What diseases are tabby cats prone to?
Tabby cats can be diagnosed with the same common health issues that affect all cats, including:
- Obesity: Tabby cats are at risk of becoming overweight or obese, increasing their risk of developing diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Keep their weight in check by measuring food portions, limiting treats, and encouraging exercise through active play.
- Hyperthyroidism: This common endocrine disease leads to excess levels of hormones in the thyroid glands, causing tabby cats to have increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, hyperactivity, frequent urination, vomiting, and rapid heart rate. Medication is often enough to control hyperthyroidism, which is commonly diagnosed in middle age, but surgery is sometimes needed.
It’s important to remember that just because a cat might have an increased risk for certain health conditions doesn’t mean they will develop them. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.