Cats are the most populous animals we share our lives with. Yes, they top the list of pets with their unique personalities, independent actions, and affection. But did you know that certain purebred cats are prone to specific health issues that lower their quality of life?

Despite the special place all cats hold, some troubling diseases persist due to the increased interest in certain purebred cats driven by aesthetic appeal, financial motivations, or lack of awareness. What are these diseases?

Let’s explore a few cat breeds, each with distinct features, and the genetic disorders they are predisposed to.

1- Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are generally grey, with pumpkin-colored eyes, calm temperaments, and their signature folded ears. The osteochondrodysplasia condition that causes their folded ears doesn’t just affect their ears but impacts their entire skeletal system, particularly the joints, making it a painful disorder.  

Due to this, purebred breeding of Scottish Folds is considered unethical and is even banned in some cases.  

In addition to osteochondrodysplasia, they are also prone to gum disease, heart problems, and skin and coat issues.

2- Sphynx

Sphynxes are a hairless breed (they have hair, not fur, a common misconception among mammals), giving them a unique appearance. They originate from Canada. Despite their mythological looks, some issues can affect these friends of ours.  

These issues include:

– Skin burns from sun exposure  

– Sensitivity to cold  

– Skin problems  

Besides these problems related to their unique appearance, they are also at risk for heart diseases.

3- Persian Cat

Persian cats are long-haired, soft-furred, and have distinctively shaped heads, flat noses, and calm temperaments. They originated in Iran.  

When it comes to genetic predispositions, Persians are among the first that come to mind. They are prone to difficult births, eye problems (that can lead to blindness due to their facial structure), respiratory issues, facial dermatitis, tear duct issues, and excessive tear production.  

Additionally, one of the most serious conditions they may face is polycystic kidney disease, which can affect the kidney’s structure and lead to failure.

4- Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are known for their dark-colored paws, feet, and tails, with the rest of their bodies being a lighter color. They have distinct coats and striking blue eyes. This popular breed originated in Southeast Asia.  

Like Persians, Siamese cats can experience difficult births.  

They also suffer from various eye problems, such as strabismus and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).  

Some types of cancer and asthma are also common issues among Siamese cats.

5- Norwegian Forest Cat 

Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their thick, soft fur, calm temperaments, loyalty to their owners, and shyness around strangers.  

Glycogen storage disease is a problem that affects this breed’s glucose metabolism, and unfortunately, it can negatively impact their quality of life.  

Additionally, like other breeds, they are prone to polycystic kidney disease.  

Their luxurious fur and noticeable presence don’t protect them from eye problems and heart diseases that can lower their quality of life.

6- White-Coated, Odd-Eyed Cats

Under this category, we have Van cats, known for their adaptability, large ears, long bodies, and love of swimming, as well as Ankara cats, which are intelligent, active, and curious.  

These breeds, due to their physical characteristics, are more genetically predisposed to deafness than other cat breeds.  

Although deafness is the most common association, the sun can also be dangerous for these cats due to their white coats.  

They are also prone to vision problems, kidney issues, and gum diseases.

7- Manx Cat  

Manx cats are born without tails or with very short tails, making them stand out. They originate from the Isle of Man and suffer from a condition known as Manx Syndrome.  

Manx Syndrome occurs because the gene responsible for their short or absent tails also affects their spines, shortening them. As a result, both the skeletal and nervous systems are impacted, with the severity inversely proportional to tail length.  

Manx Syndrome can lead to problems like incontinence and weakness in the hind legs.

8- Tabby Cats

Tabby cats, who are the true owners of our streets, usually have dark coats, athletic builds, and can have various eye colors. Unlike other cat breeds, tabby cats are generally healthier when it comes to genetic disorders.  

This is because their extensive gene pool, due to generations of diverse breeding, has broken the chain of negative genetic disorders seen in purebred animals.

This blog post has been verified by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Elif Kenar.

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