【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 a great breed for first-time cat owners due to their cute appearance and gentle temperament. They have a round face and a sturdy, muscular build. While they are easy to keep, American Shorthairs are also prone to obesity. Furthermore, they are susceptible to heart and kidney diseases.

In this article, we will discuss the health conditions to which American Shorthairs are prone.

History and Characteristics of the American Shorthair

The ancestor of the American Shorthair is said to be directly descended from the British Shorthair, which originated in the UK. In the 17th century, they traveled on ships with immigrants from the UK to America as mousers, and eventually established themselves as the "American Shorthair" breed in the United States. Brought over as mousers, they are skilled at hunting and are cats with very high athletic ability. Because of their hearty appetites, they are also prone to weight gain.

Health Conditions and Preventive Measures for American Shorthairs

The health issues to which American Shorthairs are prone are either related to obesity or genetics. Obesity-related conditions include diabetes, joint disease, and heart disease. The genetically linked condition is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Diabetes

American Shorthairs tend to store body fat and are a breed prone to obesity. Obesity is considered one of the causes of diabetes, and American Shorthairs are susceptible to the disease. Obesity can lead to inflammation in the body, which attacks the pancreas that produces insulin to lower blood sugar levels, eventually preventing the secretion of insulin and causing high blood sugar. Symptoms include excessive drinking, excessive urination, and overeating, but as high blood sugar persists, the cat may gradually lose weight and exhibit symptoms such as vomiting and lethargy.

When a cat develops diabetes, blood sugar levels are controlled with insulin injections. Dietary therapy and weight management are also implemented. In the case of feline diabetes, there is a possibility of remission.

To prevent diabetes, it is important not to let your cat become overweight. Limit the amount of food you provide, and try not to give in even if they ask for more. Since they are an active breed, encouraging plenty of play and exercise is also recommended.

Joint Disease

Obesity places increased strain on the joints, which can lead to arthritis. Once a cat develops arthritis, they may prefer to remain still due to pain. They may also avoid jumping and stop climbing cat towers. You might even notice hesitation when they attempt to jump.

Treatment for joint disease is primarily symptomatic to relieve pain. Weight management is also required. You may need to review your home environment, such as minimizing steps or adding ramps.

Since arthritis is also linked to obesity, it is crucial to prevent your cat from gaining too much weight.

Heart Disease

American Shorthairs are a breed prone to heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Obesity increases the load on the heart, making heart disease more likely to occur. In the case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there is a risk of onset even without obesity.

Cats with heart disease tend to move less and stay still more often. They may also exhibit open-mouth breathing when they move; this is a very dangerous sign in cats. As heart disease worsens, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and abdomen, causing severe distress. This disease is also often associated with sudden death. With hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, blood clots can form inside the heart; if a clot lodges in an artery, it restricts blood flow. This often happens in the hind limb arteries, leading to symptoms such as dragging the hind legs, purple paw pads, cold hind legs, or signs of pain when touched.

Most heart disease in cats is treated medically with oral medication or injections. If a thrombus (blood clot) occurs, treatment to dissolve it is performed as quickly as possible. Because many cats with heart disease are in great distress, hospitalization with oxygen therapy is usually necessary. Many cats brought in for heart disease are in critical condition, and the risk of death is significant. Since treatment is lifelong, the costs for regular visits, testing, and medication can be extremely high.

In the case of heart disease, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, other factors besides obesity are involved, so weight loss does not guarantee prevention. It is important to keep in mind that the American Shorthair is a breed susceptible to heart disease. Furthermore, symptoms suggesting heart disease are often emergencies. Be sure to have your cat receive regular health checkups and visit a veterinary clinic if they seem different than usual.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic Kidney Disease involves the development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, eventually leading to chronic kidney disease as kidney function is lost. While commonly seen in Persian-type cats, it is also a hereditary disease that occurs frequently in American Shorthairs and Scottish Folds. If either parent carries the abnormal gene, there is said to be a 50% chance of passing it on to the kitten.

Cysts often begin to form from a young age, so cats with PKD are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease early in life. There are no symptoms in the early stages, and the condition is sometimes discovered incidentally during routine health checks. As it progresses, symptoms of chronic kidney disease emerge, including excessive drinking and urination, dilute urine, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

There is no established cure for PKD; treatment is the same as for general kidney disease. It is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. Once kidney disease sets in, lifelong management including dietary therapy, oral medications like antihypertensives, and regular subcutaneous fluid therapy is required. As treatment is lifelong, the costs for regular visits, testing, and medication can be expected to be very high.

Because Polycystic Kidney Disease is a hereditary condition, it cannot be prevented. Ensure your cat undergoes regular health checkups and consult a veterinary clinic immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Summary

The American Shorthair is a very easy breed to care for. They love to play, so they will surely enjoy spending plenty of time with you. They also love to eat, and many American Shorthairs tend to be a bit chubby.

Just like humans, obesity is the root of many serious health issues in cats. It is important to control their diet to prevent excessive weight gain. Also, because they are prone to heart and kidney issues, ensure they receive regular health checkups and consult a veterinarian if they seem at all off.