Do Ragdoll cats have genetic problems?

Ragdolls can carry a gene that leads to a form of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) that can lead to heart failure at an early age.

Are Ragdoll cats prone to any illnesses?

Ragdolls are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.

How common is PKD in Ragdolls?

one percent
The PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) is a disease not particulary prevelent in the Ragdoll (estimated at less than one percent).

Do Ragdolls get sick easily?

Like all cats, Ragdolls are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.

What should Ragdoll cats be tested for?

Genetic tests for cats of breed: Ragdoll

Test Common price
HCM in Ragdoll Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for Ragdoll cats. 45.00 $
PKD Polycystic kidney disease – persian and exotic Persian-outcrossed breeds are in the highest risk of feline PKD due to frequent inbreeding. 32.00 $

What is wrong with Ragdoll cats?

Ragdolls can be prone to gum diseases and should be examined regularly as some gum diseases can be potentially life-threatening. Their teeth should also be brushed frequently to prevent periodontitis, which can lead to kidney and heart problems. Dilated and restricted cardiomyopathy.

What is HCM in Ragdoll cats?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the commonest form of heart disease in cats and it is very common in the Ragdoll breed. With HCM the heart wall abnormally thickens (Liu et al 1981). This thickening causes multiple problems and at some stage prevents normal heart function. Heart failure develops.

Are Ragdolls prone to kidney disease?

The Ragdoll is one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide. According to several breeder websites, Ragdolls are predisposed for chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and chronic interstitial nephritis (CIN).

What is the life expectancy of a Ragdoll cat?

The lifespan range you may expect from a Ragdoll cat ranges anywhere from about 12 years up to 23 years of age. Cats living between 20-25 years of age is not unheard of.

What is the HCM gene in Ragdoll cats?

In Ragdolls, the condition is inherited due to breed specific mutations in the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). The Ragdoll HCM mutation, known as R820W, is a single base pair change in MYBPC3 that is thought to alter the shape and function of this essential protein for normal heart muscle development.

Is HCM in cats always genetic?

What causes HCM in cats? This is currently unknown in most cats although familial (hereditary) HCM has been observed in several breeds, such as the Maine Coon and American Shorthair. Anecdotal information suggests there is familial HCM in many other breeds.