Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Chemistry4me on 29/05/2009 06:07:31

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 29/05/2009 06:07:31

Cat in China grows a pair of wings

Feline was born normal but developed appendages at age 1, family says

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a … cat?

A kitty in Chongqing, China, is getting some extra-special attention these days: The furry feline has developed wings! Though born looking completely normal, once the cat hit the age of 1, he began growing wing-shaped appendages on either side of his spine, the U.K.'s Daily Mail reports.

While some think the bony limbs may be a mutation of some kind — or even a Siamese twin growing inside the cat — others speculate it's a genetic change perhaps caused by chemicals ingested by the kitty's mother while she was pregnant.

According to the cat's owners, he doesn't seem to mind his new wings — and he’s loving the attention he's received because of them!

Strange as the case may sound, winged felines are not unheard of. Back in August 2008, the U.K. Telegraph reported that tomcats in China's Sichuan province developed wing-like growths on their backs.

Veterinary experts said then that despite the hard inner core, the "wings" don't harm cats' quality of life or safety. According to the Telegraph's report, scientists believe the appendages developed due to grooming habits, a genetic defect or a hereditary skin condition.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30967440/

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: omid on 03/06/2009 12:32:45

well I think, that the wings growth is probably developed because of unusual grooming habits, a genetic defect or a hereditary skin condition.  [;)]

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Don_1 on 03/06/2009 15:16:10

It's growing sails with the intention of taking up wind surfing.

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: glovesforfoxes on 03/06/2009 18:59:18

Gotta say that cat looks pretty cute with those wings ^^

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 05/06/2009 08:43:33

It is a cross between a cat and a bat (it rhymes)

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 05/06/2009 11:09:18

@omid,
Look, I am not upset, I've just run out of personal messages! I am only allowed 20 per hour! [:(]

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Daerana on 05/06/2009 11:39:38

Quote from: Chemistry4me on 05/06/2009 08:43:33

It is a cross between a cat and a bat (it rhymes)

Vampiric cat?

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 05/06/2009 11:48:00

Or better still, it might be the vampire from this threads' pet:

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=23289.0

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Daerana on 05/06/2009 11:50:50

May be.  Good point.  Whatif the infant is creating an army and planning to take over the world!?  [:o]

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 05/06/2009 11:51:51

Then will have an explanation for this thread: http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=23360.0

Title: What do you think caused this cat to grow wings?
Post by: Daerana on 05/06/2009 11:56:33

"Yes, because of disease/famine/overpopulation  2 (50%)"

See!? I told you.  People are already considering it!  Disease!