Are Bengal cats healthy?
Yes, Bengal cats can be healthy when provided with the proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. Like any breed, they may be prone to specific health issues, including:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the heart’s left ventricle, which leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): PKD is an inherited condition that causes cysts in the kidneys.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness or cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision.
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint grows abnormally. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another so that they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.
- Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many cats lead normal lives without treatment.