Cyclops Cat: The Kitten with One Eye
A rare one-eyed kitten, nicknamed Cyclops Cat, was born in Brazil on November 4, 2025, capturing the attention of animal lovers and locals alike.
The kitten, a unique sight with just one eye, was born to a cat owned by Gilberto Almeida, a 32-year-old farm worker from Vilhena, Rondonia. Gilberto shared in an interview that he had never seen anything like this in his life and noted that his cat is usually a diligent mother, making this birth especially surprising. Cyclops Cat had three siblings, but it was the only one with this rare condition.
Tragically, the kitten passed away just two days after birth. Gilberto observed that Cyclops Cat struggled to breathe, a common complication for animals with this condition. The kitten’s unusual appearance drew attention online and in local media, prompting Brazilian veterinarian Janete Silva to explain the science behind it. Cyclops Cat was born with cyclopia, a rare congenital disorder in which the developing embryo fails to form two separate brain hemispheres, resulting in a single eye in the center of the face. The name comes from the one-eyed cyclops of Greek mythology.
Cyclopia can also occur in humans, though it is exceedingly rare, affecting only about one in 100,000 births. It is usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities or exposure to certain medications during pregnancy. Unfortunately, both animals and humans with this condition rarely survive long after birth due to severe complications, particularly difficulty breathing. Many pregnancies involving cyclopia end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the newborn passing away shortly after delivery.
Meanwhile, a cat is a small, carnivorous mammal often kept as a pet. Known for agility, sharp claws, and keen senses, cats are independent yet can bond closely with humans. They eat meat, purr when content, and communicate through meows, hisses, and body language. Cats are popular pets for their playful and adaptable nature.