cats with down syndrome, ... diets. Usually, it is a broad nose, eyes set widely apart, or small and odd ears. The educational cat health content on All About Cats is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that it’s in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. And these are just normal instances. Read more here. The exact cause of the extra chromosome that triggers Down syndrome is unknown. Another curious thing is that – when did people become so interested with Down syndrome cat? The cerebellum is part of the normal feline brain, taking up a large portion of the brain’s matter. Cats, for example, have distinctive traits and behaviors that you can’t see in other animals. If your cat has mental or physical disabilities, then it is up to you to protect your cat from potential hazards. Distal polyneuropathy is a disease of the peripheral nerves that are mostly prevalent in Birman cats. As explained earlier, an error in cell division process results to an embryo where each cell has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Klinefelter Syndrome. Can a kitten have down syndrome meet monty the cat with down syndrome that s capturing hearts cat with down syndrome some ways to care for your can cats have down syndrome facts revealed pawsome kitty. As of this writing, Monty’s Facebook page has more than 400,000 followers and you can also check it out to see the latest updates on this adorable kitty. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder usually caused by an error in cell division, otherwise known as nondisjunction. Cat breeders have been into inbreeding for so long, that is mating closely related cats as a way to promote their lineage. Cerebellar hypoplasia can cause a cat to have difficulty eating food and walking, which can confused for Down syndrome. This condition can be inherited from the parents and can be manifested around 8 – 10 weeks of age. When the couple introduced Monty to the world through social media, he immediately caught everyone’s attention. If a cat is thought to have Down syndrome, it could very well be a case of misdiagnosis, as it is impossible for cats to have that extra 21st chromosome. While most cats shy away from total strangers, cats with Down syndrome don’t mind being petted by new companions. This is a condition when there is incoordination within the nervous system, making them unstable on their feet. It may manifest uncommon behavior but it may simply be a part of its unique characteristic. Having a cat with Down syndrome can be a bit disappointing but this should not discourage you from taking care of it. Although he can clearly see where he is going, his inability to judge distance is the reason why he always bump into things. Additionally, you can buy various Monty merchandise such as jewelries, keychains, bags, postcards, stickers, pens and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Parents of children born with Down syndrome are usually genetically normal, and the condition is believed to occur by chance. If you have a cat with Down syndrome, we’re sorry to tell you that there’s no way to cure it. The result of DNA testing can help scientists identify the presence of abnormal genes. In one way or another, these adorable animals can really surprise us by showing new sides of them that we haven’t seen before. Your cat may not respond when you call it or give any commands. Monty’s special appearance, which the couple finds incredibly cute, made them decide to adopt him. Meet Monty: Internet-Famous Cat with Down's Syndrome 24 January, 2018 Michael and Mikala obviously love cats. OF COURSE! Conclusion. On the other hand, there are those who say that cats can have Down syndrome. Cats with wide-set and slightly slanted eyes, stunted ears that appear droopy, and upturned nose have physical features that are quite different from typical cats. In order for your cat to be as healthy and as happy as possible, you will need a good veterinary care team to provide regular veterinary care. It’s also important to point out that cats with Down syndrome are more difficult to train compared to the normal ones. Normally, cats will manifest poor coordination when they reach the age of 12. This additional genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics we have associated with Down Syndrome. Although the diagnosis showed that Max had a minor degree of Down syndrome, the symptom can worsen each passing year. In addition, if you have a pool, or stairs, then you may need to bar access to these areas. Technical, cats can't have Down syndrome because they don't have chromosome 21, where the genetic defect is located. Sadly, there is no cure to alter the chromosomal abnormality in your pet. Despite being a rare condition, it tends to affect cats younger than 3 years. It is often associated with decreased muscle tone, shorter height, and upward slanting eyes. One of which is Down syndrome.