The primary Cornish Rex kitten was born in Cornwall, U.Ok., within the Fifties attributable to a genetic mutation.1 This breed is understood for its very high quality, brief coat. Whereas Cornish Rex cats are usually wholesome, pet mother and father should be conscious that they’ll develop well being points that will require veterinary consideration.
The ten Potential Cornish Rex Well being Points
If you’re contemplating including a Cornish Rex to your loved ones, please remember the next well being points that your new kitty could also be predisposed to.
1. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Illness (AD-PKD)
This genetic situation leads to the expansion of fluid-filled cysts on a cat’s kidneys. Felines born with this dysfunction develop a number of cysts over time, which may result in kidney harm. Nevertheless, not all cats could exhibit indicators. Sadly, there isn’t a treatment for AD-PKD, however correct administration by your veterinarian can assist.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This inherited situation causes the degeneration of the retina, ultimately resulting in blindness inside 3–4 years after the indicators seem. There isn’t a treatment for this dysfunction.
3. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Thickening of the guts muscle makes it tough for the guts to pump blood successfully. This illness could also be inherited, or it might develop secondarily to a different illness, reminiscent of hyperthyroidism.
4. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI)
Many home cats have sort A blood, however Cornish Rex cats most frequently have sort B blood. NI occurs when a kind B mom offers beginning to a kind A kitten or vice versa, and the kitten ingests the totally different blood sort’s colostrum from the mom. When this happens, the antibodies which might be often useful begin attacking the kitten’s crimson blood cells. Affected kittens sometimes die inside just a few days.
5. Vitamin-Ok-Dependent Coagulopathy
Cornish Rex cats could undergo from a genetic dysfunction that impacts their blood-clotting skill. This situation is because of a deficiency of an enzyme that helps take in vitamin Ok, an important element of the clotting course of. In consequence, affected cats could have extended bleeding and be extra prone to bruising.
6. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Cornish Rex cats appear to be extra in danger for growing this illness than different cats. This virus damages blood vessels, which may trigger fluid to construct up within the stomach or chest. Sadly, there isn’t a therapy for FIP, and the illness is usually deadly.
7. Deafness
Sure genetic traces of Cornish Rex (C-rex bloodline) could also be prone to deafness.
8. Patellar luxation
This happens when the kneecap pops misplaced. Cornish Rex cats are at the next danger than different cats.
9. Pores and skin Points
As a result of their high quality and brief coat, Cornish Rex cats could also be prone to pores and skin issues, reminiscent of yeast infections, itchiness (urticaria pigmentosa), thinning or balding coat (hypotrichosis), and sunburn, in the event that they’re not adequately protected against the solar.
10. Dystocia
Cornish Rex cats could have issue giving beginning to kittens. Their litters could should be delivered by C-section. This breed carries the next danger of demise for each the mom and her kittens than with different breeds of cats.
Conclusion
The Cornish Rex is a playful and clever cat that makes an awesome companion. Whereas this breed is comparatively wholesome, there are particular related well being points that you need to be conscious of. At all times do your analysis, study as a lot concerning the breed as doable, and schedule common veterinary exams to detect issues early and to maintain your cat as wholesome as doable.
Featured Picture Credit score: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
