Are Ocicat cats healthy?
Yes, Ocicat cats are generally healthy and robust. However, like all purebred cats, Ocicats are prone to certain genetic health issues. The conditions known in Ocicats include:
- Hereditary liver amyloidosis: Liver amyloidosis is a condition that causes hard, waxy lesions to accumulate in the liver. The build-up might cause blood in the abdomen and/or lead to eventual liver failure.
- 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.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency: This condition is characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK), which impairs the red blood cell’s ability to metabolize properly and leads to anemia. Affected cats might experience fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fast heartbeat.