{"id":435350,"date":"2026-02-26T21:40:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:40:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=435350"},"modified":"2026-02-26T20:47:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:47:26","slug":"pourquoi-chaton-yeux-immenses-intrigue-autant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/why-does-a-kitten-with-huge-eyes-intrigue-so-much-435350","title":{"rendered":"Why is this kitten with huge eyes so intriguing?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A Canadian kitten has melted the hearts of thousands of internet users on social media. Its enormous, almost unreal gaze captivates and intrigues. However, behind these spectacular eyes lies not just a &quot;cute feature,&quot; but a much more serious medical reality.<\/p>\n<h2> An extraordinary gaze that fascinates<\/h2>\n<p> Rescued by a shelter in Canada, a kitten named Dorito quickly attracted attention. Only a few months old, she has unusually large, very round eyes that give her a striking expression. Photos shared online sparked a wave of heartfelt reactions, with many suggesting a rare genetic trait or a natural peculiarity.<\/p>\n<p>Her story, reported notably <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedodo.com\/daily-dodo\/mystical-kitten-with-enormous-eyes-is-not-ai-shes-a-rare-survivor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">by the American media outlet The Dodo<\/a> , begins in difficult circumstances: found with her sister in a dumpster, the little feline already had several health problems. Upon arrival at the shelter, one of her eyes appeared cloudy. Over time, the inflammation worsened, gradually altering the appearance of her gaze. While her large eyes may seem endearing, they are not actually the result of chance or simply an unusual physical trait. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DUocje-DWWn\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\"> View this post on Instagram <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"> <a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DUocje-DWWn\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by The Bitty Kitty Brigade (@bittykittybrigade)<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> A serious illness is the cause of his appearance.<\/h2>\n<p> Dorito contracted feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. This condition is known to be serious and was long considered almost always fatal. It can lead to significant internal inflammation and, in rarer cases, eye involvement.<\/p>\n<p>In its ocular form, FIP causes, among other things, uveitis, which is a marked inflammation of the inside of the eye. This can lead to a cloudy appearance, changes in intraocular pressure, and sometimes a visible increase in the size of the eye. In Dorito&#39;s case, the inflammation contributed to ocular hypertrophy, explaining the impressive size of his eyes.<\/p>\n<p>It&#39;s important to emphasize: this appearance is far from a mere aesthetic detail. It&#39;s a symptom of a serious illness. Behind that touching gaze lies a body that has had to fight and still requires constant medical attention. So, it&#39;s anything but &quot;just cute&quot;: this kitten is sick and has possibly suffered, or is still suffering, from the consequences of this condition.<\/p>\n<h2> Crucial care and careful monitoring<\/h2>\n<p> Upon his arrival at the shelter, a veterinary team mobilized to stabilize his condition. Recent advances in antiviral treatments have improved the prognosis for some cats with FIP, although these therapies remain unevenly accessible depending on the country.<\/p>\n<p>In Dorito&#39;s case, the treatment has clearly helped control the pressure inside her eyes. She now receives daily lubricating eye drops to maintain good hydration, as she cannot fully close her eyelids. Her vision is slightly impaired, and the veterinarians cannot say for sure if her eyes will return to their normal size. Her overall condition is now stable, but this is the result of regular and careful monitoring. Adopted along with her sister by the same person, she lives indoors in a safe and supervised environment.<\/p>\n<h2> Why such enthusiasm?<\/h2>\n<p> Large eyes often trigger an instinctive protective reaction. In psychology, the concept of &quot;baby schema&quot; describes this tendency to find certain youthful characteristics endearing: wide eyes, a round face, soft proportions. Dorito&#39;s gaze thus naturally activates this sensitivity. However, it is essential to look beyond the viral image. Behind the emotion lies a complex medical reality.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, you may find this kitten touching, inspiring, and courageous. You can admire its strength and the unique beauty of its gaze. Above all, you can understand that this uniqueness tells the story of a struggle. And that an animal, however irresistible, deserves first and foremost care, attention, and profound respect for its well-being.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A Canadian kitten has melted the hearts of thousands of internet users on social media. Its enormous, almost...","protected":false},"author":8375,"featured_media":435354,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97760],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-435350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-animaux"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Credits-_-THE-BITTY-KITTY-BRIGADE-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Credits-_-THE-BITTY-KITTY-BRIGADE-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Credits-_-THE-BITTY-KITTY-BRIGADE.jpg","author":{"name":"Fabienne Baure","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/fabienne_baure-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":97760,"name":"Animal life","slug":"animaux","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":97932,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Animal life section of The Body Optimist covers <strong>pets<\/strong> and wildlife with curiosity and care: cat and dog behavior, animal welfare, everyday health and safety, responsible adoption, and the insects and critters in our homes and gardens. Our articles regularly draw on advice from veterinarians and research by scientists to help you understand animals better and live alongside them in harmony.