【Veterinarian Explains】What are the Diseases American Shorthairs are Prone to? Diabetes, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Polycystic Kidney Disease, and More

American Shorthairs are known for being easy to care for, even for first-time cat owners, due to their charming appearance and gentle personalities. They have round faces and muscular, sturdy bodies. While American Shorthairs are easy to care for, they are also prone to obesity. Additionally, they are susceptible to diseases of the heart and kidneys, among others.

This article will explain the common diseases that American Shorthairs are prone to.

History and Characteristics of the American Shorthair

The ancestors of the American Shorthair are directly descended from the British Shorthair, which originated in England. In the 17th century, they traveled on immigrant ships from England to America as mousers, and were established as the "American Shorthair" breed in America. Because they were brought over as mousers, they are skilled hunters and very athletic cats. Due to their hearty appetites, they are also prone to gaining weight.

Common Diseases and Prevention Methods for American Shorthairs

Diseases that American Shorthairs are prone to include those related to obesity and those related to genetics. Obesity-related diseases include diabetes, joint disease, and heart disease. Genetically related diseases include polycystic kidney disease.

Diabetes

American Shorthairs are a cat breed that tends to accumulate fat and is prone to obesity. Obesity is considered one of the causes of diabetes, and American Shorthairs are a breed susceptible to diabetes. When obese, the body becomes more prone to inflammation, which attacks the pancreas that secretes insulin to lower blood sugar. This can lead to a lack of insulin secretion and high blood sugar levels. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, and increased appetite, but if high blood sugar persists, the cat will gradually lose weight and may experience vomiting and lethargy.

If diabetes is diagnosed, blood sugar levels are controlled with insulin injections and other treatments. Dietary therapy and weight loss are also implemented. In some cases of feline diabetes, recovery is possible.

To prevent diabetes, it is important not to let your cat become excessively overweight. Limit food portions and avoid giving food even if the cat begs for it. Since they are an athletic breed, encouraging plenty of exercise is also beneficial.

Joint Disease

Obesity places a greater strain on joints. Increased strain on joints can lead to arthritis. When a cat has arthritis, they tend to be less active and remain still due to pain. They may also be reluctant to jump and stop climbing cat trees. When they do jump, they might appear hesitant.

Treatment for joint disease primarily involves symptomatic relief of pain. Weight loss is also undertaken. It will also be necessary to review the home environment, reducing elevated surfaces or adding ramps.

Since arthritis is also related to obesity, it is important to prevent your cat from becoming overweight.

Heart Disease

American Shorthairs are a breed prone to heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Obesity puts a greater strain on the heart, making heart disease more likely to develop. In cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there is a risk of onset even without obesity.

Cats with heart disease become less active and tend to remain still. They may also breathe with an open mouth when they move, which is a very dangerous sign in cats. As heart disease worsens, fluid accumulates in the lungs or abdomen, leading to severe distress. It is also a disease frequently associated with sudden death. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, blood clots can form in the heart, and if a clot blocks an artery, blood flow beyond that point becomes difficult. This often occurs in the blood vessels of the hind limbs, leading to symptoms such as dragging of the hind limbs, purplish paw pads, cold hind limbs, and pain when touched.

Most heart diseases are treated medically with oral medications or injections. If a blood clot occurs, treatment to dissolve the clot is administered as quickly as possible. Many cats with heart disease are in critical condition, so hospitalization in an oxygen cage is common. Many cats that present with heart disease are often in a very dangerous state and may not survive. Treatment is lifelong, and regular veterinary visits, examinations, and medication can be very costly.

Heart disease, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves factors other than obesity, so weight loss alone may not prevent it. It is important to remember that American Shorthairs are a breed prone to heart disease. Also, if symptoms suggestive of heart disease appear, it is often an emergency. Make sure to get regular health check-ups and visit the vet if anything seems unusual.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) involves the formation of fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys, ultimately leading to chronic kidney disease with loss of kidney function. While commonly seen in Persian cats, it is a hereditary disease that also frequently affects American Shorthairs and Scottish Folds. If either parent cat has an abnormal gene, there is a 50% chance it will be passed on to the kittens.

Cysts often begin to form from a young age, and cats with polycystic kidney disease are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease at an early age. In the initial stages, there are no symptoms, and it may be discovered incidentally during a health check-up. As the disease progresses, symptoms of chronic kidney disease appear, such as increased thirst and urination, dilute urine, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

There is no established cure for polycystic kidney disease, and treatment is the same as for other kidney diseases. It is a progressive disease that does not heal. Once kidney disease develops, dietary therapy, oral medications like antihypertensives, and regular subcutaneous fluid therapy become necessary. Treatment is lifelong, and regular veterinary visits, examinations, and medication can be very costly.

Since polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition, it cannot be prevented. It is important to have regular health check-ups and visit the vet immediately if any abnormalities are observed.

Summary

American Shorthairs are very easy cats to care for. They love to play, so they will likely enjoy lots of playtime with their owners. They also love to eat, and many American Shorthairs are on the plump side.

Just like in humans, obesity in cats is a source of serious illness. It is important to control their diet to prevent them from becoming overweight. Additionally, since they are a breed prone to heart and kidney problems, regular check-ups and immediate veterinary attention if anything seems unusual are crucial.