Adult Cat with Underdeveloped Hind Legs

caspar

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I have a 5 year old neutered male Tuxedo who still walks like a kitten. He is quite healthy but cannot jump too high. He has adapted to his handicap by being resourceful and using upper body strength to go higher. He came to us as a feral kitten from the woods and briefly lived in our garage until we domesticated him. I am wondering whether he was injured as a kitten or his underdeveloped rear legs are a congenital defect. Has anyone seen this condition before? Thanks
 

hissy

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Being that he is feral, it could be a few things, it could be the result of breeding, if the mom or dad was say a munchkin cat, or it could be a genetic defect caused by inbreeding. Cats are pretty adaptable and it sounds to me like he has figured out to make his way in the world even with his shortcomings. (no pun intended).
 
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caspar

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Thanks, Hissy. When we had him neutered at 6 mos., we asked the vet about his condition, but he sort of blew it off and said not to worry. You have seen those low-rider cars so I guess we have a low-rider kitty, who is always in a crouch ready to pounce. Other than that, he is a rather heavily built large kitty and quite affectionate. He also can run quite fast.

Also, you called him feral. Do you mean that once a cat is born as a feral, he stays a feral no matter how tame and socialized he becomes?
 

hissy

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No it's just a term. You said he was feral living in the woods, which suggests to me he was born out of doors and not as a house cat. Ferals can be socialized, and though they never settle down like a domesticated cat will, they can give you so much love and respect. Mine are very lovable, but if they hear a noise or smell something that frightens them, they automatically bolt from the room. Makes for shredded human legs at times, if they are laying on our laps when startled.
 
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caspar

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Yes, Tux is still quite skittish at times. When we first brought him into the house, as a small kitten, he started ambushing the other cats and then hiding where they couldn't catch him. Cammy, our mother kitty, took it on herself to discipline this juvenile delinquent since it was obvious he hadn't the care of a restrictive mother. I think he resented her abuse but did give her respect. The other cats eventually put him in his place. They tolerate him, but I don't think, really like him too well.

Even though neutered, he took to spraying the walls, and he will attack our 13 year old female Siamese. We took him to the vet over his behavior problem. The vet prescribed tranquilizers, which didn't curb his aggressive behavior toward our Siamese. We then opted to make him live outside. He started in our garage and ended up back there. We got him a doghouse with straw and put it up in the attic. We still allow him inside but limit his movements in the house. I'm curious about his behavior. Could it be because he was born feral? The vet said he is aggressive toward Coco, our Siamese because he can. He had hurt her badly, hence you can see why we banished him from the house, except under strict supervision.
 
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