Common Diseases of Persian Cats

Breathing Difficulties

The modern Brachycephalic Persian cat has a large rounded skull and a shortened face and nose. This facial conformation makes the breed prone to breathing difficulties, skin and eye problems and birthing difficulties

Polycystic Kidney Disease

PKD affects the 36%-49% of adult Persian cats and causes kidney failure. Symptoms include excessive drinking and urination, reduced appetite, weight loss and depression.

Hypertrophic Cardio-myopathy - Faster Heart Rate

HCM is a heart disease that affects young to middle aged cats. It is characterized by a faster heart rate and congestion sounds in the lungs. The pulse also feels weak. The most symptom of HCM is pain, associated with blood clot formation in the aorta. HCM is treated with diuretics, such as frusemide, diltiazem, and nitroglycerine ointment. ACE inhibitors, can be beneficial, while some cats respond to essential fatty acid supplements and the antioxidants selenium and vitamin E.

Epiphora - Excessive Tearing

Epiphora is an abnormal overflow of tears down the face that results from either obstruction of tear drainage through the tear duct system or overproduction of tears that overwhelms the normal drainage system.

The cause of this excessive tearing may be due to chronic eye irritations or infections. The case can be treated with the use of antibiotics such as Tetracycline.

Feline Hyperesthesia - Sensitive Skin

Hyperesthesia means abnormal and extremely sensitive skin. It’s a condition in which the skin on a cat’s back ripples from the shoulders all the way to the tail.  Stress is the cause for Feline Hyperesthesia, which is a case similar to Psychogenic Alopecia. The treatment for feline hyperesthesia syndrome involves reducing stress on the cat using antidepressants or by simply separating the cat from its stressful environment. Enriching the cat's environment with toys, climbing equipment and providing a room with a view, may also help to relieve from this condition.