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Persian
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that has been found in Perisan cats. Cysts that are present from birth start to grow (between 3 and 10 year old cat) and eventually enlarge the kidney, reduce its function resulting in kidney failure. Reduced appetite, weight loss, and excessive urination are symptoms. An ultrasound can detect it. While there is no specific treatment, diet can help as well as other things—treatment of anemia, etc. -- that your vet can discuss with you. Beyond this disease, heart problems are common as well as uterine infections in females.
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Siamese
Breed related health conditions are rare in Siamese. Kittens require warm, dry places to avoid respiratory conditions.
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Maine Coon Cat
Genetic problems affect only a small minority of the breed but include a disease of the heart muscle (which can be detected by an ultrasound). Most breeders now screen for this. Hip dysplasia, kidney disease and gum disease are also possible but generally the breed is healthy.
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Ragdoll
No overall genetic health problems have been associated with this breed. However, with this breed—like all breeds of cats—certain “lines” of the breed can have some health risks.
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Abyssinian
Patellar luxation (loose knee joint) has been identified in the breed which can require surgical attention. Also PK deficiency (pyruvate kinase) can cause anemia (DNA test can identify). And, a very small percentage could have a rare type B blood (blood type should be tested before a blood transfusion). Gingivitis (inflamed gums) is also present in this breed as in other breeds.
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Burmese
There are two breed conditions—cherry eye (rare) and corneal dermoids—which is skin or hair attached to the cornea near the corner of the eye—which generally can be fixed surgically.
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Manx
This breed can have the Manx Syndrome which is the naturally occurring gene mutation of the spine that shortens the tail too much causing damage to the spinal cord and nerves which can cause spina bifida, and problems with the bowel, bladder and digestion. Collectively, these shorten the life span of the cat. Modern breeding practices have resulted in this condition being more rare.
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Siberian
There are no known breed-related health problems.
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Birman
There are no known breed-related health problems.
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Scottish Fold
Selection of a breeder is very important. If folded eared cats are bred with folded ear (vs. straight eared), they can develop a joint disease (congential osteodystrophy) that causes stiffening of the joints in the tail, legs, ankles and knees. It is painful and disabling but can generally be treated.
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Russian Blue
There are no known breed-related health problems.
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