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MagsMay · Sep 13, 2007, 01:40 PM

One of our male (neutered) cats can be physically described as thick-set, weight dense (as in he is not a big cat, small & compact with heavy bones... picking him up is not unlike a 1'x2' brick), LARGE head with large round eyes, big belly (not fat, just big... body solid muscle) with a cow coloring (black and white intermix at edges). OVERLY loving, very demanding (sometimes I almost feel as if I am being 'courted') and behaves at times like he has a 'one-track' mind. He will purposely place himself where you either break your leg trying to avoid him or step on him; step on him and he doesn't bat an eyelash.

Until yesterday, I wondered if he wasn't wire quite right upstairs. Yesterday I was waiting for the group of 'special needs' group that do daily walks to finish crossing the street and one young man (obvious Downs) caught my attention. He was dressed in Cow patterned BDU's with a hood (115 outside and the kid is covered in cow-canvas head to toe, go figure)...

Anyway, I was suddenly struck with the realization that, had this young man been on all fours, he would be Jax... and if Jax walked upright, he would be this young man (in fact, upon returning home I held his front paws and had him 'stand'... identical).

After reviewing what I know of Downs & Autism (I have spent many hours volunteering as an aid to Special Needs persons), Jax suddenly makes perfect sense! :D

I have searched and found little regarding the possibility of cats being born with Downs, or Autism, etc. My vet hems & hums and says she doesn't believe so but leaves the room thinking...

Any input that will help me? Also, if these are a possible answer, what should I expect?

THANK YOU!!

firmbeliever · Sep 13, 2007, 02:27 PM

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http://www.autism-world.com/index.ph...r-from-autism/
Q:My cat is very unaffectionate. She only shows affection when she wants something. If ever I pick her up she struggles to be released. We've had her since a kitten and she has always been like it. Could she have a form of autism?

Answer:

No, that's not autism; which is a far more complex collection of syndromes.
There are several possibilities. One might be that she wasn't handled properly as a kitten, or wasn't handled often enough. Early socialising by people who know what they're doing makes better pets.

Another reason may be that its her nature. She may see herself as the boss and doesn't like being picked up. Or she may just not like the physical contact.
Finally it could be that as an inexperienced owner you haven't yet learned how to pick up an animal and make it feel OK with it - its like being a first time parent with a newborn baby. Some people pick it up really fast and others take longer.

Try to stop making eye contact with your pet, cats don't like it. Instead try blinking and looking down. And copy her friendly greeting noises and rituals, try rubbing her chin glands to get her scent on you.

If she were autistic she'd never be affectionate. But you say she can be when she wants something, so she's not autistic.

Technorati : autism
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Hope this gives a little insight.

firmbeliever · Sep 13, 2007, 02:31 PM

Animal Autism, Trance Behaviours & Repetitive Behaviours

Try this one, it is more in depth look at animal behaviour and autism.

MagsMay · Sep 13, 2007, 04:29 PM

Thank you FirmBeliever... I am ruling out Autism.
Now, hoping someone has Downs, or other possible information ;)

firmbeliever · Sep 13, 2007, 04:43 PM

Magsmay,
Glad to have helped,hopefully someone will come along to help you with the Down Syndrome cat symptoms :).

Here is fun for cat lovers
LITTLE KNOWN FELINE AILMENTS
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Here's something with a more serious note.
Cat Veterinary - Feline Illness And Diseases Symptoms And Treatments

shygrneyzs · Sep 13, 2007, 04:53 PM

Someone else asked this question about a cat who she thought had Down's Syndrome. There is supposedly a feline equivalent to Down's Syndrome. I do not know how this can happen because human chromosomes are different than cats. Wouldn't the cat need to have the same defect of the 21st chromosome? There are those who say cats even can cause Down's Syndrome in humans, when the expectant mother is around a cat.

Check this site out:
Taking Care Of A Cat Diagnosed With Down Syndrome | Itchmo: News For Dogs & Cats

firmbeliever · Sep 13, 2007, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by shygrneyzs

Someone else asked this question about a cat who she thought had Down's Syndrome. There is supposedly a feline equivalent to Down's Syndrome. I do not know how this can happen because human chromosomes are different than cats. Wouldn't the cat need to have the same defect of the 21st chromosome? There are those who say cats even can cause Down's Syndrome in humans, when the expectant mother is around a cat.

Check this site out:
Taking Care Of A Cat Diagnosed With Down Syndrome | Itchmo: News For Dogs & Cats

"cats even can cause Down's Syndrome in humans, when the expectant mother is around a cat."

Wouldn't this be an old wives tale?":)

shygrneyzs · Sep 13, 2007, 05:13 PM

That is why I said, "there are those who say" - the following article explains one point of view - http://www.jeffeco.com/downs/index-2.html

firmbeliever · Sep 13, 2007, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by shygrneyzs

That is why I said, "there are those who say" - the following article explains one point of view - http://www.jeffeco.com/downs/index-2.html

I was kidding shy,
We have those wives tales in all cultures.

shygrneyzs · Sep 14, 2007, 04:55 AM

Those "old wives" sure get around! Lol

maxsmum · May 13, 2011, 08:06 AM

I have a 5 year old ragdoll X moggie who I am sure has ADHD. He never walks, he runs everywhere. He picks up his food and eats with his claws. He sleeps on his back with his arms and legs spread out. He runs into the glass doors all the time. He falls down the stairs continually. I am hoping there is not something wrong upstairs.