10 Common Health Issues of Silver Bengal Cat

Let’s be honest; there are Silver Bengal Cat health problems despite their healthy reputation. Any breeder who claims their breed has no genetic or health issues is either lying or ignorant about the breed. Do not trust a breeder who does not provide a health guarantee for the kittens, claims that the species is entirely healthy and has no known issues, or reveals that the pet in question was separated from the rest of its family for their health.

Some Bengal cats can be troublesome, especially if you need to purchase them. These can lead to organ failure and endanger your cat’s life. This blog discusses ten common Silver Bengal cat health problems.

Health Issues of Silver Bengal Cat

1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy – PRA

It is a hereditary disorder that results in blindness by destroying the light-detecting cells of the retina. Around seven weeks after birth, the cells start to disappear, and over the following two years, the cat’s vision gradually deteriorates until it is severely impaired.

It is important to note that two carriers of this disease must not be bred together. It is crucial to be aware of the parents’ test results because this is a more recent test, and carriers have not yet been removed from many programmes. PRA is most common health issues of Silver Bengal Cat and also in other breeds as well.

Retinal dysplasia, another variation of this illness, manifests earlier in life while the patients are still kittens. It is possible to identify this as early as 2 months of age.

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease – FLUTD

The inflammation of the urinary bladder is a symptom of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), another disorder that doesn’t always have a known etiology. The condition is greatly influenced by stress, but other risk factors include an inactive lifestyle, obesity, advanced age, dehydration, and a history of chronic renal disease or surgeries on the urinary system.

Because of the discomfort caused by this illness, your cat may weep when urinating or lick their genital region. Additionally, if they start peeing outside the litter box, you’ll notice a lapse in their house training. Additionally, their urine will be black or red.

3. HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) – Bengal Cat Heart Problems

The thickening of the left ventricle’s wall, which results in scar tissue, is known as HCM. Silver Bengal Cats with severe HCM are at risk for developing cardiac failure, passing away abruptly, or getting a blood clot that will paralyze their back legs and cause intolerable pain.

For HCM, there is no quick DNA test. A cardiologist must ultrasound the heart to diagnose HCM in cats; however, finding a cardiologist who can perform this test can be challenging. It’s known as echocardiography. 

A healthy echocardiography performed on a young Bengal cat does not guarantee that it won’t get HCM later because Bengal cats typically do not acquire HCM until they are older.

Bengal cat heart problems may sound frightening, but they can be avoided with the help of routine checkups and regular exercising your cat. (Click here to learn how to exercise your Bengal cat)

4. Cataracts

One of the most common Bengal cat health problems; the lens of the eye becomes clouded due to a cataract. It causes blurry or lost eyesight, inhibiting light from focusing on the retina. This is common in cats with diabetes.

Cataracts occur more prevalent in dogs and humans, but unfortunately, it’s a problem that also affects the Bengal breed. These cataracts can usually be removed through surgical methods, but if they are not removed, they can directly affect the vision of your Bengal cat.

5. PK-Def

It is a genetic disorder that affects how well red blood cells can metabolize, leading to anemia and other blood-related problems. The signs of this anemia can be extreme lethargicness, weakness, weight loss, jaundice, and an enlarged abdomen.

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the stomach lining in cats; however, it often lasts for less than a day. There may be prolonged bouts, often a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.

This is partly because Bengal cats’ stomachs are quite delicate and prone to upset. Simple things like eating the incorrect meals or major conditions like kidney illness can cause inflammation. In either case, you should take your cat to the vet if its stomach is disturbed for more than 24 hours.

7. Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is primarily a hereditary condition brought on by physical anomalies in cats that commonly affect both of their rear legs. However, injury to the knee may be the culprit. Trauma is likely to cause abrupt onset, but it is hereditary if symptoms worsen. 

When the kneecap dislocates, shifting either inside or outside the trochlear groove, it results in this disorder. Unfortunately, arthritis might develop as a result of friction.

Patellar luxation may cause your Bengal cat difficulty jumping or attempting to avoid bearing weight on the affected leg.

8. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is most frequently associated with dogs but can also affect several cat breeds, including Bengals. The irregularity in the hip joints that gives rise to this condition leads the bones to grind against one another, causing lameness and gradual deterioration. Hip dysplasia often affects the back legs, making standing, walking, and sitting challenging.

9. Allergies

Many cats suffer from allergies, which are brought on by an immune system response to ingested foreign proteins. Common cat allergy symptoms include increased scratching, sneezing or wheezing, and eye discharge.

Fleas, food, and pollen are the most typical allergens that Bengal cats are sensitive to. There are also some flowers to which Bengal cats are allergic.

10. Kidney Disease

Bengal cats frequently acquire kidney illness, so as your cat ages, it’s crucial to watch out for symptoms. Some cats experience renal failure at a young age because of faulty kidney development at birth.

However, most of the time, kidney disease and, eventually, total renal failure are brought on by a poor diet and persistent dehydration. We’ve discussed the most common health issues of Silver Bengal Cat beside these, there’s other health issue in Bengal Cat. Exercise your Silver Bengal Cat regularly to keep your Bengal cat healthy. Here is we’ve a list of 9 Ways to Exercise Your silver Bengal Cat.

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