Squitten
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Squitten is a portmanteau word derived from the words squirrel and kitten, it is a term used to describe a deformed cat with unusually short forelegs or unusually long hindlegs that resembles a squirrel[1].
More rarely, the term Kangaroo Cat is used; this derives from a 1953 specimen known as the Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat[2].
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[edit] 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 and several were deliberately bred by Karma Farms resulting in public outcry against the breeder.
Radial Hypoplasia is related to one form of polydactyly, sometimes called patty feet [3] or hamburger feet [4] 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 kneead 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 [5] .
Typical characteristics of a Squitten are:
- Short forelegs
- radius and ulna short, twisted or absent
- extra toes may be present
- Normal length hindlegs
[edit] Squittens as mythical creatures
The term Squitten is also used to describe a supposed cat-squirrel hybrid. A squitten is described as cat-like with a plumy tail and short front legs with paws resembling hands in which it can hold things. It sits on its haunches like a squirrel and can climb trees, but when on the ground it moves with a bobbing or hopping gait.
It is not genetically possible to create a hybrid between a cat and a squirrel. Belief in animal hybrids now known to be imposible, based on their physical appearance, was common in the era before genetics understanding. What we now know to be mutations or the expression of recessive genes would be explained as hybrids or maternal impression. As a result, the genetic traits indicative of feline radial hypoplasia or similar conditions were considered evidence of hybridization between squirrels and cats.
[edit] References
- ^ Kangaroo Cats and Squittens Revealed (October 2006)
- ^ Robinson Roy (1999), "Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians", Butterworth Heinemann, ISBN 0-7506-4069-3
- ^ Polydactyl Cats (October 2006)
- ^ What Happened to the Maine Coon Polydactyl? (October 2006)
- ^ Feline Radial and Femoral Hypoplasia (October 2006)
