"Squitten" is a term used to describe supposed cat-squirrel hybrids. It derives from "squirrel kitten" meaning the offspring of a cat which has mated with a squirrel. The term has also been used by a cat owner whose cat nursed and reared an orphan squirrel baby alongside her own kittens.

Are squirrel cats real?

A squitten is a cat with a genetic deformity which causes a partial formation or complete absence of the radius bone making it resemble a squirrel. These cats should be kept indoors and seen to by specialist veterinarians, as long term management of the condition is essential for quality of life in these cats.

Can a cat mate with another animal?

Cats are unique among mammals in that over forty genetic crosses between different wild cat species, and between wild cats and domestic cats, have been documented to produce viable hybrid offspring (Figure 1). Popular examples include the liger (male lion x female tiger) and tigon (male tiger x female liger).