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Written by Tania Waterhouse
Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome is a deformity of a kitten's ribs and sternum (breastbone). The
medical term for this is Pectus Excavatum and it is also known as Funnel Chest. The term
'Swimmer Kitten' is sometimes used when a kitten with FCK crawls with both front legs out to the
side of the chest in a paddling motion.
What are the symptoms?
The kitten's chest is flat, rather than rounded and the ribs bow out more than normal, along the
kitten's sides. The sternum may also collapse inwards as the kitten breathes. In more severe
cases, the sternum is permanently curved inward, creating a furrow along the kitten's chest.
As well as the flat or furrowed chest, the kitten may:
- Pant or show open-mouthed, heavy breathing
- Tire easily
- Show a reduced activity level (lethargy)
- Have a significant delay in growth
- Have a general loss of condition
- Have splayed front legs
The flat chest means that the kitten cannot expand his lungs properly with each breath. The
muscles between the ribs and the muscles of the diaphragm do not contract and relax properly, so
the kitten must make an effort to get enough oxygen to his body. It will often look as if the kitten has
a problem with his airway, such as a blockage or infection but on closer examination, the cause is
found to be FCK. A heart murmur sometimes accompanies FCK as the heart is also affected by
the lack of space within the chest.
What causes it?
It is not really known why some kittens develop FCK and others, even in the same litter, don't.
There are several suggestions on why FCK occurs:
- Environment - It may be caused by the surface the kittens are on being too flat, or
hard or slippery. Also, perhaps the FCK was caused by bacteria or a virus.
- Nutrition - It may be due to a taurine or calcium deficiency in the mother-cat during her
pregnancy, causing the kitten's bones to be softer than usual.
- Genetics - It may be an hereditary trait where the kitten inherited FCK from one or
both of his parents. They may not have FCK themselves but may be carriers of the genes that
cause the condition.
These are just some of the theories on what causes FCK. Experts such as vets, professionals
and breeders still don't know exactly what causes it.
Treatment
The prognosis for these kittens is often uncertain. If the FCK is mild, the kitten may grow out of
it without intervention and eventually have a normal, rounded chest. Twice daily physiotherapy,
where the kitten's legs are gently flexed and massaged into the normal position, may help. This
loosens and lengthens the muscles and tendons in the legs, allowing them to gradually develop
into the correct position.
If a kitten has splayed legs and prefers to lie on his back or flat on his stomach, turning him to
lie on his side and gently holding him that way for a few minutes, several times a day, often helps.
The kitten may need supplemental feeding with a kitten formula such as KMR or Just Born, to help
maintain his weight and good condition, as kittens with FCK sometimes have trouble nursing from
the mother-cat.. When the kitten is old enough, encourage him to walk, as this helps the chest
return to a more normal shape.
Another treatment for FCK is surgical correction, which has proven to be successful. The most
common surgical method used, is to fix the ribs and sternum to an external splint which moves
them into the correct position. The earliest a kitten can have this surgery is at 8 weeks old.
If you suspect a kitten has FCK, it is best to take him to a vet for a full evaluation. In cases
where the FCK is severe, the kitten may have to be euthanized if he is suffering or there is no
hope for his recovery. If the FCK is mild or moderate, the kitten may grow up to be a normal,
healthy cat.
This is Vegemite, who was born with moderate FCK, as well as a heart murmur. She has
grown up into a happy and perfectly healthy cat.
Tania Waterhouse lives in Perth, Western Australia. She specializes in
rescuing orphaned kittens and is the co-author of Kitten-Rescue.com.
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