Health Problems to Watch for With Abyssinian Cats
As with any other cat breed, Abyssinian cats have some genetic predispositions to specific health problems. Although you may not need to worry about them until much later in their life, it’s always a good idea to know what your pet is sensitive to.
Abyssinian cats are commonly prone to:
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition that inflames the gums, causing discomfort. If it goes untreated, it may even lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. However, it can be prevented with a good oral care routine and can be treated with mouth rinses in mild cases.
Patellar luxation. Much like humans, cats can also suffer from luxations — in particular, Abyssinians are prone to patellar luxations. Patella refers to one of the components of the knee joint, which can, in cases of luxation, slip to one side of the leg. It can happen at any age, so it’s important to check as often as possible when going to a veterinarian’s appointment.
Hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia is a condition where a cat will have a lot of sensitivity in one particular area of their skin. Usually, this will lead to discomfort and distress, and your cat may react negatively to the touch on that area. Furthermore, they may even begin to chew and scratch the affected area, leading to self-mutilation.
Renal amyloidosis. Amyloids are a specific type of protein that can build up inside tissues and organs — a condition called amyloidosis. Abyssinian cats are more prone to it than other breeds, so make sure to be on the lookout for any signs in blood and urine tests.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency. Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme responsible for producing the energy that cells need to survive. Unfortunately, Abyssinians are genetically prone to developing a deficiency of these enzymes, which can cause anemia and sometimes be life-threatening.
However, don’t let this discourage you. The average Abyssinian cat's lifespan is well over 15 years. Some of the conditions described above can be treated, but they must be detected early.
As with any other cat breed, Abyssinian cats have some genetic predispositions to specific health problems. Although you may not need to worry about them until much later in their life, it’s always a good idea to know what your pet is sensitive to.
Abyssinian cats are commonly prone to:
Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition that inflames the gums, causing discomfort. If it goes untreated, it may even lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. However, it can be prevented with a good oral care routine and can be treated with mouth rinses in mild cases.
Patellar luxation. Much like humans, cats can also suffer from luxations — in particular, Abyssinians are prone to patellar luxations. Patella refers to one of the components of the knee joint, which can, in cases of luxation, slip to one side of the leg. It can happen at any age, so it’s important to check as often as possible when going to a veterinarian’s appointment.
Hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia is a condition where a cat will have a lot of sensitivity in one particular area of their skin. Usually, this will lead to discomfort and distress, and your cat may react negatively to the touch on that area. Furthermore, they may even begin to chew and scratch the affected area, leading to self-mutilation.
Renal amyloidosis. Amyloids are a specific type of protein that can build up inside tissues and organs — a condition called amyloidosis. Abyssinian cats are more prone to it than other breeds, so make sure to be on the lookout for any signs in blood and urine tests.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency. Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme responsible for producing the energy that cells need to survive. Unfortunately, Abyssinians are genetically prone to developing a deficiency of these enzymes, which can cause anemia and sometimes be life-threatening.
However, don’t let this discourage you. The average Abyssinian cat's lifespan is well over 15 years. Some of the conditions described above can be treated, but they must be detected early.