While vets have seen hermaphrodite cats with both male and female sex organs, Hope lacks both male and female sex organs. The 15-week-old kitten is described as a playful kitten who has won the hearts of staff and volunteers.
In what they believe is a veterinary first, vets at an animal charity have been caring for a homeless kitten who is neither male nor female.
Hope, the tabby-and-white cat, was initially thought to be female when it arrived at Cats Protection’s rescue center in Warrington, but vets discovered no external sex organs.
“This is so rare that there isn’t really a commonly used term for this condition, but it is effectively sexual organ agenesis – where agenesis is the lack or failure of development in relation to body organs.”
“While this means we don’t have any previous cases to base our knowledge of how this will affect Hope in the future, we spent time monitoring this cat to ensure they can urinate and defecate appropriately before they were considered ready for rehoming.”
Hope is described as a playful kitten who has endeared itself to staff and volunteers.
‘None of us have seen this before or are likely to again’
Tyneside Adoption Centre manager Beni Benstead said: “Discovering Hope’s special status has been an exciting time as none of us have seen this before or are likely to again.
“Hope has been a delight to care for and it is fantastic that they are now ready to be adopted.
“We know they will bring someone many years of fun and companionship. We would also be extremely grateful to hear updates on our Tyneside superstar.”
Hope was originally brought in with its mother and three siblings by a busy family who did not think they would be able to give them the attention they needed, a Cats Protection spokeswoman said.
The kitten has been vaccinated and microchipped and insurer Petplan has confirmed it will not need any special coverage, she added.