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'miauland_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',173,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',171,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'miauland_com-portrait-1','ezslot_18',160,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'miauland_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',155,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-portrait-2','ezslot_19',147,'0','0'])); It happens around 1 in every 700 pregnancies and individuals with this disorder have higher risk of developing other diseases such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-leader-4','ezslot_9',154,'0','0'])); These features include slanted eyes, flat nasal bridge, short neck and stature, small chin, protruding tongue and abnormal outer ears. Dr. Arthur Frauenfelder, a veteran veterinarian, assessed Max’s behavior and diagnosed that Max is exhibiting symptoms of Down syndrome. One thing is for sure, there are around 100,000 diseases in humans and there are probably those that are not yet discovered. Special cats tend to be more lethargic. Veterinarians often recommend neutering or spaying cats with this condition to reduce some of their disagreeable traits. Meet Monty and Max, two of the most famous cats in the world that most people believe to have Down syndrome. Some people may think otherwise. Feline Dysautonomia: This lesser known neurological disease, otherwise known as Key-Gaskell syndrome, is prevalent among a number o… In addition to being a speaker, author, veterinarian, and Some cats have abnormalities, like heart problems, broad noses, and difficulty moving, that make them appear to have Down syndrome. (2020) The Ultimate Guide. Grumpy Cat does not have Down syndrome. If you’re in doubt, you can always seek the advice of a vet to find out the real problem. Cerebral Hypoplasia. So why is Max behaving differently? But none of these genetic disorders are contagious. He has never been able to focus and he frequently walks straight into the glass window. In most cases, pet owners have been misdiagnosing certain conditions to Down syndrome. This can lead to congenital abnormalities and kittens may not grow to their potential. However, some genetic mutations can be the same in both cats and humans. Your email address will not be published. One of the most surprising traits of individuals with Down syndrome is that they are too friendly and affectionate even with strangers. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in total. Physical deformities associated with overbreeding may include abnormal eye set, misaligned jaws, and crooked nose. In other words, felines do not have chromosome 21 to begin with. But if the term can give owners a better understanding about this disorder, then we see nothing wrong with that. For example, take cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition that causes abnormal development of the part of the brain called the cerebellum. The cause sounds like a Down syndrome to a certain degree. January 7, 2020 . Consider it a blessing when you got one. Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. So if we go back to the explanation of how down syndrome occurs in humans with the development of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Whether it’s Down syndrome or not, the couple simply wanted the world to know that they accept Monty for what he is. If the cat also has urinary and gastrointestinal issues, it could be a rare condition called feline dysautonomia or Key-Gaskell syndrome. You can avoid cerebellar hypoplasia from inflicting your kitties by not administering FPV vaccines to pregnant cats. Here are ways to take proper care for a cat with Down syndrome: Take advantage of the internet and look up for relevant contents about feline genetic disorders. No matter who they may become, we’ll still love them just the same. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you decide to adopt a cat with Down syndrome, you must accept it for whatever condition it may have. Understand the causes of these conditions and know everything there is to know about feline Down syndrome. Vets have confirmed that this disorder is indeed present among cats, but it is mostly prevalent in cats with tortoiseshell color (calicos). Frequent visit to the vet ensures that your pet is in its optimum health. There is also the likelihood that there is nothing wrong with your kitty. Every cat is susceptible to feline genetic disorders such as cerebellar hypoplasia, Key-Gaskell syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome and feline polyneuropathy. It was August 2013 when a Copenhagen couple adopted the little 3-year old Monty Boy from an animal shelter. And you’re likely to find a huge deal of articles about cats with Down syndrome. animal health publications. Cri du chat syndrome is present from birth and affects growth and development. For them, the uniqueness of their facial features is what makes them phenomenal. Genetic Disorders that Could Be Mistaken as Down Syndrome 1. Here are the 3 types of Down syndrome with their own different presentations: Around 95% cases of Down syndrome are attributed to nondisjunction, sometimes referred to as ‘trisomy 21’. View all posts by Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, Cat Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment, Bladder Stones In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment​, Urethral Obstruction In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment​, Benadryl For Cats – Dosage, Safety & Side Effects, What to Do if You See Blood in Your Cat’s Stool, The Truth About Grain-Free Diets For Cats. Though the underlying cause of feline dysautonomia is unknown, veterinarians recommend having your pet undergo a full physical exam.