Himalayan Cat Diseases

The Himalayan cat is a cross breed between the Persian and Siamese families. They are usually registered as Persians, due to their fur and facial characteristics. Because of that lineage the Himalayan is vulnerable to many of the same diseases as Persians. Diseases can affect the face, the kidneys and the eyes, among other parts of the body.

  1. Tear Duct Overflow

    • This is one of the most common and noticeable diseases among Himalayan cats. In some cases, this is due to breeding in the Persian cat family, of which the Himalayan is part. Selective breeding has altered the anatomy of the tear ducts in some species, which causes a yellowing of the fur surrounding the eyes and a crusty appearance around the eye sockets. Daily cleaning, and even diet, can reduce the issue.

    Skin Fold Dermatitis

    • If your Himalayan suffers from tear duct overflow, watch for this disease. If the face becomes wet due to tear duct overflow, the folds of the face can become irritated. Keeping the face clean and dry can usually alleviate the problem.

    PKD 1

    • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD 1) is a genetic disorder that has spread through the Persian cat family, which is of concern to Himalayan owners. The gene pops up in Himalayans that have been through a breeding program, as 50 percent of offspring from a mother that carries the PKD 1 gene will get the disease. It is a late onset renal disease, but the cysts associated with PKD 1 manifest early in life. Eventually it results in kidney enlargement, dysfunction and eventually kidney failure.

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    • PRA is another disease that affects Persian, and by extension, Himalayan cats. This is another inherited disease that can cause blindness in the affected cat. This is the same sort of PRA that can affect humans and other mammals.

    Urinary Tract Stones

    • These are small calcium stones that can manifest in the bladder of Himalayans causing discomfort. There is a high occurrence of this in the Persian family. Small stones are usually passed in urine; larger ones require surgery, especially if the urinary path becomes completely blocked. Eighty percent of cats that suffer from this disease are overweight.