<\/p>\n<h2>What you'll find in the Animal life section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pet behavior<\/strong>: understanding what your cat or dog is telling you, for example <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/how-to-say-i-love-you-cat-in-its-own-language-436460\">how to say \u201cI love you\u201d to a cat in its own language<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyday health and safety<\/strong>: food, hot weather, walks, sharing your home and simple prevention habits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal welfare<\/strong>: responsible adoption, shelters, abandonment and the specific needs of each species, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/why-does-sweden-forbid-leaving-a-cat-alone-all-day-436464\">why Sweden doesn't allow leaving a cat alone all day<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wildlife<\/strong>: endangered species, scientific discoveries, unusual encounters and popular myths, like the one about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/are-we-really-swallowing-sleeping-spiders-science-431596\">swallowing spiders in your sleep<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insects and creepy-crawlies<\/strong>: spiders, mosquitoes and other visitors to keep at bay without harming them, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/natural-methods-to-effectively-repel-mosquitoes-438586\">natural ways to repel mosquitoes<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Which everyday foods are dangerous for dogs and cats?<\/h2>\n<p>Several common foods are toxic to dogs and cats, sometimes even in small amounts. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which their bodies struggle to eliminate. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Onions, garlic, shallots and leeks, raw or cooked, damage red blood cells. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some chewing gums and sugar-free products, is extremely dangerous for dogs. Alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones, which can splinter, are also off-limits. For cats, lilies are especially toxic, pollen included. If your pet swallows something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We see animals as sentient beings, not accessories. We talk about responsible adoption rather than impulse buying, respecting each species' needs rather than following trends, and watching wildlife from a distance, without feeding or disturbing it. Heartwarming stories have their place, alongside practical tips for life with your companion. Our articles do not replace a visit to the vet, the only professional who can make a diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our tips to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/how-to-help-your-pet-better-tolerate-the-heat-at-home-445925\">help your pet cope with the heat<\/a> at home.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/very-common-household-foods-dangerous-for-dogs-443056\">common household foods that can be dangerous for dogs<\/a>, to keep out of reach.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/mistake-during-walks-putting-dog-in-danger-446339\">summer walk mistake<\/a> that can put your dog in danger.<\/li>\n<li>What a vet says about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/veterinarian-warns-of-unknown-risks-of-sleeping-with-an-animal-443158\">the little-known risks of sleeping with your pet<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/according-to-researchers-personality-influences-that-of-a-cat-431617\">your personality may shape your cat's<\/a>, according to researchers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What's the best pet for apartment living?<\/h3>\n<p>The right choice depends more on your time and lifestyle than on square footage. An indoor cat adapts well to apartment life if it has toys, scratching posts and high perches. A dog, whatever its size, needs to go out several times a day. Rabbits and guinea pigs are very social and do best in pairs or groups, with room to run around.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you tell if your cat or dog is healthy?<\/h3>\n<p>A healthy pet eats and drinks normally, plays, grooms itself and keeps its usual sleep and bathroom habits. Any sudden change should get your attention: loss of appetite, unusual hiding, new aggression, excessive licking, limping or trouble urinating. If you notice any of these signs, see your vet, and don't wait if you're in doubt.<\/p>\n<h3>What should you do if you find an injured wild animal?<\/h3>\n<p>Don't feed it or force it to drink. If you can do so safely, wearing gloves, place it in a ventilated cardboard box in a quiet, dark spot, then quickly contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a veterinarian. A healthy baby bird that has fallen from its nest is often better left where it is: its parents usually keep feeding it.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Help protect biodiversity every day with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section, and create a home where people and pets live happily together with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/deco-maison\">Decor<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":204,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":97760,"category_count":204,"category_description":"<p>The Animal life section of The Body Optimist covers <strong>pets<\/strong> and wildlife with curiosity and care: cat and dog behavior, animal welfare, everyday health and safety, responsible adoption, and the insects and critters in our homes and gardens. Our articles regularly draw on advice from veterinarians and research by scientists to help you understand animals better and live alongside them in harmony.