04:21 PM PDT on Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Associated Press

GLIDE, Ore. -- Gemini, the two-headed kitten born this month in the town of Glide in Dougals County, is no more.

AP Photo/The News-Review, Laurie Kell

Gemini, a kitten with two faces, who was born in Glide, Ore.

Owner Lee Bluetear said she didn't know what caused the death of Gemini, but she said the kitten appeared very tired and did not want to eat.

She said she isn't sure what to do with the kitten's body but would like to see it used for scientific or educational purposes.

"I would rather she could serve some purpose," Bluetear said.

The story and photo of Gemini was picked up from The News-Review newspaper in Roseburg was distributed worldwide.

"I couldn't believe how much interest there really was," Bluetear said.

Veterinarians initially gave Gemini a meager chance of one long life, let alone nine.

Gemini was born with two mouths, two tongues, two noses and four eyes.

Roseburg veterinarian Alan Ross said he and two colleagues, with 50 years of experience among them, had never seen anything like it.

Bluetear, 40, said things looked good at first. Gemini initially appeared strong and was drinking milk.

Bluetear has been breeding different kinds of animals, starting with dogs, since 1980. Roughly three years ago, she discovered a litter of smaller-than-normal kittens she calls "miniature cats."

She hopes to market the miniature cats, which grow to about 4 pounds, on the Internet.

Gemini was born to a miniature mother and a full-size father.

"Everybody is totally amazed that this thing exists," Bluetear said.