Most popular among the breeds of cats that are more inclined to spend most of their time indoors are the Persian cats with beautiful fur coats and friendly personalities. Basketball players, too, have different features that technically set them apart from other people, which has helped them develop different health problems. Being an indoor cat breed, they are protected from various environmental conditions. Persian cats are associated with special health conditions, many of which have a hereditary, morphological, and behavioural basis, mostly because of their passive nature. Knowing these typical problems will assist owners of different indoor Persian cats in keeping their pets in good health.
Respiratory Issues
A noteworthy health concern typical for Persian cats is a respiratory disorder, especially due to their flat face. Those rather distinctive features define their face or give them airway issues. The nasal passages are somewhat curled up, and so they find it difficult to breathe, especially when it is warm or when they are very active. Chronic disorders developed due to Brachycephalic airway syndrome are noisy breathing, snoring and frequent respiratory tract infections.
However, owners should ensure that their Persian cats are kept in a cool, stress-free environment to reduce their effort to breathe. Some cats may require surgery to have their airways widened if the case is severe enough for them to breathe well.
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic Persians are also inclined to some eye diseases once more. For one, they have large round eyes that are more exposed and, therefore, are very likely to be injured or develop some diseases. The most frequently reported syndrome in Persian cats is the overflow of the tear ducts that always causes tearing and leaves unpleasant stains around the cat’s eyes. This condition may cause discomfort and lead to infections if not controlled adequately.
Besides tear duct issues, another disease to which Persian is susceptible is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes vision loss in due course. Eye cleaning and tripping to the vet for check-ups should be done often to catch these early.
Dental Disease
Another disease typical for indoor cats, such as Persians, is dental problems. Most of them have a flat smile; hence, their teeth appear close together, and this causes the accumulation of plaque and tartar. If this buildup is allowed to accumulate, it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and potentially tooth loss if not treated.
There are several things a cat owner can do to prevent dental problems; these include brushing the cat’s teeth or providing him with toothpaste and biscuits or toys that clean his teeth. Moreover, regular cleanings by a veterinarian are advised to have a healthy mouth and to avoid problems associated with dental diseases.
Obesity
Being indoor cats, Persians are normally more sedentary and, therefore, more likely to become obese. Most indoor cats do not get enough exercise to prevent weight gain, especially if they are denied the freedom to go out for play. They are also prone to the side effects of obesity as they can worsen other diseases, including arthritis, diabetes and heart ailments.
Persian cat owners can also maintain a healthy weight by feeding it the right portion size, avoiding the temptation to spoil their pets with human food and ensuring they are playful or have a physical activity such as a cat tree or toys. Some of the ways of controlling obesity include portion control and feeding cats high-quality cat food that is rich in nutrients.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease which affects many Persian cats. It leads to the formation of benign cysts within the kidney, negatively affecting renal function in the long run. However, the more common clinical signs of PKD appear as the disease progresses and are manifested in increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and tiredness in cats. Sadly, up to now, PKD has no cure. However, patients can get a diagnosis through genetic screening so that the progression of the disease can be controlled.
Specifically, veterinarians may suggest providing a special diet and medications that can lessen instances of kidney failure and, at the same time, increase the cat’s quality of life. The kidney function of the cats diagnosed with PKD should also be closely monitored, and the tests should be more frequent to check on the damage.
FLUTD is an umbrella term for various diseases
Flame urinary tract disease or FLUTD refers to several diseases affecting a feline’s lower urinary tract, such as indoor cats and Persians. These conditions include urinary tract infections, bladder stones and urethral obstruction. Some signs that indicate your cat has FLUTD may include difficulty urinating, frequent visits to the litter box and blood in urine. Some of the causes of FLUTD include stress, dehydration and diet.
Minimizing stress in Persians, paying particular attention to their drinking water, and feeding them healthy food that will not aggravate FLUTD are the ways that can be taken to reduce the risk posed by the disease. If a urinary obstruction happens, it becomes an emergency, requiring the veterinarian’s intervention.
Skin and Coat Issues
Persians have long, sensual hair coats that require consistent grooming of the body and fur to avoid the formation of layers in coats and skin ailments. If they fail to groom them, they develop tangled hair, which causes skin problems, bacterial and fungal infections, hot spots, and general discomfort. Also, Persians are known to be affected by seborrhea, which causes them to develop scaly skin and excessive oiliness. An important aspect to consider is grooming; the animals need to have their fur brushed often, while baths should also occasionally be given.
Also, Persians are susceptible to some fungal diseases, including ringworm, which are known to spread rapidly in indoor areas. Owners must thus look for any signs of hair loss or skin lesions, requiring one to consult the vet.
Heart Disease
Thus, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM is one of the most widespread diseases of the heart in Persian cats. This disease leads to the thickening of the heart walls, thus reducing the ability of the heart to pump blood. The symptoms of HCM vary across different cats; while some cats are asymptomatic, some may cough, get tired or even fall suddenly. Some signs of HCM have been known to appear in dogs and veterinary evaluations; heart ultrasounds, in particular, can spot HCM before it worsens.
Currently, there is no cure for HCM, but anti-arrhythmic drugs can be recommended for cats to enhance their quality of life. As was highlighted earlier, early diagnosis is important in avoiding disease complications.
Conclusion
It is one of the favored breeds of Persian cats, but their special physical features and the tendency to spend most of their time indoors expose them to numerous illnesses. For instance, Persians are genetically predisposed to pneumonia, kidney ailments, and dental problems. Thus, owners must ensure their pet is given their preventive healthcare needs, eating a balanced diet and grooming them properly. Knowing these prevalent diseases will also pave the way for Persian cats to be kept healthy and comfortable indoors, which will help them live long and with much comfort.
