A cat with a rare muscle condition was shared on social media, particularly on Reddit, leaving many users stunned and gaining widespread attention.
On Reddit, a user posted an image of the cat, prompting many to feel concerned and ask questions about the cat’s condition.
A cat with a rare condition and bulging muscles
Cats have always been popular pets due to their adorable appearance. They possess a gentle elegance and, most notably, a silky smooth coat that feels delightful to pet.
However, cat owners were shocked when they encountered a muscular “gym cat” with bulging muscles.
On the Reddit platform, a user who goes by bsmith2123 expressed their fear and panic over their cat suffering from a rare condition.
The post has the caption: “House cat suffering from Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy – a rare condition that causes muscles to grow excessively large”.
In the photo, the cat was seen with a “monster-like” physique, causing many to feel concerned and scared.
The cat’s impressive build is not due to a special diet or training regimen but a rare genetic condition called Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy. This condition causes animals to gain excessive muscle mass.
The image of the muscular cat quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media
In the comment selection, many viewers joked that the cat probably purrs like an engine, to which another humorously responded, “Like a hellcat.”
Someone else commented that the cat might cuddle you into submission, highlighting the playful reactions to the cat’s unique appearance.
One person said: I bet he purrs like an engine
A second wrote: “Anywhere. Anywhere he wants. Any time. No matter what.”
While a third commented: Is he actually suffering? Or will he be alright?
Someone else said: Suffering from looking this good, damn just wish I was normal and fat like those other Cats
Another added: I don’t think there’s any significant health issues associated with Myostatin deficiency, so he should be fine.
Have you wondered what happens to a cat with bulging muscles?
Cats suffer from a condition called muscle hypertrophy
This cat has such bulging muscles because it is suffering from a condition called Myostatin-related (also known as supermuscle syndrome). This condition is related to the myostatin protein, which causes its muscles to keep growing continuously.
Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy is a genetic condition caused by a deficiency in the myostatin protein due to a mutation in the genes.
Myostatin normally inhibits muscle cell growth, so when its function is impaired, muscle mass accumulates to an extreme degree. This condition can affect various species, including cattle, sheep, dogs, humans, and now, it seems, cats.
According to Popular Science, each individual has two copies of the gene encoding myostatin. If an individual inherits one mutated copy, they become heterozygous for the gene, resulting in increased muscle mass without significant abnormalities.
However, inheriting two mutated copies makes an individual homozygous, leading to pronounced and abnormal muscle growth.
Not only do cats suffer from insane muscle mass growth, but other animals can also suffer from the same condition.
The dog suffers from Myostatin-related disease
Previously, Wendy, a dog of the Bully Whippet breed, caused a sensation worldwide with Myostatin-related condition. Wendy was seen with a muscular, bulging physique resembling a bodybuilder.
Or the case of a muscular kangaroo
Jackson Vincent was left ‘heart pounding out of his chest’ when he saw a muscular kangaroo resembling a bodybuilder on the banks of the Boodjidup Creek, Margaret River town (Australia).
According to Jackson’s estimate, the kangaroo stood about 2 meters tall and weighed 100kg, with an extraordinarily muscular physique.