<\/p>\n<h2>What you'll find in the Animal life section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pet behavior<\/strong>: understanding what your cat or dog is telling you, for example <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/how-to-say-i-love-you-cat-in-its-own-language-436460\">how to say \u201cI love you\u201d to a cat in its own language<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyday health and safety<\/strong>: food, hot weather, walks, sharing your home and simple prevention habits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Animal welfare<\/strong>: responsible adoption, shelters, abandonment and the specific needs of each species, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/why-does-sweden-forbid-leaving-a-cat-alone-all-day-436464\">why Sweden doesn't allow leaving a cat alone all day<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wildlife<\/strong>: endangered species, scientific discoveries, unusual encounters and popular myths, like the one about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/are-we-really-swallowing-sleeping-spiders-science-431596\">swallowing spiders in your sleep<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insects and creepy-crawlies<\/strong>: spiders, mosquitoes and other visitors to keep at bay without harming them, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/natural-methods-to-effectively-repel-mosquitoes-438586\">natural ways to repel mosquitoes<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Which everyday foods are dangerous for dogs and cats?<\/h2>\n<p>Several common foods are toxic to dogs and cats, sometimes even in small amounts. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which their bodies struggle to eliminate. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Onions, garlic, shallots and leeks, raw or cooked, damage red blood cells. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some chewing gums and sugar-free products, is extremely dangerous for dogs. Alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones, which can splinter, are also off-limits. For cats, lilies are especially toxic, pollen included. If your pet swallows something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We see animals as sentient beings, not accessories. We talk about responsible adoption rather than impulse buying, respecting each species' needs rather than following trends, and watching wildlife from a distance, without feeding or disturbing it. Heartwarming stories have their place, alongside practical tips for life with your companion. Our articles do not replace a visit to the vet, the only professional who can make a diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our tips to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/how-to-help-your-pet-better-tolerate-the-heat-at-home-445925\">help your pet cope with the heat<\/a> at home.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/very-common-household-foods-dangerous-for-dogs-443056\">common household foods that can be dangerous for dogs<\/a>, to keep out of reach.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/mistake-during-walks-putting-dog-in-danger-446339\">summer walk mistake<\/a> that can put your dog in danger.<\/li>\n<li>What a vet says about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/veterinarian-warns-of-unknown-risks-of-sleeping-with-an-animal-443158\">the little-known risks of sleeping with your pet<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/animaux\/according-to-researchers-personality-influences-that-of-a-cat-431617\">your personality may shape your cat's<\/a>, according to researchers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What's the best pet for apartment living?<\/h3>\n<p>The right choice depends more on your time and lifestyle than on square footage. An indoor cat adapts well to apartment life if it has toys, scratching posts and high perches. A dog, whatever its size, needs to go out several times a day. Rabbits and guinea pigs are very social and do best in pairs or groups, with room to run around.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you tell if your cat or dog is healthy?<\/h3>\n<p>A healthy pet eats and drinks normally, plays, grooms itself and keeps its usual sleep and bathroom habits. Any sudden change should get your attention: loss of appetite, unusual hiding, new aggression, excessive licking, limping or trouble urinating. If you notice any of these signs, see your vet, and don't wait if you're in doubt.<\/p>\n<h3>What should you do if you find an injured wild animal?<\/h3>\n<p>Don't feed it or force it to drink. If you can do so safely, wearing gloves, place it in a ventilated cardboard box in a quiet, dark spot, then quickly contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a veterinarian. A healthy baby bird that has fallen from its nest is often better left where it is: its parents usually keep feeding it.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Help protect biodiversity every day with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section, and create a home where people and pets live happily together with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/deco-maison\">Decor<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Animal life","category_nicename":"animaux","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435350"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":435656,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435350\/revisions\/435656"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}