Diseases
When you welcome a cat into your home, you hope to live with it for as long as possible.
The diseases a cat can catch will depend on its environment (whether it goes outside or not and whether it lives with other animals), its species, and its heredity.
That is why it is important to check that it is free from certain hereditary diseases that could shorten its lifespan.
In Bengal cats, two hereditary diseases are known and monitored:
HCM: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often referred to by the acronyms CMH or HCM. It involves a thickening of the heart walls that leads to cardiac arrest. This disease is hereditary, and there is no cure. The breeder's role is, of course, to help eliminate this disease by not breeding cats that develop these symptoms. To this end, annual screening via ultrasound is required for Bengals. PKDef: This condition involves an enzyme deficiency that leads to anemia and the cat's death. If a cat lacks PK, its metabolism suffers and red blood cells are destroyed (hemolysis), resulting in anemia. Clinical signs are those of non-specific anemia: fatigue, shortness of breath, pale mucous membranes, etc. This disease is hereditary; a cat is affected only if it carries two defective genes (k/k), whereas a cat with a single defective gene is a healthy carrier (n/k). Otherwise, the cat is considered "normal" (n/n). Genetic screening determines whether a cat is "normal" or a "healthy carrier." Furthermore, since the gene is hereditary, if both parents are n/n, the kittens will be n/n. All Kha'el Bengal cats are n/n.
PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a serious genetic eye disease in cats that leads to progressive vision loss and, ultimately, complete blindness. The disease affects the retina, a crucial part of the cat's visual system. A simple test can determine whether a cat is clear (non-carrier), a healthy carrier, or affected.
PKD: PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) is one of the most common diseases affecting cats' kidneys. Cysts form and grow within the organs, potentially leading to acute or chronic kidney failure, which can be fatal. In Bengals, this condition is monitored via annual ultrasound examinations.
There are also diseases that cats can contract (viral or bacterial):
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia):
Signs: fever, anorexia, depression, miscarriage, stillborn kittens, neurological disorders, etc.; leads to death in 90% of cases.
Treatment: an annual vaccine for all animals in the household.
Cat Flu (Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex/Coryza):
Signs: extremely varied, such as respiratory issues, eye problems, sometimes oral issues, nasal discharge, fever, etc. Detection is difficult because some viruses remain latent, and a cat can be a healthy carrier for a long time.
Treatment: an annual vaccine for all animals in the household.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):
Signs: By the time symptoms appear, it is too late; FIP kills within days or even hours. Most cats carry the virus without issue, and the exact trigger for the disease is unknown. Stress is thought to play a role in triggering the illness, and certain genetic lines may be more susceptible than others. Treatment: FIP itself cannot be screened for, though the coronavirus that causes it can be detected. The best way to prevent FIP is to avoid keeping too many coronavirus-positive cats together and to change litter boxes regularly to prevent transmission. A long and costly treatment is now available, and the results are very encouraging.
FIV:
Signs: A common disease that gradually weakens a cat's immune system, eventually leading to death. Treatment: A screening test exists, but there is no vaccine.
FeLV:
Signs: anemia, reproductive issues, cancer Treatment: annual vaccination and screening test Internal parasites (worms): Very common; must be eradicated upon diagnosis. Cats can contract worms through contact with other cats (sharing food bowls or litter boxes, mutual grooming) or through outdoor exposure (e.g., eating an infected mouse). Signs: diarrhea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset Treatment: fecal analysis to identify the type of worm, followed by deworming. No single dewormer covers every parasite, so preventive deworming should be performed several times a year.
External parasites (fleas/ringworm): Very common; must be eradicated upon diagnosis. Cats can contract parasites through contact with other cats or the outdoors, or via parasites brought in on shoes or clothing. Signs: scratching, sores, hairless patches
Treatment: monthly anti-flea treatment; specific treatment tailored to ringworm.
Note: Some parasites can be transmitted to humans!
Kha'el Bengal Cattery works with a designated veterinarian who regularly inspects our facilities and breeding program. As adults, our cats are examined by the veterinary practice at least once a year. Kittens are monitored more frequently and leave with a certificate of good health—issued by a veterinarian within the previous week—to ensure they are healthy.
