Within the age of the web, it may be tough to know what’s true and what’s false. Just lately, there was a pattern of individuals questioning if cats can have Down syndrome, and others truly claiming their cat has Down syndrome. Down syndrome impacts people solely, and cats can’t be born with or “catch” Down syndrome. On this article we’ll talk about what Down syndrome is, why some folks could surprise if cats can have Down syndrome, and if there may be something you are able to do in case your cat really has particular wants.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a congenital dysfunction seen in people solely. Which means solely persons are born with this situation.
Every residing factor has a set variety of chromosome pairs they’re born with. Inside these chromosomes, DNA and completely different genes assist decide all varieties of issues from eye shade, intercourse, hair shade, and so on. People have 23 chromosome pairs for a complete of 46 complete. However as an alternative of simply having a chromosome pair, folks with Down syndrome even have an additional partial or full chromosome 21 (known as trisomy 21).
This additional chromosome causes the start traits that we affiliate with Down syndrome, resembling having low muscle tone, sometimes being small in stature, having an upward slant to their eyes, large set eyes, and a bigger, flat brow. Though folks with Down syndrome could all share related traits, please be aware that every of those folks’s genes are distinctive and they don’t all look and act the identical. An individual with Down syndrome ought to be handled as a person, every with their very own character and distinctive skills and capabilities.
Why Can’t Cats Have Down Syndrome
The reply to that is easy – cats solely have 19 pairs of chromosomes. Due to this fact, there isn’t any potential approach for them to have Down syndrome, as Down syndrome impacts the chromosome 21 pair.
Can Cats Get Related Abnormalities?
Most veterinarians, myself included, don’t condone or help those who check with their cat as a “Down syndrome cat” primarily based on their cat’s habits and/or look. That is extraordinarily disrespectful to people with Down syndrome. An individual with Down syndrome has an additional partial or full chromosome 21. Whereas they do share related attributes with others who even have Down syndrome, they’re all nonetheless people. Your cat can be a person. Whereas they’re all born with 19 pairs of chromosomes, they may every nonetheless have their very own distinctive physique kind, coat sample and character.
There are some influencers who steadily make point out of their cats trying like they’ve Down syndrome as a consequence of bodily look resembling: a broad flat nostril, wide-set eyes, small ears, small physique dimension, and cognitive abnormalities. Every of this stuff can simply happen in particular person cats. Different occasions, your cat could have one other congenital abnormality resembling cerebellar hypoplasia, or have infectious circumstances resembling FeLV, FIV or panleukopenia that they contracted within the womb.
However I Noticed a Cat With Down Syndrome on Social Media…
As with something and every thing, don’t consider every thing you see, learn, and listen to on the web. There have been some social media accounts of cats that seem “completely different”, whose homeowners declare their cat has Down syndrome and/or a Down-syndrome-like syndrome. As mentioned above, it’s medically and scientifically inconceivable for a cat to have Down syndrome as they don’t even have 21 pairs of chromosomes.
We’d problem you to search out out if these social media accounts making these claims about their cats have had genetic testing accomplished on their cats. There are some universities and laboratories on the market with the aptitude to do some genetic checks on animals. Nonetheless, testing of the blood and/or tissue can be wanted to even make a declare for these cats.
As well as, remember that it’s not acceptable to categorise your cat as “Down-syndrome-like” simply due to the best way they appear. Every particular person with Down syndrome has a further chromosome 21. Nonetheless, out of these folks, all of their different chromosomes could also be usually paired with no abnormalities. Or, they might produce other inherited abnormalities. The identical goes for cats. There could be a number of cats with the identical chromosome abnormality, however that doesn’t imply that each one of their different chromosomes can even be irregular.
Particular Wants Cats
There are cats which can be born with distinctive wants. Some cats could have cerebellar hypoplasia. Different cats could also be born with too many toes (polydactyl), limb malformations, irregular eyes, and so on. Relying on the situation your cat has, they might or could not have the ability to have high quality of life. Some could not even have the ability to survive previous kittenhood. Your veterinarian should be able to help you navigate a special needs cat’s specific requirements. If you wish to assist a cat in want, many rescues will foster particular wants cats previous to adopting them out, ensuring they’re paired with simply the precise household.
Conclusion
People with Down syndrome have a further chromosome 21 (or partial chromosome 21). Cats solely have 19 pairs of chromosomes, making it inconceivable for them to have Down syndrome. Whereas many individuals affected with Down syndrome have related bodily attributes, every particular person has their very own particular person genetic make-up and character. Cats may have congenital abnormalities such as cerebellar hypoplasia, and even contract infectious illnesses within the womb. These could result in bodily variations, nevertheless it doesn’t imply your cat has Down syndrome, and your cat ought to by no means be referred to “trying like” Down syndrome. Specialised genetic testing is required to find out in case your cat has been born with any chromosomal abnormalities.
Featured Picture Credit score: Banglens, Shutterstock
