Tom cats in Sichuan province in southern China have sprouted wing-like growths on their backs, which locals are attributing to the hot summer weather and the romantic attentions of females.

One animal started to develop the "wings" during a period of hot weather in Sichuan, a large province in southern China where a devastating earthquake struck this spring.

"At first they were just two bumps, but they started to grow quickly, and after a month there were two wings," said Granny Feng (see above), one cat's owner.

Granny Feng, of Xianyang city, Shaanxi province, says the wings, which contain bones, make her pet look like a 'cat angel'.

"Many female cats in heat came to harass him, and then the wings started to grow," she told the local Huashang News.

Although Feng attributed her pet's condition to the stress of a feline love life and the hot Sichuan summer. However, scientists said the wings had a less romantic explanation.

Several animals were photographed with the furry protuberances by a local newspaper photographer.


Although the growths appear fluffy, they contain bone. But veterinary experts say that despite the hard inner core, the flaps do not harm the cat's quality of life or safety.

In fact, the hairy growths probably developed because of unusual grooming habits, a genetic defect or a hereditary skin condition.

Source: Telegraph