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'miauland_com-netboard-2','ezslot_17',163,'0','0'])); This is to pinpoint the areas or the organs that are being affected by this condition. It turns out that Monty has a chromosomal abnormality with symptoms that can be compared to that of a Down syndrome. However, there are also cases when Down syndrome is caused by other factors. Due to underdeveloped cerebellum, a kitten with this condition doesn’t have the ability to coordinate and maneuver its motor skills. She has 10 years As a result, veterinarians (and Dr. Google) were deluged by inquiring cat lovers about whether or not cats have Down syndrome. Here’s what you need to know about why cats can’t have Down syndrome and what other conditions a feline might have instead. Furthermore, kittens that experience head and/or face trauma can seem to have been born with abnormal facial structure and neurological problems. Infants with this condition often have a high-pitched cat-like cry, small head size, and a characteristic facial appearance. While it’s true that the symptoms are present, it can be the result of other medical conditions and not Down syndrome. Cats cannot have Down syndrome because they lack chromosome 21, the chromosome where the genetic defect is located. If you try to hold and cuddle other pets aside from them, they will show signs of jealousy by hissing at you. It lies under the cerebrum and toward the back. If you think your cat may have a genetic disorder that has characteristics that are similar to Down syndrome, it is important to have your cat examined and diagnosed by a veterinarian. According to them, Down syndrome is triggered as long as an extra copy of chromosome is present. But you’ll see in the end that everything you did for your pet’s sake was all worth it. Cats only have 19 chromosomes, therefore they literally cannot have an extra chromosome 21. Due to that, animals like cats can find it very hard to have Down syndrome, at least not in the way people do. Give your pets enough vitamins by providing them natural foods. Typically, cats are independent creatures that can look after themselves even without your assistance. Max’s owner was baffled when his pet, a 9-year old ginger cat, showed behavioral oddities that are not common to typical cats. In most cases, pet owners end up misdiagnosing their pets for Down syndrome where in fact it’s not. Slanted eyes that are set further apart from each other, Unusual behaviors that are uncommon to typical kittens, » Cats With Down Syndrome — How to Take Care of Them. As their instinctive reaction to this kind of environment, cats normally feel anxious with the presence of other kitties. Physical manifestations of kittens with Down syndrome are as follow: And Monty doesn’t seem to mind doing that. To learn more, visit drsarahwooten.com. He has a sunken nasal bridge and wide set eyes, features that are very different from normal-looking kitties. You may not be able to tell right away that a newly-born kitten has Down syndrome. Individuals with translocation syndrome manifest the same symptoms of those with nondisjunction syndrome. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your pet may just be naturally clumsy and less agile than most cats. Feline genetic disorder is a serious health issue and it involves extra care and attention. Cats can definitely have mental disabilities. Cats only have 19 chromosomes, and therefore cannot have Down syndrome. As you might have guessed, cats with Down syndrome require extra attention compared to their normal counterparts. Why? Cats that experience head trauma can also develop mental problems. But these are necessary in order to successfully identify the main health issue. Despite the aggressiveness of other cats around him, Monty remained calm and quiet. Down syndrome cats, although this remains a very rare pathology, trisomy in cats exists and can take different forms. Distressed over Max’s situation, the owner consulted a veterinarian to diagnose the problem. But this unusual condition didn’t stop the couple from taking good care of him. Diprosopus is another rare genetic disorder that can affect cats. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'miauland_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',159,'0','0']));As a result, the autonomous nervous system (ANS) starts to malfunction. And there is only so much the owners can do. In this case, there are also 3 copies of chromosome 21 just like the trisomy 21. Discuss your pet concerns with the vet to help him/her arrive to an accurate diagnosis. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Unlike humans that have 23 pairs, cats have only 19 pairs, so 38 chromosomes in total. But when they get into their ‘active mood’, they can really get aggressive. What various other anomaly in pet cats to earn their owners assume they have Down disorder is … Taking care of kittens with Down syndrome is a serious and delicate matter. Symptoms that can be mistakenly be associated with down syndrome include: If your cat shows abnormalities that resemble symptoms of Down syndrome, you should consult with a veterinarian and ensure that your cat gets the right care. And the way they meow or sit is pretty different compared to other cats. So when a certain cat doesn’t look or behave like a normal cat, the owner could either find it charming or alarming. Human disease is an infinite universe that is impossible to delimit. As long as behavior and physical appearance are concerned, it is only reasonable to associate this condition to cats with down syndrome. This is because there are more to it than appearance and behaviors. They also don’t demonstrate poor motor skills. