Woman Sharing Why She Adopted Cat With ‘Weird Jaw’ Melts Hearts

It doesn’t take more than one look to fall in love with Gremlin, a cat with a facial deformity that has become an internet sensation.

Her owner Mauren Kennedy, 32, has recently gone viral on Instagram after reenacting a conversation that happened between her and a friend before adopting Gremlin in fall 2013.

During the video, the owner from Little Rock, Arkansas, says that she had never owned a cat before but couldn’t say no to her friend who asked if she wanted the ‘abandoned’ feline that was discovered in the Walgreens parking lot.

The video, which ends with a photo of Gremlin, whose tongue permanently sticks out, has racked up more than 382,000 views and over 50,000 likes since November.

She told Newsweek: “My roommate reached out and asked if I wanted a cat ‘with a weird jaw.’ I had never had a cat before, so was hesitant, but fell in love with Gremlin as soon as I met her.” The black-and-ginger tortoiseshell cat is now 10 years old and thriving.

“According to our vet, Gremlin’s deformity was likely caused by inbreeding. She has a jaw. It’s just tiny and pushed to the side, which is why her tongue sticks out,” said Kennedy. She added: “I am super grateful that Gremlin’s jaw doesn’t stop her from living a happy, healthy, loving life. “

Gremlin’s unusual appearance has helped her gain a huge following on TikTok, with 1 million followers (@catladytails).

“People always have mixed reactions when they see sweet Gremlin,” Kennedy said. “Most people find her adorable just like I do, and I get a lot of comments of people saying, “I’d die for Gremlin,” or “I’d walk into oncoming traffic for Gremlin,” but we sometimes get negative comments like ‘mouth breather,’ ‘ugly,’ and we even have people tell me she needs to be put to sleep.

“But Gremlin lives a super happy, comfortable, loving life, so I would never,” her proud owner said.

“She is adorable no matter what and I think her tongue sticking out adds to the cuteness factor,” added Kennedy.

So far, the viral Instagram clip (@grim.stagram) has received over 160 comments since it was shared on November 2.

One user posted: “She is precious and just adores you.”

“Wow, to go from being abandoned to world famous is amazing,” wrote another.

A third comment read: “The unwanted ones are the best. I got mine for a hundred dollars including all of her stuff. She’s the most affectionate, well-behaved cat I could’ve wished for.”

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