Down Syndrome In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. A famous cat named Monty was born with facial structure and health problems that mimic symptoms of Down syndrome.
After he took Instagram and the internet by storm, many cat owners began creating accounts for their cats that had signs similar to this one. After the veterinarian saw a huge response, the vet community became overwhelmed with calls from pet owners asking if their cat has Down Syndrome. The mystery remains, what are the physical traits and behaviors that make people believe their cat has GD?
Can A Cat Have Down Syndrome?
Cats literally cannot have Down syndrome. This is a fact, not an opinion. In human beings, the genetic disorder Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a common genetic trait that results in a healthy baby with an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The condition occurs sometimes as a result of chance alone and more commonly in older mothers who will be diagnosed with one copy of chromosome 21. In people, Down syndrome is most often associated with mild to moderate mental disabilities due to less muscle tone and decreased height but it can also cause other distinct physical anomalies such as smaller eyes and downward-slanting features.
The reason cats cannot have Down syndrome is because they only have two copies of their chromosomes unlike humans who have three copies. Cats sometimes bear the trisomy 21 trait though this occurrence is uncommon–one possible exception being the similar condition found in male cats called Klinefelter Syndrome.
If It Isn’t Feline Down Syndrome, Then What Is It?
If a cat has heads and or faces ache or trauma, then they may also have a condition that affects the neurological system. Symptoms like not being able to eat, walking, and thinking are often confused with being born with Down syndrome. Head and/or facial injuries do in fact lead to medical distress in cats so the things you see your kitten doing can be difficult to understand.
Down Syndrome-like Symptoms In Cats
It is true that many searches for ‘cats with Down syndrome’ take place online. However, it’s important to note that their are no documented cases of specifically identifying Down syndrome as a condition in cats. This doesn’t mean that there are not any abnormalities or behavioral changes for all cats out there.
So, before you rush off and get your cat a diagnostic test, it would be best to invest some time into observation and further research before making a decision to do so.
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What To Do If Your Cat Shows Down Syndrome-like Symptoms?
If your cat exhibits any symptoms similar to Down syndrome, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. It’s likely you have a special needs cat who will require extra care and care. A good vet provides your cat with regular veterinary care, so it can be healthy and happy as much as possible. If your cat has mental or physical disabilities, then you should protect your pet from potential hazards.
Special needs cats should be kept inside and only taken outside under your supervision in a controlled environment that prevents escape. You need to ensure that they are comfortable if they have sight or hearing impairment or if they have trouble eating, cleaning themselves, or going to the bathroom. Finally, if you have stairs or access to a pool then you’ll need to protect them from these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your cat has Down syndrome?
Cats don’t have Down syndrome, even if they are genetically similar to humans. This is because they don’t have a chromosome 21 that humans have, which would cause the genetic issue. Cats can also suffer from heart issues, neurological disorders, and other conditions that can mimic the signs of Down syndrome on their organism.
Can cats have mental disabilities?
Cats can develop mental limitations like any other animal. Cats that experience head trauma or infections during pregnancy may be at risk for developing mental problems later on.
What is wrong with Monty the cat?
Monty is a black and white cat with distinctive features. He gained Internet stardom as “the Cat without a Nose,” which, while less accurate than it sounds, is nonetheless catchy. No one really knows what causes his unusual facial features, whether they were congenital or happened due to fighting or trauma.
Does Grumpy Cat have Down syndrome?
There is a lot of speculation about the origin of Grumpy Cat. Many people believe that she does not have Down Syndrome because cats lack chromosome 21, where the genetic defect responsible for Down syndrome is located.
Down syndrome is different from other genetic defects because it doesn’t occur when there are abnormalities to the number of chromosomes in a person. Cats only have 19 instead of the 20 that people have.