Feline four-footers always manage to brighten up your home, and they’re usually even cuter when they’re still tiny and fit in your hands. At only seven months old, Munchie definitely is a very cute kitten and his size is pretty normal for cats his age, but he does suffer from a rare genetic disease.

The rare genetic condition stops growth, meaning that Munchie will always stay tiny even when he reaches senior age.

In fact, the condition is so extremely rare, that Munchie is only one of the two known cases around the world.

The cat was most likely abandoned by his previous owner because he had an eye condition called bilateral corneal edema, which makes his eyes look cloudy and unnatural. Even though Munchie looks unique, it doesn’t affect his vision in any way, so Munchie wouldn’t need any type of special care. Luckily, Munchie has found a new, loving and caring owner that gives him all the attention he deserves.

Emily Tomlinson first saw the seven-month-old cat at a vet practice in Wolverhampton, UK. The woman worked at the veterinary practice and her encounter with Munchie was purely coincidental, but when she learned that the feline needed a new home, she didn’t hesitate to take Munchie in.

One day, Munchie collapsed to the floor and Emily didn’t know what to do.

“His calcium levels were 0.52 when normal range is at least 1.9, it was a miracle he didn’t have a seizure”, the owner said to LADBible.

After a visit to the vet, they then figured out that Munchie had a rare condition called hypoparathyroidism.

“We have found only one other cat diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism as a kitten, which isn’t in the UK. It’s so rare.”

There are a lot of uncertainties regarding Munchies’ health simply because there’s not a lot known about the condition, but he’s doing fine at the moment.

“We believe he will have a normal life span but due to there being so little information available, due to it being so rare, we don’t know for sure.”

“It was exhausting but worthwhile as, after a few close calls and being close to losing him, he’s pulled through and is on the road to recovery.”

Munchie currently weighs a little over three pounds and is kitten-sized, and he will always stay that way. He certainly doesn’t let his dwarfism bring him down, as he behaves just like any other pet cat would and absolutely adores spending time with his cat sibling Aslan.

Nonetheless, he does need some extra attention. For example, Munchie takes supplements to keep his calcium and vitamin D levels in check, and jumping from higher distances could potentially hurt him. Mom will also always need to feed him like a kitten, as he eats multiple smaller meals per day.

“He has a lifelong condition so will need regular blood tests to check his calcium levels and will be on medication for the rest of his life.”

The total price of Munchie’s veterinary costs total over 3,000 USD, but Emily certainly doesn’t mind taking care of her special and affectionate cat.

“I feel very lucky to have Munchie, he’s got the cheekiest little character and loves having lots of attention and cuddles,” Emily concluded.

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Source: minature_munchie (Instagram), LADBible, Metro