shelter or feline health research. Not to be weird or anything, but if my image could make some money for a good cause, I'd do it.
That said, if you want to do stuff just for yourself, feel free. Just don't sell it, please! (And be sure to spell my name right. There's only one "p" in Kipling!)
*this is why I'll never be a rich artist
Posted by: Kipling | January 13, 2006 at 11:56 AM
this is incredibly beautiful
Posted by: alice | January 13, 2006 at 12:34 PM
That kitty was for real - check out Snopes:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/cyclopes.asp for details. As one person mentioned, the deformity caused the kitten to have no eyelids and no color in the iris. One other (sad) part was that the brain was completely deformed as well, meaning poor cyclops kitty was doomed from the start.
Posted by: Neal Patrick | January 13, 2006 at 01:21 PM