Living

This Rare Dwarf Rescue Kitten Has the Sleepiest Face You've Ever Seen

A kitten with dwarfism hides near a houseplant.
A kitten with dwarfism hides near a houseplant. Image via Shutterstock/Iaroslav_brylov

Some kittens are born with the cutest features that make them look like they've been up partying all night and need a power nap to go on.

For one cute rescue kitten, this specific look of exhaustion is a result of a rare medical condition found in very few of the feline population called dwarfism. The result is a precious kitty who looks like he just finished working a double shift, and it's such a mood!

@kermiewormy

Kermie the @Fugglers ??? It's in the eyes guys, IN THE EYES #kermieworm#catsoftiktok#dwarfcats#fuggler#cats

original sound - Kermit

Kermit, the rescue kitten, just has one of those faces that's a total vibe, and many have compared his permanent look of exhaustion to toys called Fugglers-those deliberately ugly, gap-toothed stuffed toys you can buy online. Once you see it, you can't unsee it!

Between his tiny tail, airplane ears, and stumpy limbs, Kermit's allure is evident. His fans can't get enough of the sweet boy who seems scientifically engineered to be the cutest cat ever. This rescue kitten has come a long way-especially after a less-than-stellar start.

Related: Special-Needs Cat With 'Translucent Marble' Eyes Has Everyone Swooning

Found on the streets in July 2024, this itty-bitty kitty's full story hasn't been divulged, but it took a trip to the vet to discover he had dwarfism. Mom learned how best to care for him, as any good pet parent would. Now he's almost 2 years old and weighs just over 2 pounds, making him the short king of cats.

With that little mustache and sleepy-eyed expression, it's pretty clear why everyone's losing their minds over this little guy-but there's even more to his story.

Kermit, named after the famous Sesame Street character, has severe allergies and a total disregard for water. Mom explained in a previous clip that she now has to "over-hydrate" this cutie-pie's food because of his aversion to drinking. Could he be any sweeter (or more particular)?!

@kermiewormy

Happy Friday!! Kermit's number one enemy is stairs, if only they had a carpet he could zooom on up with his little claws #kermieworm#catsoftiktiok#kermitthecat#dwarfcat#cats

original sound -

Why Are Some Cats Born With Short Limbs?

Aside from Kermit's sleepy-looking eyes, it's hard to ignore that he's a lot smaller than other felines. It's because he has dwarfism, which is caused by genetic defects that affect hormone production, bone growth, and cartilage development. It's extremely rare in cats, and there are two types.

  1. Osteochondrodysplasia is the most common, affecting bone and cartilage, leaving the kitten with a normal-sized body but with short, stumpy legs and a slightly oversized head.
  2. Pituitary dwarfism is rarer and happens when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough growth hormone. These kittens are more proportionate and may have developmental issues and metabolic abnormalities.
 A kitten with dwarfism hides near a houseplant.
A kitten with dwarfism hides near a houseplant. Qi Yang / Getty Images

If you're unsure whether your small cat has dwarfism, a vet can confirm it. Because of the genetic abnormalities, some issues can develop, like enlarged joints, spinal and facial deformities, early-onset osteoarthritis, and even heart problems. With the right medical protocol, cats with dwarfism can live long, happy lives.

As for Kermit, he's doing great, inspiring his mass of fans, and showing the world that nothing can stop him from living his best life... not even those 12-hour shifts at the biscuit factory!

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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:20 AM.

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