Are Sphynx cats healthy?
Sphynx cats are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to specific health issues.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): HCM is an abnormal thickening of the heart’s left ventricle that leads to improper blood flow. It is the most common cause of heart disease in cats and can result in sudden death.
- Hereditary myopathy: Hereditary myopathy is a rare inherited disease that affects muscle function and can cause tremors, problems with chewing, muscle weakness, and collapse. Symptoms come and go, and many cats live a normal life with the disease, though there is the potential for sudden death from asphyxiation.
- Others: Urticaria pigmentosa, an itchy skin condition that causes red and brown discolorations on the body; and periodontal disease, a gum infection that can cause teeth erosion and gum damage.