Which cat breeds are most prone to health problems?

There are differences in the frequency of disease in cats depending on their breed. Here is a list of 5 breeds of cats with poorer health.

The well-being of our pets can quickly become a source of stress. Certain breeds of cats, such as Persians, are predisposed to certain specific diseases. So which cat breeds are the most susceptible?

Maine coon

The Maine Coon is a domestic cat that is distinguished by its imposing physique, square muzzle and large ears. As the largest domestic cat, it is appreciated as a companion and is known for its friendliness to children and other pets. Indeed, the Maine Coon is a peaceful, calm and easy-going cat.

Although the Maine Coon is an imposing cat, it is not as robust as one might think. In fact, they are relatively sensitive to heart disease and can be subject to a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited disease that can cause a blockage of the heart.

Because of its large size, the Maine coon is also prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and spinal muscular atrophy, which affects the nerves in the muscles, causing weakness and muscle degeneration. Since these diseases are inherited, they can cause pain and affect the mobility of the Maine Coon.

It is important to take care of your cat's well-being by carefully following your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet's good health.

Persian

The Persian is a medium-sized cat with a silky coat, very affectionate and close to its master. With a soft and calm temperament, it has a round head and round eyes. This rather discreet and not very vocal cat is perfect for an apartment life. However, it should be noted that its fur requires rigorous daily maintenance, which can be avoided if the cat does not go outside and thus avoids knots and parasites.

The Persian is a particularly fragile cat in terms of health. Indeed, like the breeds of cats with flat noses such as the Scottish fold and the British shorthair, the Persian is a breed known as "brachycephalic". This physical characteristic is characterized by a flattened face with a very short nose, which can cause important respiratory problems as well as frequent obstructions of the tear ducts.

It is therefore strongly recommended, as with all flat-faced animals, to regularly clean the Persian's eye area with a lotion specially designed for this purpose and to limit its physical activity to avoid causing respiratory problems.

In addition, the Persian breed is prone to other diseases such as :

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition)
• urinary tract infections
• urinary stones.

Highland Fold

The Highland Fold is a cat breed close to the Scottish Fold, recognizable by its forward folded ears and long, soft coat. This breed is known for its gentleness and very friendly temperament. It enjoys being petted and needs a certain amount of attention to feel happy. This makes the Highland Fold an excellent companion for the elderly.

His round face, his big cheeks and his small ears give him a plush look. Rather short on legs and not inclined to big adventures, this cat prefers the comfort of home.

Ear folding in the Highland fold and Scottish fold is caused by a genetic mutation that can lead to a number of health problems, including malformation of the cartilage in the rest of the skeleton, deafness and osteoarthritis. In Belgium, the breeding, keeping and marketing of these breeds of cats is even prohibited due to animal welfare concerns. Despite their gentle nature and charming appearance, it is important to consider these risks before adopting a cat of these breeds.

Sphynx

The Sphynx, also known as the "naked cat", is a cat breed with an unusual physique. Like the Donskoy, this breed is distinguished by the near absence of hair on its body. This makes it very vulnerable to skin problems and sunburn.

The skin of the Sphynx being devoid of melanin, it is exposed to various skin diseases such as urticaria pigmentosa, leading to the appearance of scabby sores on its body. Moreover, because of its wrinkled skin, this breed is prone to develop eczema, which requires regular maintenance with specific shampoos.

In addition, being hairless, the Sphynx can have difficulty regulating its body temperature, which makes it sensitive to extreme temperatures. It is thus preferable not to leave it too long outside.

The Sphynx is a cat that loves company and cuddles. It is also very playful and can be an excellent playmate for children. Apart from its health problems related to the absence of hair, the Sphynx is a sociable and playful cat.

Manx

The Manx is a rather reserved cat towards strangers, but very affectionate towards its owners. This cat has an atypical physique because it is a naturally tailless breed, despite its rather robust body.

The particularity of the Manx is the absence of a tail due to a genetic mutation, but this can cause health problems such as arthritis and spinal abnormalities, which are grouped under the term "Manx syndrome". These problems can affect the animal's mobility and defecation.

In addition, the Manx is also susceptible to various pathologies, such as:

• Corneal dystrophy, a disease of the cornea that can affect his vision
• a deafness
• periodontal disease, characterized by bad breath, red or irritated gums, bleeding, infection and possible tooth loss
• megacolon, a dysfunction that can lead to an inability to contract the colon, making defecation difficult.

It is important to note that even if your cat has no health problems, it is recommended to have him/her vaccinated against common cat diseases such as rabies, typhus, leukemia and coryza.