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Nevertheless, there are many cats out there that do exhibit abnormalities in physical characteristics and behavioral changes that may lead good-hearted people to think that their cats have Down syndrome. Whether the claim of cats with down syndrome is legit or not, let’s just momentarily deem that these are ‘special’ cats. Doing so may increase the risk that they may give birth to kittens with this genetic disorder. Genetic disorders that are commonly mistaken as feline Down syndrome. So there’s no point in comparing it to other kitties. Cats can suffer from other neurological or physical conditions that can mimic the signs of Down syndrome, however. Your email address will not be published. Sad to say, distal polyneuropathy is incurable and it will require hospital care that includes specific therapies. Do you consider ‘normal’ as perfect? Furthermore, it doesn’t behave like an ordinary kitty. The extra chromosome can adversely affect the intellect, physical features and overall development of an individual. For most animals, including us, the X and Y chromosomes indicate gender. Go big...or go home. If your cat has difficulty with basic functions, such as eating, cleaning themselves, or going to the bathroom, then you may need to help them with those functions. The only thing you could do for cats with Down syndrome is to find ways to properly manage the symptoms. Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia are visible when kittens begin to walk, approximately 6 weeks of age. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Although it’s not contagious or progressive, this neurological condition adversely affects a cat’s moving and balancing abilities. Down Syndrome Cat Finds Perfect Family Who Loves Him The Way He Is. allaboutcats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. According to some people, his oddness is what makes him precious and unique from other cats. And the number is likely to increase in the future.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-small-rectangle-2','ezslot_29',164,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-box-4','ezslot_14',143,'0','0'])); Out of this figure, approximately 6,000 of them are variations of genetic disorder. On a cellular perspective, cats cannot possibly develop Down syndrome because they do not have the chromosome 21. But experts have presented the following facts that may explain that these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions besides Down syndrome. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Needless to say, a ‘special’ kitty will need a special kind of love from their humans. Why Can’t Cats Have Down Syndrome? However, pedigree kitties may suffer from life-threatening diseases and deformities caused by inbreeding. How to Tell If Your Cat Has Down Syndrome. Max ha spoor coordination and balance due to his under-developed lower brain which is typical for individuals inflicted with this syndrome. But since most people are more familiar with Down syndrome than these feline genetic disorders, people customarily refer to them as Down syndrome. They don’t have the trisomy 21. As cats age, they tend to lose control of their bladder because their neurons are drastically deteriorating. If your cat has additional health problems, such as heart disease, or hormonal conditions such as diabetes, then your veterinarian will be your best support for giving your cat the care he or she needs to thrive. Dr. Wooten has spoken in the veterinary education space for 5 These cookies do not store any personal information. Maya was abandoned right after she was born, cause they believed she didn’t deserve to live. With humans having 23 chromosome, cats only have 19. Normally, each human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46. Younger cats contract the disease more so than older ones. This is a very rare condition that occurs in around 1% of all Down syndrome cases. So, a cat manifesting ‘Down syndrome-like’ characteristics doesn’t basically means it has it. The extra 21 may be attached to the 13th chromosome or other numbers like 14, 15 or 22. For all you know, your pet may be suffering from cerebellar hypoplasia and not Down syndrome. But the news that a cat may possibly acquire such syndrome is a very interesting story to read. Unlike most cats, Max lacks coordination and agility. Cerebellar hypoplasia is caused by a genetic factor that usually occurs when the mother acquires feline parvovirus (FPV) before or during cat-birth. Just like us, cats are also unique on their own ways. In doing so, your journey with your special needs cat just might become somebody else’s survival guide. Technically talking, cats can not have Down syndrome. Feel free to read more some of our helpful guides and reviews. Symptoms that a cat with Down´s-like syndrome might present are: In fact, there are people who are susceptible to bumps and falls because they have inferior balance and coordination. Feline genetic and physical structures are also quite distinct. Also known as the male calico cat syndrome, this genetic disorder occurs when male cats have an extra X chromosome in their cells. Because if we’re going to base it on a cellular level, it is impossible for cats to suffer from trisomy 21. But their symptoms are significantly different. Unfortunately, the extra X chromosome interferes with the production of viable sperm, making them impotent and unable to reproduce. Cats have been identified with a different genetic disorder and show symptoms of so-called Down syndrome cat or Feline Down Syndrome. In Down syndrome, there’s an extra copy of chromosome 21 before or at conception. Not just us, but even some veterinarians choose to use the term ‘feline Down syndrome’ in their diagnosis. However, whatever the form of trisomy that affects your animal, the symptoms are diverse and quite easily identifiable. Is there any other interpretation to the characteristics that are almost similar to those who have this condition? These are the same characteristics that have been manifested by some animals which some people believe can be deemed as Down syndrome.