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My kitten has a cleft palate or split jaw. What are its survival chances?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 day old

My cat gave birth to a litter of 5 kitttens yesterday one if which was born with a split bottom jaw & Wray I'm guessing is a cleft pallet. What are is chances of survival? I've tried bottle feeding it but all the milk either goes out is nose or thru the gap in the bottom jaw. Is this common?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2019

Unfortunately the chances are very low, especially because usually other abnormalities (cardiac congenital problems especially) are commonly present at the same time. An immediate check up is required to better evaluate all the possible deformities and give you a more reliable prognosis.

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