Iris

September 5, 2009

Rose says: Iris came into my life about a month ago. My boyfriend and I went to the city shelter to adopt a friend for our five year-old cat, Julian. We looked at dozens of cats and kittens, but it only took a few seconds for us to realize Iris was the one. When we met our little girl, she'd just come in off the streets of New York City with a horrific eye infection. Her eye was so swollen and infected she couldn't even close the lid around it. At almost 12 weeks, she weighed just over a pound, so even though the eye had to come out, the shelter was scared to put such a tiny baby under anesthesia to do the surgery. Despite her awful infection, Iris was the happiest little cat we'd seen all day! She was running around and playing like nothing was wrong. Luckily, Iris was able to get her eye removed not long after we met her, and we took her home that same night. Unfortunately, the shelter vet had never done an eye removal before, and he took out a little too much skin, leaving her with a slightly exposed tooth which you can see in the photos. (She's so cute though that it doesn't matter! We like to think it makes her look like a little pirate.) We were worried the poor thing would be in pain and frightened after undergoing major surgery and moving to a new home in the same day, but she pranced right out of the carrier and was ready to play with all her new toys, cuddle with us, and most of all EAT! She's become a wonderful addition to our family and couldn't get along better with Julian. She loves to curl up on the fuzziest blanket in our house and purr like an engine!

All Photos Courtesy of and ©: Rose Emanuela Briccetti

View Rose's photography and painting at her Web site
See more of Iris at her Kitten Klub page

169 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

170 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

274 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

175 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

172 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

180 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

316 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

Iris and Julian

170 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

168 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

199 votes Vote Best Pic in Set

LOL | Comment

Comments and LOLs:

Ben - 14 years, 7 months ago

Beautiful! What a cutie.

Kayli - 14 years, 7 months ago

307 points

Awwww, she is adorable! I've met a one-eyed kitty before. Iris looks like she is a friendly, active kitty!

pwillow1 - 14 years, 7 months ago

9 points

She and Julian look made for each other. What a cute pair!

And what an adorable name for a one-eyed girl: Iris.

Mary in Mass - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

This picture breaks my heart. I'm so glad she found a loving home; poor girl has been thru enough!

Kephara - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

289 points

Hello Beautiful little Iris! She's a cutie face and you're lucky to have each other.

Sussianne - 14 years, 7 months ago

4 feet
2 ears
1 eye
All precious..

Iris is such a sweetie. Wonderful that she has a nice home now.

Carolyn - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

85 points

My Heart just breaks to see her with just one eye but she's alive and happy and that is what counts, your good parents to her too. She is just so precious. Some People would not even consider taking her your special like she is.. beautiful

melindaaerin - 14 years, 7 months ago

1 points

She is so adorable. It's sad that she's been through so much in her short life, but she's quite the charmer and a survivor.

SeekingPlumb - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

Oooh! I love when kitties take to each other so well. They look very happy together.

I'm so glad you were able to give her a loving home. She's an adorable little girl.

Rogahar - 14 years, 7 months ago

11 points

Aww! She looks just like my old cat Nellie, who weirdly enough went through almost the exact same thing when we found her! Altho my Mum found her after a car accident Nellie had been in (we assume, as she was laying by the roadside), took her to the vets, she pulled through but Mum couldn't bare to leave her there so she surprised my Dad with a new family member when she returned! :) Gave us many, many years of motorboat-purring affection for it too.

luther1994 - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

31 points

What a beautiful little girl!

Bender - 14 years, 7 months ago

Awwww! Isn't she adorable?

emma - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

what a heart-wrenching story and what a wonderful outcome for Iris. Now she no longer has to be alone thanks to you.

patboridout - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

211 points

You are incredibly kind to take in this utterly beautiful kitty even despite it's medical issues. So glad it has a good home and obviously a comforting friend.

Linda Lee - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

She stole my heart. She's beautiful and I am so glad to hear how happy and well cared for she is! I love her!

Michele - 14 years, 7 months ago

27 points

Every day, the Daily Kitten makes me happy. This story, especially so. Thank you for giving this darling little girl a good home.

Crystal - 14 years, 7 months ago

This made me shed a few tears. She is gorgeous and you have clearly made this baby so happy. She doesn't deserve anything less!

landis - 14 years, 7 months ago

1 points

KITT-y!

Natthecat - 14 years, 7 months ago

Tweet This LOL

(click to enlarge)

∞ points

Natthecat - 14 years, 7 months ago

∞ points

Having to pick best pic is so frustrating.

shaungrl - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

52 points

This one looks like a little kid trying to play hide&seek, but can't keep both eyes shut while counting.
She's a pretty girl. I'm so glad the shelter could help her be healthy and happy. Purr well, little Iris and enjoy your new home. Tummy tickles from TX.

Tiffany - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

Such a great story, and what a lucky little girl to have such caring and wonderful human mommy and daddy in her life! She is a cutie!

sewinggirl - 14 years, 7 months ago

17 points

What a sweetie! I love the tummy rub photo.

