Squitten

Squitten is a portmanteau word derived from the words squirrel and kitten, it is a term used to describe a cat with unusually short forelegs or unusually long hindlegs that resembles a squirrel [ [http://www.messybeast.com/squitten.htm Kangaroo Cats and Squittens Revealed] (October 2006)] . It is an example of a cat body type genetic mutation.

Most rarely, the term kangaroo cat is used; this derives from a 1953 specimen known as the Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat [Robinson Roy (1999), "Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians", Butterworth Heinemann, ISBN 0-7506-4069-3] .

Characteristics

The term Squitten is generally used to refer to cats with the condition Radial Hypoplasia (under-developed radius bones) or Foreleg Micromelia (small forelegs) and related conditions known as Radial Aplasia (absent radius bones), Radial Agenesis (failure of radius bones to form) that produces stunted forelegs. The mutation sometimes occurs in the random-breeding population, particularly in inbred populations where recessive genes may be exhibited. Such cats have also been called Twisty Cats; in the late 1990s, several were deliberately bred at Karma Farms, a horse farm and cattery in Marshall, Texas [ [http://www.karmafarms.com/twisty.htm Flipper-One Cute Twisty Kat and the Truth! ] ] [ [http://legalminds.lp.findlaw.com/list/lawsrc-l/msg00733.html [VETPET National News Coverage of Twisty Cat Story ] ] , resulting in a public outcry against the operators of the farm.

Radial Hypoplasia is related to one form of polydactyly, sometimes called "patty feet" [ [http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html Polydactyl Cats] (October 2006)] or "hamburger feet" [ [http://maine-coon-polys-uk.tripod.com/id1.html What Happened to the Maine Coon Polydactyl?] (October 2006)] by cat lovers to distinguish them from "thumb cat" polydactyls. Ordinary mitten cat polydactyls are not affected.

Cats with Radial Hypoplasia or similar mutations often sit on their rump with their forelegs unable to touch the floor; this gives them a resemblance to a squirrel or kangaroo. This raises special care considerations for owners of affected cats. Kittens may be unable to knead effectively with their short forelegs; kneading is required to stimulate milk-flow in the mother. The short or twisted forelegs cause mobility problems and such cats may adapt by using their hindlegs in a hopping gait.

A corresponding condition affecting the hind legs is called Femoral Hypoplasia and has only been reported 3 times in cats [ [http://www.messybeast.com/hypoplasia.htm Feline Radial and Femoral Hypoplasia] (October 2006)] .

Typical characteristics of a Squitten are:

* Short forelegs
** radius and ulna short, twisted or absent
** extra toes may be present
* Normal length hindlegs

References

ee also

* Cabbit
* Dwarf cats
* Polydactyl cat
* Chimera (genetics)