Fast-Pawed Were-Floof
Atchoum and his human caretaker enjoy some rainy day playtime
Atchoum, the well-floofed Persian cat from Quebec with a whole lot of Internet admirers, is showing off his quick reflexes during a rainy day play session in today’s gif. That kitty’s got kung fu fighting, fast as lightning paws. But more than the speedy reflexes, Atchoum is famous for his distinctive appearance.
Atchoum gets his unique fur profusion due to a congenital condition known as hypertrichosis, also known as “werewolf syndrome.” Hypertrichosis can manifest in cats, humans, horses (from Cushing's disease), and might also have been observed in monkeys, but the condition is extremely rare in any case. The syndrome causes a hormonal imbalance which triggers fast and continuing hair growth. For cats, it also can cause an excessive thickening of the claws. In Atchoum’s case, the claw growth became unsafe for his mobility and so he needed to be declawed. Besides the declawing, though, he leads a pretty standard kitty life. His adoring human is a vet, so she is able to care for him and his unique needs.
Atchoum’s condition gives him a wild, distinctly disheveled look that people love. Posts featuring him looking rumpled-but-dapper in bowties or playing around the house are huge hits on social media. This guy, he’s even got an official website. Check out his Insta channel through the source video, linked below.
My allergic nose is stuffing up just at the sight of him but he is pretty cute. Thanks, Martini for the good times. We sure do need them.