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Cleft lip and palate is due to tissues of the face not properly joining together during development. They are a type of birth defect. The cause in most cases is unknown. Risk factors include smoking during pregnancy, diabetes, an older mother, obesity, and certain medications such as some used to treat seizures.
Cleft palates and cleft lips commonly affect Siamese cats and are easily identified by a physical exam. They can be treated surgically, or if they are a cosmetic defect only they can be left as is. Cleft palates require correction in most cases.