NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A “very rare” chimera kitten named Apricot is capturing hearts as she awaits her forever home. Currently in the care of Nashville Cat Rescue, the striking two-faced feline will be available for adoption in about six weeks once she is spayed, the organization shared.
Apricot’s most distinctive feature—her split-colored face—makes her look like two kittens in one. This unique appearance is due to a genetic phenomenon called chimerism, where two embryos fuse in the womb, resulting in a single cat with two sets of DNA.
“A chimera cat is exactly as it looks—two cats that blended into one,” wrote Kiki, Apricot’s foster mom, in an Instagram post. “They have two sets of DNA due to the embryos fusing together.”
While some chimeras have mismatched eyes (heterochromia), Apricot’s eye color is still developing. “Her eyes won’t settle into their adult color until she’s about seven weeks old,” Kiki explained. “A DNA test is the only way to confirm if she’s a true chimera, but she’s adorable either way. Science is wild!”
A Rescue Story with a Happy Twist
Apricot and her sister, Pretzel, were discovered inside a wall during a construction project. After waiting hours for their mother to return, the finders reached out to Nashville Cat Rescue for help.
“The babies needed immediate care, so we introduced them to our nursing mama cats, Olive and Pickle, who accepted them right away,” foster volunteer Kayli told Bored Panda. “They fit in perfectly with the other kittens—it’s like they’ve always been here.”
The rescue is currently caring for Apricot and Pretzel alongside Olive and Pickle’s own litters. Before adoption, the kittens need time to grow, wean, and complete veterinary checkups.
How to Adopt Apricot
Those interested in giving Apricot a loving home can follow Kiki’s Instagram @kittenitwithkiki for official adoption updates in five to seven weeks.
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