Technicalities and Conditions
The following details will serve as a clue if cats are likely to have Down syndrome or not:
Cats and human have unique pairs of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosome while felines only have 19 pairs. People who experience this medical disorder usually have an additional 21 chromosome that is not likely for a number of animals due to a lower amount of chromosomes.
Since cats only have 19 pairs of chromosomes, they are not susceptible to trisomy. The structure of their chromosomes is somehow different from humans.
Behavioral differences do not also translate automatically to having this condition. Owners of cats with Down syndrome also complain about behavioral deviations that could range from poor balance, coordination and idleness.
Nevertheless, not all cats with Down syndrome exhibit strange behavior. Even if felines behave in a strange way, it does not mean that they already have Down syndrome. The activities that they are more interested in could only be the cause of their incorrect diagnosis.
A dysfunctional manner is an indication of different kinds of health issues. Cats may also have been affected by other types of diseases that cause them to act in different way.
Vet analysis actually requires more validation. Cats that are believed to have this condition might also be subjected to wrong diagnosis. Vets who identified them might not be aware of some other genetic disorders.
Felines are sometimes badly affected by an illness and manifest one significant symptom- irregular facial features. This also serves as the ground for claims of them having Down Syndrome.
They make generalities or hasty conclusions based on irregularity without understanding the genetic disorders or the Klinefelter syndrome that can bring physical mutation.
There is also no adequate medical proof to confirm that felines have Down syndrome. Thus, a veterinary should make an effort to check an animal and compare it with other groups. This must be done before ending up with a conclusion.
Reproduction in the family could bring certain abnormalities and defects. Inbreeding is also ordinary for felines. Nevertheless, when two species with the same genetic structure mate, it is likely that it will only result to defective offspring.
The amalgamation between members of the same family increases the possibility of passing unwanted traits and illnesses to future generations. The possibility is high among felines that mate outside their direct lineage.
Now, can felines experience Down syndrome? The answer is no. What other abnormality seen in felines is mostly brought by other medical issues and is not related to Down syndrome.
They might also pose the same physical and physiological symptoms that are manifested by humans with Down syndrome. Nevertheless, it is not exactly alike.
More researches and studies are still required to know more about Down syndrome issues in cats. Just like with any other disorder in animals, it is good to know the causes to best determine the necessary steps to consider curing it or avoiding it.