Pezzie - 14 years, 7 months ago

Tweet This LOL

(click to enlarge)

28 points

babsisnuts - 14 years, 7 months ago

3 points

What a sweet baby!

Jill - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

7 points

i just love Iris! She looks like a sweetheart, and so playful! I have a special place in my heart for one eyed kitties because we have one also. God bless you for giving her such a wonderful home.

Susan - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

66 points

So glad she found you and Julian!

Sambo's Mom - 14 years, 7 months ago

Puurr !!!
I read all the comments and it's hard to think of what to add to this except that I feel all of the above and Iris is one lucky kitty to have people like you two in her life, Wish there was more caring people like you and I'm sure that Iris is rewarding you with lots of LOVE.God Bless you two.....

Sammicat - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

1 points

Redonk! :) Love her!!

KarenS - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

Awwww, she looks like she's winking, like she has a BIG secret! What a precious little girl :)

KarenS - 14 years, 7 months ago

... and this one is just precious :) So sweet. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.

BirmanMama - 14 years, 7 months ago

951 points

Such a heartwarming story! Iris is a real doll and so lucky to have you as her furrever parents. May you have many joyous years together!

lapresas - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

11 points

She is absolutely precious!

Melissa - 14 years, 7 months ago

Too precious. I'm so glad she found a loving home.

Allison - 14 years, 7 months ago

1 points

Your story made my morning!!

Kristen - 14 years, 7 months ago

I have a cat that looks just like her but has only 1 ear :) She looks like an apostraphe when her head pokes out to say hello.

Karissa - 14 years, 7 months ago

7 points

She is so beautiful! I can see why you chose such an adorable kitten

ilvktycats - 14 years, 7 months ago

Tweet This LOL

(click to enlarge)

2 points

ilvktycats - 14 years, 7 months ago

2 points

She looks truely content here. She is soooo pretty!

nmaltn - 14 years, 7 months ago

She's very fortunate to be part of your family. We've had a one-eyed black cat for 15 years. It's never slowed him down.

archie - 14 years, 7 months ago

u did a great thing Rose! beautiful kitty !!

Sarah - 14 years, 7 months ago

She is so beautiful. You are good people.

Sarah - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

This is too cute

Chris - 14 years, 7 months ago

Awwww..... What a great story! And what sweet photos to go along with it!

joy - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

3 points

Iris is my middle name, and this sweetheart tugs at my heart strings. She is so beautiful! How well the two are with one another, & she diserves this happy ending. Bless you for taking her in.

Mia - 14 years, 7 months ago

i love you guys for adopting her!

Dena - 14 years, 7 months ago

I hate seeing her with one eye but I'm so happy she's healthy and has a loving owner that took her in!

Moe - 14 years, 7 months ago

4 points

My own child was born with special needs. So I have learned not to have a pity party, over what is weak. Iris is a beautiful kitty;and it's easy to see, she has wonderful loving home. You learn to make lemonade; and that's what you have done. God Bless you and your sweet kitty.

Aine - 14 years, 7 months ago

Rose, you and "Julian" have given this lovely kitten a new lease on life. I wish your two cats many happy and healthy years of love and fun! God bless all of you.

bono - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

181 points

kind of special to have a cat who is always giving you 'that wink'--you know--the one that says " yup--you and me, baby!"

Meowmyof5 - 14 years, 7 months ago

10 points

Iris is a beauty! And it sounds like she has the personality to match! It is wonderful that you recognized that beauty despite her handicap and have given her the purrfect home. May God bless you and your family and your sweet Iris and Julian.

chelsea - 14 years, 7 months ago

i cried over this story.
not gonna lie.
she's beautiful no matter how many eyes she's got.

wokkawokka - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

229 points

Look at dem silky little paws! This kitten is adorable!

katherine - 14 years, 7 months ago

Awwww Iris is a real sweetheart! Its good to know there are still good people out there that will pick the "odd" one out of the bunch and give it the love and care it deserves. Iris is going to live a good long life thanks to your kind hearts! ^_^

AkiraDay - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

16 points

cutey!!!

LeCrosse - 14 years, 7 months ago

67 points

Oh, she is gorgeous! Thank you so much for loving her! In the past week, she is the fourth kitteh I have heard of missing an eye/eyes, and I am so happy for the people that love them!

LeCrosse - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

67 points

Ohhh, I just want to kiss that cute lil belly!

lovezkittys - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

162 points

absolutely adorable I LOVE HER!!! it makes me so sad that she waas ever on the streets and had a hurt eye :(. Im so glad you have her now!! shes sooooooo cute

lovezkittys - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

162 points

awwwwwwwww

sharon - 14 years, 7 months ago

19 points

i have a one eye cat also, they ajust just fine.

mochiesmom - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

I am so happy she has friends to lean on.

caseylarae - 14 years, 7 months ago

11 points

she's beautiful! i'm so glad you took care of her.

seasider - 14 years, 7 months ago

2 points

Like my Rio who was also a rescue cat I think she has Havana genes. The dark brown and orange eyes are typical, She is lovely and special.

