Posted: March 4, 2009, 3 a.m. EST
Ugly Bat Boy's looks have brought him celebrity, but those who know him say he's just a normal, happy cat. Photo courtesy Exeter Veterinary Hospital. |
His name is Ugly Bat Boy, an 8-year-old cat with no hair on his wrinkled head or
Sphynxlike body, except for a dark, shaggy beard and mane. To the staff at Exeter Veterinary Hospital in Stratham, N.H., where the cat spends the day lounging on the office computer, he’s a beauty.
He arrived at the clinic as a gift to Dr. Stephen Bassett from the mother cat’s owner. Ugly Bat Boy was part of a litter of four kittens, including a sister that was just as bald.
The sister cat got sick and Dr. Bassett would take her home for continuous care. The patient did not make it, but the veterinarian received the brother cat as a gift from the owner.
At first, the cat lived at the vet’s home. Eventually, he joined the vet at the clinic, where he’s much happier being around all the people.
The clinic staff describes Ugly Bat Boy, or Uggs, as they call him, as a very affectionate cat and a joy to have around. Clients are intrigued by his looks, and he’s been getting the celebrity treatment from media around the country, where some are labeling him "the world's ugliest cat."
His caretakers at the clinic said the name Ugly Bat Boy doesn’t serve him justice; he just doesn’t have any hair.