Like humans, cats can suffer from various genetic diseases, many of which are surprisingly common. Genetic diseases can affect any organ or tissue in the feline body, including the eyes, the heart and the immune system.
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Food Allergies
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Food allergies are among the most common genetic diseases affecting cats. Symptoms of food allergies include itchy skin, hair loss and excessive scratching.
Diabetes
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Feline diabetes is a condition that can occur due to genetics or due to environmental factors. Among the symptoms of feline diabetes are increased thirst and appetite.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
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In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the tissues of the left ventricle of the heart thicken. This is one of the most common genetic diseases affecting the feline heart.
Polydactyly
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Polydactyly is a condition in which the cat has six toes on one paw, or more than 18 toes in total. Fortunately, polydacyly does not seem to have any major effects on feline health.
Other Genetic Diseases
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Other less common genetic diseases in cats include cataracts, asthma, cleft palate abnormalities, atopy and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
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