🔍 What Is a Cleft Palate?

A cleft palate is a congenital defect where the roof of the mouth doesn’t fully close, leaving an opening between the oral and nasal cavities. It may involve just the lip (primary), the hard and/or soft palate (secondary), or both :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• **Genetic tendency**, more common in purebreds like Siamese, Persians, Ragdolls :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• **Prenatal exposure** to steroids, excess vitamin A or medications during pregnancy :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• **Acquired** clefts are rare but may follow trauma or injury in adult cats :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🚩 Signs & Symptoms

• Visible gap in lip or roof of mouth at birth :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Nasal discharge during feeding, sneezing, coughing :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Poor weight gain, failure to thrive, frequent aspiration pneumonia :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Labored breathing if defect is large :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔬 Diagnosis by Your Vet

• Visual exam: Often apparent on initial check; full oral exam under sedation confirms extent :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Chest X-rays: Done if pneumonia or aspiration suspected :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• CT/imaging: Used in complex cases for surgical planning :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🛠️ Treatment & Management

1. Supportive Care Before Surgery

• **Tube feeding** every 2–3 hours to avoid aspiration—welcome but intensive task :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• **Antibiotics, oxygen, fluids** if pneumonia is present :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• **Weight monitoring:** delaying surgery until kitten is robust, usually ~3–4 months :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

2. Surgical Repair

• **Initial repair** may start at 6–8 weeks for mild defects; definitive surgery at 3–4 months of age :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• **Techniques:** Tissue flap closure of hard & soft palate; complex cases may require grafts or hardware :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• **Possible complications:** Fistulas may form, but many resolve and normal function often returns :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

3. Aftercare & Recovery

• Soft food, pain control, restricted activity, monitoring for nasal discharge :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Rechecks ~1‑3 months post‑op; imaging for persistent fistula or complications :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

🏡 Home Care & Long‑Term Support

• Continue monitoring weight, appetite, breathing, discharge.
• Keep feeding schedules consistent and use tube or assisted methods as advised.
• Use humidifiers, keep nasal passages clear.
• Spay/neuter cleft‑affected cats and do not breed to prevent inheritance :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Stay in touch via **Ask A Vet** for feeding guidance and concern tracking.

⚖️ Prognosis & Outlook

• Good prognosis for isolated lip defects :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Guarded outlook for extensive palate defects; success relies on pre‑surgical care and feeding support :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Many surgically repaired kittens go on to live normal, healthy lives :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

📝 Quick Reference Table