Health Concerns in the Top Cat Breeds
Bringing a new pet into your life is a big responsibility and the decision should be an informed one. And while some people assume that cats are self-sufficient and immune to health scares, the truth is that cats, just like dogs, are prone to certain health conditions that are important to be aware of when choosing a breed that is right for you.
To start the process, here is a list of some of the most popular cat breeds and the health characteristics of each.
Persian
Persians are calm, sweet tempered cats that are prefect companions. Their long and soft coats are beautiful to look at but require daily grooming in order to keep them mat-free. The most common health conditions for this breed are entropion (a medical condition of the eyes), heart disease, epiphora (the overflow of tears) and polycystic kidney disease (cysts in the kidneys that lead to kidney failure).
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is an intelligent, devoted, and loving breed. These cats are native to the United States, and actually like playing with water, as their coats are water repellent. They are prone to gingivitis, hip dysplasia (the malfunction of the hip joint), polycystic kidney disease (cysts in the kidneys that lead to kidney failure), and spinal muscular dystrophy (a disease causing muscle degeneration).
Siamese
Made famous by the movie “Lady and the Tramp”, the Siamese cat is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. They are very intelligent and live for the affection of their humans. They are active and playful and enjoy playing with cat toys. These cats can suffer from cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), respiratory difficulties, and vestibular disease (a brain imbalance).
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is also one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, and is believed to be a descendant of a sacred Egyptian cat. They are very people-oriented, intelligent, and love to be involved in all household activities. While a fairly healthy breed, they are prone to gingivitis.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are sweet and laidback cats and are playful but not overactive. They adapt easily to their environment and can be trained easily. The most common health concern associated with this breed is cardiomyopahy (an enlarged heart).
Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, a pet insurance company. Feel free to contact her with any questions related to pet insurance at heather.reynolds@trupanion.com.
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