If you own a Bengal cat, you should know about the common health problems that your cat can have. Here are the causes, symptoms, and prevention of these problems. You should also be aware of the different health conditions that your Bengal could face. If you have a Bengal, it’s important to understand and treat them before they cause any damage. Breeders do not screen their Bengals for progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness. This disease is especially prevalent in young Bengals, and breeders usually won’t cover the disease in their health guarantee. Another common Bengal health problem is cataracts, which can be treated by your veterinarian.
Common health problems in Bengal cats
Although most cats are resistant to common diseases and conditions, Bengals are prone to hereditary problems. Cats may be genetically predisposed to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes vision loss. Cats with the PRA-b gene may be bred for the presence of the disease, which is curable through surgery. Some cats, however, are prone to cataracts, and opacity of the lens of the eye. Although most Bengal cats are not affected by cataracts, they can develop them at any age, and this can lead to blindness.
Inflammatory bowel disease is another common problem in Bengal cats. Symptoms of gastritis include loss of appetite and vomiting. A high-fat diet can cause allergic reactions in Bengal cats, including gastritis. Allergies can also cause severe itching and a generalized rash. Aside from respiratory problems, Bengal cats may also suffer from kidney disease, which can lead to serious complications, such as congestive heart failure.
Another common condition in Bengals is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This condition is caused by the abnormally thick heart muscle and is a hereditary disorder. While researchers are not yet able to pinpoint the gene mutation responsible for the disease, it is still recommended that breeding stock be screened annually for heart murmurs. An echocardiogram and radiographs can help detect HCM in Bengal cats. This is an important condition to be aware of, as it can lead to serious problems in the cat’s life.
Luxating patellas is another common health problem in Bengal cats. The patella tends to pop out of the trochlear groove, and it can result in sudden or prolonged lameness. Eventually, the condition can progress to degenerative arthritis. Treatment for luxating patellas may vary from medication to surgery. However, the condition should not be ignored if your Bengal is overweight. For more detailed information, consult a veterinarian.
Another common problem in Bengals is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cats with this condition require an echocardiogram to diagnose. Breeders should know whether their cats have tested negative for diseases before breeding. If they have, breeders should include these reports with the health guarantee for their cats. If they have not, you should avoid acquiring them. This way, you can ensure that your Bengal’s health is not affected by a hereditary condition.
Symptoms
A Bengal cat’s sensitive heart is susceptible to a variety of different health problems, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common of these conditions. While many experts believe that HCM is genetic, there are other risk factors, including hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and a lack of taurine. If you suspect your Bengal cat is suffering from HCM, you should seek immediate medical attention.
While many cats exhibit no signs of cataracts, Bengals can develop the condition if they are exposed to sunlight for extended periods. A cat with cataracts can become blind over time. Although the condition may be painful for owners, it does not affect the cat’s lifespan and can be successfully treated with surgery. Cataracts are inherited, but can also be caused by another illness. Cataracts can also be a symptom of another health issue, such as progressive retinal atrophy.
In addition to being incredibly intelligent, Bengals need mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy. The cat is also known for its vocalization, making it essential to provide a high vantage point for its entertainment. A cat tree will give your Bengal the extra height it needs to keep itself entertained. Hip dysplasia, a condition that causes abnormality in the hip joints, can also affect your cat’s ability to walk.
FeLV is a deadly disease for Bengal cats that can be contracted from another Bengal. It spreads through secretions from a cat’s mouth, nose, and eyes. It can also be transmitted through feces and urine. Once it is infective, FeLV will not show any symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Bengal cat, contact a vet immediately. In some cases, FeLV can be fatal for your Bengal.
Among other common ailments, Bengals are also prone to patellar luxation, a condition that affects the kneecap. A cat with patellar luxation may limp when it pops out of its groove. This can cause difficulty running, jumping, or putting weight on the affected leg. Treatments for this condition range from medication to surgery and may require surgery. If the condition becomes chronic, your cat may also develop arthritis.
Causes
Several common health problems plague Bengal cats. These heart problems include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. The causes of these diseases are not well understood, but they are both characterized by abnormal thickening of the left ventricle. The severity of hypertrophy can vary, but both can lead to serious and even fatal symptoms. It is very important to regularly check your Bengal to ensure its overall health.
Myopia is a condition whereby a Bengal cat cannot focus properly. The condition is a result of a clouding of the retina, the membrane lining of the eyeball that receives light and converts it into neural signals. Cataracts are often secondary to another health problem. Inflammation of the eye (uveitis) is one of the most common causes of cataracts. Cataracts are also hereditary, and some Bengal populations are more susceptible than others.
Luxating patellas are a common cause of lameness in Bengal cats. This condition is inherited and can result in sudden or prolonged lameness. If left untreated, luxating patellas can lead to degenerative arthritis. While it’s usually curable, surgery may be necessary. Cats suffering from this condition can lead to life-threatening complications. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as reducing the cat’s weight, but surgery is usually required.
Other health issues that affect Bengal cats include kidney disease. Though most people are familiar with hip dysplasia in dogs, Bengal cats can also suffer from it. This condition results in progressive damage to the hip joints. Cats with this disease are often lame, and it can lead to kidney failure in severe cases. Although a kidney transplant is not an option for every Bengal cat, it may give your feline friend an extra two years of life.
Dental disease is another common problem that affects cats. While most cats don’t take good care of their teeth, Bengal cats are no exception. Food residues can accumulate on the visible parts of the teeth and eventually infect the tooth roots. By cleaning your cat’s teeth and brushing their teeth regularly, you can delay advanced treatments. In addition, proper diet and exercise are essential to the overall health of your Bengal cat.
Prevention
The following are some tips for preventing the most common health problems of Bengal cats. Most Bengal cats suffer from kidney disease, but this is not the only health problem these cats can face. Chronic dehydration, poor diet, and parasites can all cause kidney disease. If you notice symptoms of kidney disease, contact a veterinarian immediately. Treatment for this condition may include a kidney transplant, but this is the last resort. Treatment for this condition may only provide your Bengal with an extra two years of life.
For example, Bengal cats are vulnerable to hereditary progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) disease. This condition can lead to total blindness in severely affected cats. There is currently no cure for this disease, so responsible breeders should be sure to check their breeding cats for this condition before allowing their kittens to breed. A cat with this disease may also show clinical symptoms at a young age, but owners may not realize that the condition affects them until they’ve already begun noticing the effects of the loss of vision.
In addition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Bengal cats can develop heart disease, which requires an echocardiogram scan to diagnose. The best way to avoid these health problems is to choose a reputable breeder and ensure they have a history of testing their cats for diseases and parasites. If you’re not sure whether to adopt a Bengal, contact a veterinarian right away. While many Bengal cats lead healthy lives, a few problems can cause severe misery.
Another health problem common in Bengal cats is luxating patellas, a condition in which the kneecap pops out of the trochlear groove. This causes pain and lameness and may progress into degenerative arthritis. Treatment for luxating patellas depends on the severity of the condition but usually involves medication or surgery. The symptoms can occur suddenly, or develop slowly over time. If the problem is not caught early, it may result in permanent damage to your Bengal’s health.
In addition to these common health problems, Bengals enjoy human company and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. If you don’t have human companions to play with, you may want to consider adopting more than one Bengal. This can help avoid any possible problems with your Bengal cat’s mental health. A healthy Bengal can also enjoy the company of children and dogs. A healthy Bengal will play with you and snuggle up on your sofa when you’re done playing with it.
