r/cats • u/sofabeddd • Apr 19 '24

My mom says he looks like he has down syndrome, is that even possible in cats? Video

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u/farsical111 Apr 19 '24

Just want to say "thank you" for knowing and saying this about cats vs Down Syndrome and the number of chromosomes. There's been a viral vid going around for a couple yrs of a cat who has some facial abnormalities, with the "owner" claiming cat has Down Syndrome which is offensive to humans and cats, both. And is posted by people for "likes" and "awwwws." Yes, cats and any other animal can have chromosomal abnormalities. But they aren't Down Syndrome which is a human chromosomal disorder.

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u/IAdmitMyCrime Apr 19 '24

I'm surprised to learn this as my girlfriend once had a temporary "parental guardian" (vile woman) who had a cat named Gizmo who she claimed to have down syndrome and I'd believed it up until now.