Are American Wirehair cats healthy?
Yes, American Wirehair cats are healthy. But they are prone to some of the same disorders as their forebear, the American Shorthair, including:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the left ventricle of the heart that leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): PKD is an inherited condition that causes cysts in the kidneys, leads to enlarged kidneys, and may result in renal failure. There is a genetic test available to pinpoint this disease.
- Hip dysplasia: American Wirehairs can suffer from hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint grows abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.