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A squitten is a cat with unusually short forelegs or unusually long hind legs that resembles a squirrel.〔(Kangaroo Cats and Squittens Revealed ) (October 2006)〕 It is an example of a cat body type genetic mutation. The word squitten is a portmanteau of the words "squirrel" and "kitten". The term kangaroo cat is also, rarely, used; this derives from a 1953 specimen known as the Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat.〔Robinson Roy (1999), "Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians", Butterworth Heinemann, ISBN 0-7506-4069-3〕 ==Characteristics== The term squitten is generally used to refer to cats with the condition radial hypoplasia (underdeveloped 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; In the late 1990s, several were deliberately bred at Karma Farms, a horse farm and cattery in Marshall, Texas,〔(Flipper-One Cute Twisty Kat and the Truth! )〕〔 (October 2006)〕〔(What Happened to the Maine Coon Polydactyl? ) (October 2006)〕 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. Some may call it the T-rex syndrome. This raises special care considerations for owners of affected cats. Kittens may be unable to knead 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 three times in cats.〔(Feline Radial and Femoral Hypoplasia ) (October 2006)〕 Typical characteristics of a squitten are short forelegs, with a short radius and ulna which may be twisted or absent, extra front toes, and normal-length hind legs. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「squitten」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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