A Persian cat named Achoom, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called hypertrichosis, has become a favorite of thousands of social media users. His excessive fur makes him look like a werewolf or an alien from another planet. 
Meet Achoom, a Persian cat from Canada who has captured the hearts of social media users worldwide. He was born in 2014. His owner, alarmed by his appearance, gave him to a veterinarian he knew, who in turn offered the kitten to Atchoum's current owner, Natalie, who was working as a groomer at the clinic at the time. The kitten was adopted by a large, loving family with two children and three cats.
And now for Atchoum's main secret: he suffers from "werewolf syndrome," also known as hypertrichosis. This condition, which the kitten inherited from his father, causes hormonal changes, causing rapid fur growth and thickening of his claws. Fortunately, his internal organs and body systems are not affected in any way—it's more of an aesthetic issue, but one that requires serious and responsible care.
As Natalie explained in an interview, she has been brushing her pet three times a day since he was a kitten. Some Atchoum fans wonder if it wouldn't be easier to just trim the cat. But his owner says this isn't a good idea: the coat can change texture, making it more difficult to maintain. Although Atchoum is much fluffier than any other member of his breed, his active coat growth stopped at age 4, so the situation shouldn't worsen—as long as you continue brushing him several times a day.
His claws, however, are more difficult to manage—they had to be removed because they had thickened, making it difficult to trim and causing pain when walking. Hypertrichosis also affected his teeth—they were underdeveloped and remained small and porous. Every few years, the pet undergoes an enamel calcification procedure to help protect against cavities. Despite his health issues, he eats well and has an appetite.
According to Natalie, with regular veterinary checkups and following all recommendations, the cat can live a long and full life. He's currently feeling well, active, and happy. He also loves the attention—and he gets plenty of it! Natalie says that people who see Atchoom for the first time are either scared or delighted, but no one is indifferent—everyone is amazed by her unusual pet.
