Are Burmese cats healthy?
Yes, Burmese cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in Burmese cats include:
- Eye issues: Some Burmese cats might experience eye problems, including conjunctivitis, corneal dermoids, glaucoma, or corneal ulcers.
- Respiratory problems: Some Burmese cats are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat facial structure, which can affect airflow.
- Congenital craniofacial defects: A group of conditions that affect the shape and structure of the skull and face, including brachycephaly, cleft palate, cleft lip, and midline defects (a range of defects that occur along the midline of the face and skull).
- Dental issues: Burmese cats are prone to dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, so regular dental care is important.
- Obesity: Burmese can gain too much weight if diet and exercise are not managed properly.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is a common heart disease in cats where the heart muscle thickens, reducing the heart’s efficiency and potentially leading to heart failure or sudden death. Symptoms can include lethargy, rapid breathing, and coughing. While there is no cure, medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.