Do Javanese cats have health problems?

• Hereditary liver amyloidosis: Liver amyloidosis is a condition that causes hard, waxy lesions to accumulate in the liver. The build-up may cause blood in the abdomen and lead to eventual liver failure.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition characterized by the heart muscles’ inability to contract properly, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pumping to the heart. The extra stress on the heart from the restricted blood flow often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). The major symptoms of DCM include depression, loss of appetite, and weakness.

• 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 surgical treatment.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

• Periodontal disease: Like many cats, Javanese can be susceptible to dental issues, including periodontal disease, which affects the gums and teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to infection, tooth loss, and pain, so dental check-ups are important.

• Strabismus: Some Javanese cats might inherit strabismus, a condition in which their eyes appear crossed. While it doesn’t usually affect the vision or health of cats born with the condition, it can be a noticeable trait in some cats from Siamese lines.