Cat deemed not 'pretty' enough to be adopted has risen to Instagram fame

A cat who was at risk of being put down because she wasn't "pretty" has risen to Instagram fame, boasting a following over 138,000. 

Willow was adopted by special needs teacher Lori Farris, who spotted her on the doorstep when she was leaving a student's house two years ago. 

Willow was covered in fleas, had a bloody nose, and an eye infection. Farris also noticed she looked a little different from other kittens. 

Willow, the unusual looking cat, as a kitten two years ago.
Willow when Lori Farris first found her two years ago. Photo credit: Caters

Farris cleaned her up and took her to the vet, who thought she seemed healthy other than her unusual shaped face and mouth. 

"She said it was like [Willow] had feline down syndrome," Farris told Metro. 

According to cat nutritionists at Purina, it is technically impossible for cats to have Down syndrome, due to the number of chromosomes they have. 

However, it is possible for cats to have similar symptoms to Down syndrome, which can be caused by different genetic disorders. 

Willow dons different bows and hats on her Instagram page.
Willow dons different bows and hats on her Instagram page. Photo credit: Caters

The vet told her that Willow's unusual look meant it was likely she would have been put down if Farris had given her to a shelter. 

"The vet said that the shelter would surely euthanise her since she wasn't 'pretty' so I decided to keep her," Farris said.

Luckily, Willow bonded with Farris's boxer dog, Ella, and the two love to pose for photos for Instagram. 

"Ella and Willow got on from the day they met. Willow gave her a bit of a swipe and playful bite, but they have been inseparable ever since," Farris told the Daily Mail. 

Ella, Lori's boxer dog, and Willow standing side by side with bandannas on.
Ella the boxer dog and Willow have become fast friends. Photo credit: Caters

But Willow is the true Instagram star, and has stood out from the crowd of social media influencers by donning different coloured hats. 

"I think people like her because she's a symbol of love, kindness and being beautiful even though looking different," Farris told Metro. 

Farris doesn't appreciate anyone calling Willow "retarded". 

I'm okay with people saying she's weird looking because she is. But I don't like when people call her ugly, retarded or gross," she said. 

"She's a wonderful little cat in every way. I'm so glad she's in my life." 

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