Amyloidosis in Cats

Amyloidosis is a rare disease, sometimes inherited, that can cause unexpected death in an otherwise healthy cat. Proteins that cannot be broken down by the body (amyloids) travel through the blood and cause damage to the liver or kidneys. The disease, unfortunately, is fatal.

  1. Susceptibility

    • While any cat can develop amyloidosis, Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese are susceptible to a genetic form that affects the liver, and Abyssinians are susceptible to a form that causes kidney damage. These breeds make up most of the cases of amyloidosis.

    Age

    • When the disease is acquired genetically, it is typically diagnosed by age 5. Other cats tend to be about 7 years old when diagnosed.

    Symptoms

    • Kidney amyloidosis causes weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, and swelling of the legs, face or abdomen. Liver amyloidosis does not have obvious symptoms until a liver rupture causes sudden death or hemorrhaging. A cat with a liver rupture may sleep more than usual.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for amyloidosis. Once a cat is diagnosed, a veterinarian will prescribe measures to slow the progression of the disease and keep the cat comfortable; for example, administering intravenous fluids. Ultimately, humane euthanasia will be necessary.

    Prevention

    • The best way to keep amyloidosis at bay is not to breed cats that have shown signs of the disease. It is not possible to prevent the disease in a cat that has inherited it.