Page 246 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

244 HEAL TH AND BREEDING

INHERITED DISORDERS

Some diseases and disorders are passed down from one
generation of cats to the next. Different cat breeds have their own
inherited health problems, usually as a result of inbreeding among
a relatively small population. Responsible breeders should not
breed from cats known to have faulty genes, and screening tests
Cats with flat faces may suffer
for many of these disorders are now available. from breathing difficulties

Breed-specific problems Many cat diseases are thought to be genetic in origin,
Because the gene pool may be quite small for each cat but have not yet had faulty genes identified to explain them.
breed, faulty genes can have a greater influence than they The disorders in the table below have all been confirmed
would in a larger mixed-cat population, where such genes as genetic. For some of them, screening tests are available
usually vanish after a few generations. Some cat breeds are to identify whether or not a cat has the faulty gene. To help
even characterized by inherited disorders—for example, in eradicate inherited disorders, responsible breeders should
the past the crossed eyes of classic Siamese cats were the avoid using any cats known to have or to carry an inherited
result of a visual problem. An inherited disorder may be disorder for breeding by having them neutered.
present when a kitten is born or develop later in a cat’s life. If your cat has, or develops, an inherited disorder, try
Some cats may have a faulty gene but never develop any to find out as much information as possible about the
symptoms. These cats are called carriers, and can produce condition. Most inherited disorders are not curable, but
kittens with the inherited disease if they breed with another careful management can reduce symptoms and allow
cat carrying the same faulty gene. a good quality of life for your pet.

DISEASE DESCRIPTION CAN SCREENING MANAGING BREEDS OF CAT
DETECT IT? THE DISEASE AFFECTED
Primary Flaky or greasy No specific Wash the affected cat Persian, Exotic
seborrhea skin and hair. screening test frequently with
available. medicated shampoo.

Congenital Kittens are born No test currently No treatment. Keep the Birman
hypotrichosis with no hair and available for this cat in a warm indoor
are susceptible rare disorder. environment, away from
to infection. potential sources
of infection.
Bleeding Excessive or Yes. There are Look for nonhealing Birman,
disorders abnormal bleeding tests available for wounds on your cat. British Shorthair,
after injury some types of Try to staunch blood Devon Rex
or trauma. bleeding disorder. flow and seek
veterinary advice.

Pyruvate kinase A condition that Yes. A genetic test Affected cats Abyssinian, Somali
deficiency affects life span and is available. may need blood
the number of red transfusions.
blood cells, leading
to anemia.