Commonly Reported Congenital and Inherited Defects in Cats

  • Cerebellar hypoplasia, a lack of development of the cerebellum, a part of the brain critical for controlling balance

  • Eye and eyelid defects

  • Heart defects

  • Cleft palate (uncommon in cats but occurs more often in Siamese)

  • Cryptorchidism (apparent absence of one or both testicles)

  • Polydactyly (more toes than normal; usually occurs on the front paws and rarely causes any problems for the cat)

  • Deafness associated with white fur and blue eyes