When Bailey B. adopted a black kitten named Marty from a Vermont rescue shelter, she expected a sweet new companion. What she didn’t expect was a flood of TikTok attention over Marty’s… unusual eyes.
Meet Marty: The Cat With “Wonky Eyes”
In a video posted on June 14 under Bailey’s account @baileybo, Marty is introduced with the caption: “POV: You get a kitten with wonky eyes, and the vet says ‘idk, maybe she’ll grow out of it.’”
The clip shows Marty’s striking pupils: her right eye dilates normally, while the left stays pinprick small, creating an unmistakably lopsided expression. The condition resembles anisocoria, a difference in pupil size. While sometimes linked to medical issues, vets who examined Marty found no underlying cause—and assured Bailey that Marty was otherwise healthy.
“She’s just a little blind,” Bailey told Newsweek. “But she’s thriving—she loves to cuddle, play, and get into trouble.”
More Than Just Her Eyes
Marty isn’t only special because of her pupils. She also has polydactyl paws, meaning she was born with extra toes—what cat lovers affectionately call “bonus toe beans.”
According to Purina, most cats have 18 toes in total, while polydactyl cats have 19 or more. Marty’s “thumb-like” paws drew as much attention as her eyes, with one TikTok viewer exclaiming: “The eyes, the THUMBS! She’s straight out of a kid’s drawing.”
On top of that, Marty has a slightly crooked tail—quirks that make her all the more unique.
From Neglect to TikTok Fame
When Marty was rescued in 2024, she was in rough shape—recovering from lice, a respiratory infection, and a GI bug. She had been taken from an overpopulated trailer where many cats were neglected.
Now, she’s healthy, adored, and living her best life with Bailey. Despite her “wonky” look, she radiates sweetness and resilience. As one fan commented: “A strange but perfect creature.”
TikTok Falls in Love
Since her video was posted, Marty has racked up 650,000+ views and thousands of comments:
- “Please, my cat also has funky eyes. He always looks goofy because of it.”
- “My old cat had the same problem—he lived to be 19 years old.”
- “She’s perfect, exactly like a child’s drawing.”
It seems Marty’s charm is undeniable. Quirks and all, she’s a living reminder that sometimes the most unusual pets bring the most joy.
Takeaway for Cat Parents
Unique doesn’t mean unhealthy. Cats like Marty—with quirks such as anisocoria or polydactyl paws—can live long, happy, love-filled lives. Sometimes, it’s their imperfections that make them even more perfect.
FAQs
Q: What is anisocoria in cats?
Anisocoria is when a cat’s pupils are unequal in size. It can be harmless or linked to conditions like injury, nerve damage, or eye disease. Vet evaluation is always recommended.
Q: Are polydactyl cats healthy?
Yes. Extra toes don’t usually cause health problems. In fact, polydactyl cats were once considered good luck by sailors.
Q: Can cats with partial blindness live normal lives?
Absolutely. Cats rely heavily on smell, whiskers, and hearing. Many blind or partially blind cats adapt well and enjoy a full, active life.
EN
DE
ES
PT