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'miauland_com-sky-2','ezslot_21',165,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-sky-3','ezslot_23',161,'0','0'])); Though this claim still requires further clinical investigation and validation, some cat owners are looking into the possibility that their pets may have this syndrome.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-sky-1','ezslot_20',152,'0','0'])); Furthermore, photos and videos of cats with Down syndrome have circulated on the internet. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Due to their unique facial features and characteristics, even their owners think that they are inflicted with Down syndrome. Some cats are born with droopy eyes, and owners may interpret this as a sign of Down syndrome. However, some experts are not convinced with these physical evidences alone. Apparently, Down syndrome is a uniquely human genetic disorder. More importantly, don’t immediately conclude that your pet has Down syndrome. Let us review the facts. He simply ignored those anxious kitties that try to lash out at him. Even if you think the feline parents are healthy, there’s still the possibility that their offspring may develop genetic problems. It doesn’t automatically means that while most cats are agile and active, your pet also need to be like that.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-leader-2','ezslot_4',156,'0','0'])); Behaving differently doesn’t always equate to behaving abnormally. But like children with Down syndrome, kitties having the same condition also seem not to respond when being called. Clinically, they have the same features and health problems seen in individuals with trisomy 21 or translocation syndrome. But the public is still unsure whether to give credence to cats with Down syndrome or not. Instead of focusing on the imperfections, you should try to pay more attention to your pet’s well-being. It can also include unusual behavior, walking problems, and low muscle tone. Furthermore, there might be new ones that will arise in the future.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',145,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',145,'0','1'])); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-145{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;text-align:center !important;}. Aside from their unusual patches, cats with this condition do not have deformed appearances. Cats only have 19 chromosomes. Our pets are just like our own children. The root cause of this disorder is still unknown. As for Down syndrome, cats can have peculiar and unusual physical traits that resemble Down syndrome. Your pet will be subjected to a series of physical exams and other clinical tests. The ANS is responsible in controlling most body functions such as: Failure of the ANS can negatively affect these important body functions that can lead to poor motor skills and system incoordination. This is because they develop slower than their normal counterparts although the anomaly can vary from person to person. Don’t force your pet to behave and look like a normal feline. years, and speaks on leadership, client communication, and personal development. They frequently bump and fall due to bad coordination, which is very uncommon to nimble cats. For them, being different is a fantastic thing. Your email address will not be published. This behavior have confused many onlookers because they can’t distinguish if that certain kitty is a male or female. In people, Down syndrome causes mild to moderate mental disabilities. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'miauland_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',153,'0','0']));Additionally, the structure of feline chromosome is entirely different from that of a human being. Dr. Frauenfelder also stressed that Down syndrome progresses at a slow pace. They may not be as responsive as normal cats, but they tend to be more possessive of their humans. Down syndrome-like symptoms in cats While it’s not possible for cats to have Down syndrome, they can exhibit Down syndrome-like symptoms, including: Behaviour different or strange compared to that of other cats Unusually small or oddly shaped ears However, the extra chromosome 21 attaches itself to another chromosome instead of being separate. Since there are no supplemental research that can reinforce Down syndrome among felines, the couple can only regard it as a rare feline abnormality. It’s only plausible for pet owners to make generalizations based on irregular facial features and behavioral deviations. Owners of cats with FIC should be aware that antibiotics do not impact and are not recommended for the syndrome.
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