There is no doubt cats are adorable and loving pets, but just like us, they can get sick or have health issues. When it comes to people with Down Syndrome, these symptoms are common and easy to spot. But when it comes to cats, the signs only appear years later in their lives. What if you suspect your cat has Down Syndrome? Is there a way to detect it early on and start taking care of your feline friend sooner rather than later? Today we’ll go over some of the most common symptoms of feline down syndrome so you can check them off one-by-one against your pet to see if they are exhibiting any of these signs:
Early detection
Early diagnosis and treatment of Down Syndrome in cats is important. If you think your cat may be suffering from Down Syndrome, take him to the vet for testing.
- Early detection is essential for early treatment and therapy, so it’s critical that you get your cat tested as soon as possible if you suspect he has Down Syndrome.
- There are several methods of detecting Down Syndrome in cats; these include blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds.
No seizures or abnormalities
A cat with Down syndrome will not have any seizures or abnormalities. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, they do not have Down syndrome. In addition to the lack of seizures and abnormalities, cats with Down syndrome will also not show any other signs of Down Syndrome as well:
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Hyperesthesia (excessive sensitivity)
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
Self-soiling
If you think your cat may have Down syndrome, the first thing to look for is possible incontinence. This can take the form of bladder or bowel issues, which can be caused by a number of factors including an endocrine disorder. Cats with Down syndrome may also be unable to control their bowels and/or bladder as well as normal cats do. If your cat has this kind of difficulty, it’s likely that he’ll need special attention from you throughout his life.
Another sign that your cat might have Down syndrome is difficulty communicating with humans—he might not be able to talk to you in words (if at all), and he may not always understand what you’re telling him unless it’s very clear or simple language. Finally, if your cat has Down syndrome symptoms such as these, he will likely need extra help getting used to new things because his senses are so much more sensitive than those of other cats!
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is often one of the first signs that a cat may have Down Syndrome, although it can be caused by many different things. Some cats develop chronic diarrhea because their digestive system is not properly absorbing their food; this can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to take your kitty to the vet right away if you suspect this may be happening. The vet will perform tests in order to determine what’s causing your cat’s diarrhea and how to treat it appropriately.
Unusually short lifespan
Cats with Down syndrome have a lifespan of about 10 years, which is significantly shorter than average. The average lifespan for cats is between 12–15 years. This difference can be explained by the health problems associated with Down syndrome. Despite this, some cats with Down syndrome are able to live longer if they are taken care of properly and their symptoms are managed well.
Different colored irises
If your cat has one brown and one blue eye, you may be wondering if this is a sign of Down syndrome. This is a genetic anomaly that causes the irises of their eyes to be a different color than normal. It’s not typically seen in cats with long hair, so it can help you determine whether or not your kitty has short hair like most other cats with this condition.
Fewer teeth than usual
Some cats, especially those with Down Syndrome, are born with fewer teeth than usual. You may notice that your cat has fewer teeth than other cats. The same is true for dogs and other animals.
The amount of teeth in the mouth is important because they allow us to chew food into small pieces before swallowing it. This helps our bodies digest nutrients from what we eat so that we can stay healthy and strong. The number of teeth an animal has depends on the species and their particular needs as a predator or prey species; although some animals have more than others based on whether they’re carnivores (meat eaters) or omnivores (people who eat anything).
Cleft palate
A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when a kitten’s palate doesn’t form properly. It can lead to serious health issues, especially when they are not treated at an early age. The condition can easily be detected by a vet, who will diagnose it and recommend treatment options. Vets can also prevent the condition by screening parents before breeding them to ensure that neither has it.[2]
The best way for you as a pet owner is to have your cat checked out regularly by the vet so he or she can catch any signs of this congenital disease early on and treat it before it becomes serious.
Vision problems
There are a number of vision problems that cats with Down syndrome may have. These include:
- Trouble seeing in dim light
- Trouble seeing in bright light
- Trouble seeing color or depth perception
- Seeing moving objects as blurry and out of focus
There are some signs you can look for if you suspect your cat has Down Syndrome.
Early detection can help your cat live a long, healthy life. If you suspect that your cat may have Down Syndrome, look for the following signs:
- No seizures or abnormalities such as tremors or skin discoloration.
- Self-soiling, chronic diarrhea and vomiting.
- An unusually short lifespan (less than 10 years).
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, please contact a veterinarian immediately.
While cats with Down Syndrome can live long, happy lives, they may also be more susceptible to certain diseases. Talk to your vet if you suspect your cat has Down Syndrome or if you’re interested in adopting a cat with this condition.