Ihaz5kittehs - 14 years, 7 months ago

7 points

Beautiful girl! I love this site - it restores some of my faith in humanity every day!

catiam - 14 years, 7 months ago

220 points

Awwwwww, Iris melted my heart. Bless you for being a great furr-person.

Linda - 14 years, 7 months ago

I'm not sure who I'm more in love with, Iris, or you and your boyfriend for adopting her!!!!

Stacy - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

THAT right there is what it's totally all about. How lovely!

Leafy - 14 years, 7 months ago

She is so beautiful... She and her story just melted my heart! I'm glad she has a good home now and that she is happy and healthy!

Rilera - 14 years, 7 months ago

19 points

Iris is so beautiful. Thank you for giving her a forever home.

Michele - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

27 points

This was on my computer monitor. My cat came up to the screen and sniffed at this kitty and tried to say hi.

RoseBriccetti - 14 years, 7 months ago

6 points

Thanks for all the wonderful comments, everyone!

Iris is still doing wonderfully, and I'll try to keep her Daily Kitten fame from going to her head!

-Iris's mom Rose

docsquid - 14 years, 7 months ago

642 points

Bless this little Angel. She really is very beautiful indeed.

Shell - 14 years, 7 months ago

My family had a one-eyed black cat when I was growing up. I had wanted a cat for ages and one day my mom was on the phone (later I found out it was with my aunt who worked with the humane society) and she asked me "what do you call a black cat with one eye?" I thought it was a riddle and answered "pirate." The next day, Pirate was a part of our family!
Congratulations on your adoption, she's a beautiful kitty!

lovezkittys - 14 years, 7 months ago

162 points

julian is a beautiful kitty too by the way & I like both of their names

Gankaku - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

52 points

Aw your story brought tears to my eyes! That's a really brave kitty. I would be proud to be her mommy! I'm happy she found a good home with you.

irisandjuliansgrandma - 14 years, 7 months ago

1 points

Iris's photos brought a smile to my face! Love the photo of her with Julian - so cozy!

bob7of9 - 14 years, 7 months ago

A truly beautiful and special cat! Luckily she found a home with someone who can overlook her minor defect and enjoy her for the loving animal she is. Thank God for people like you!

Smooch - 14 years, 7 months ago

736 points

I love to hear of good news stories like this - Iris may not have had the best of starts in life but it's obvious she is dearly loved and was meant to be part of your family. I may be 'one-eyed' here (pun intended!) but I think she's gorgeous!

Shelley - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

455 points

I have a purr-girl named Lili who looks so much like your Iris, and of all three of my purr-girls Lili is my little sweetiepie lap cat. One or two eyes, love is love, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thnx. for sharing Iris with us.

Katlove - 14 years, 7 months ago

24 points

Thank you for taking her in, I teared up reading her story. She is absolutely beautiful, and such beautiful markings (especially her belly).

Cindy - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

What a cutie and a sweetie! She is definately a trooper with a fantastic attitude and tons of heart...You are sooooo going to enjoy her! Love it!

demiller - 14 years, 7 months ago

Tweet This LOL

(click to enlarge)

295 points

kitbce - 14 years, 7 months ago

Tweet This LOL

(click to enlarge)

57 points

2prettykitties - 14 years, 7 months ago

8 points

poor baby :( but you have to love her any way :)

yacketycat - 14 years, 7 months ago

41 points

I agree, Havana genes. What an absolute doll. That beautiful face and perpetual wink make her look like a little Japanese cartoon character. She is obviously one happy, happy cat now. :)

zaga - 14 years, 7 months ago

I knew a one eye'd cat once, he was such a wonderful little boy. Eventually he lost the other eye and was still a great cat, happy and playful. It was a little hard to tell when he was awake sometimes though.

Julie - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

4 points

What a purfectly content little kitty smile. True happiness.

Matilda - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

omg shes beautiful, even with a pirate eye!

V-ron - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

Arrug...she's is SO cute!

Steph - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

what an adorable sweetheart!!!

Cybermuse - 14 years, 7 months ago

67 points

She's so cute :)
I'm happy she found a good home and to see she's healthy. She reminds me of one of my cats :)
I almost cried reading the story! I wish you all long years of happiness together :)

Dempsey - 14 years, 7 months ago

(click to enlarge)

10 points

What a beautiful baby! I'm sorry she lost her eye! Dempsey had an eye infection, too, but luckily his eye was saved. It just looks scarred and different from his good one.

marisa licursi - 14 years, 7 months ago

Congratulations for the addoption...
she's so happy and beautiful!
God bless her
kisses

Markie V - 14 years, 6 months ago

It just goes to show we shold keep an eye out for cats like this.

Echo - 14 years, 6 months ago

(click to enlarge)

3 points

Even with one eye missing her 'real' beauty shines through and she is totally gorgeous. A lesson for us big ones maybe?

Koots - 14 years, 6 months ago

Super cute and adorable kitty :) looks like she's giving a sly wink all the time. I think that makes her even more cute.

hwishnick - 14 years, 5 months ago

6 points