Did you know that Birman cats as well as other cat breeds can develop various mobility issues as they age? Some cats can develop illnesses affecting their mobility at an early age as well. Examples of such conditions include arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and even Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. In order to rule out Schiff-Sherrington, your vet may want to test your Birman cat. This particular syndrome typically occurs when the cat’s spinal cord is severed or cut across by a small lesion on the lower back. The lesion can occur due to trauma to the spine or even intervertebral disk disease, which is more common. Symptoms may include an unusual gait, inability to walk, inability to stand, rigidly extended forelimbs, and possible paralysis of the hind limbs. It’s important to note that not all cats that experience these symptoms have Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. Call your veterinary clinic Rochester, NY if your Birman is having trouble moving about. Read more here.