The primary Cornish Rex kitten was born in Cornwall, U.Okay., within the Fifties because of a genetic mutation.1 This breed is thought for its very tremendous, brief coat. Whereas Cornish Rex cats are usually wholesome, pet dad and mom should be conscious that they’ll develop well being points that will require veterinary consideration.
The ten Potential Cornish Rex Well being Points
In case you are contemplating including a Cornish Rex to your loved ones, please have in mind the next well being points that your new kitty could also be predisposed to.
1. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Illness (AD-PKD)
This genetic situation ends in the expansion of fluid-filled cysts on a cat’s kidneys. Felines born with this dysfunction develop a number of cysts over time, which might result in kidney harm. Nonetheless, not all cats might exhibit indicators. Sadly, there isn’t any remedy for AD-PKD, however correct administration by your veterinarian will help.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This inherited situation causes the degeneration of the retina, finally resulting in blindness inside 3–4 years after the indicators seem. There is no such thing as a remedy for this dysfunction.
3. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Thickening of the center muscle makes it troublesome for the center to pump blood successfully. This illness could also be inherited, or it may well develop secondarily to a different illness, corresponding to hyperthyroidism.
4. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI)
Many home cats have kind A blood, however Cornish Rex cats most frequently have kind B blood. NI occurs when a kind B mom provides beginning to a kind A kitten or vice versa, and the kitten ingests the completely different blood kind’s colostrum from the mom. When this happens, the antibodies which can be often useful begin attacking the kitten’s pink blood cells. Affected kittens sometimes die inside a couple of days.
5. Vitamin-Okay-Dependent Coagulopathy
Cornish Rex cats might endure from a genetic dysfunction that impacts their blood-clotting means. This situation is because of a deficiency of an enzyme that helps soak up vitamin Okay, an important part of the clotting course of. Because of this, affected cats might have extended bleeding and be extra vulnerable to bruising.
6. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Cornish Rex cats appear to be extra in danger for growing this illness than different cats. This virus damages blood vessels, which might trigger fluid to construct up within the stomach or chest. Sadly, there isn’t any remedy for FIP, and the illness is usually deadly.
7. Deafness
Sure genetic traces of Cornish Rex (C-rex bloodline) could also be vulnerable to deafness.
8. Patellar luxation
This happens when the kneecap pops misplaced. Cornish Rex cats are at a better danger than different cats.
9. Pores and skin Points
Because of their tremendous and brief coat, Cornish Rex cats could also be vulnerable to pores and skin issues, corresponding to yeast infections, itchiness (urticaria pigmentosa), thinning or balding coat (hypotrichosis), and sunburn, in the event that they’re not adequately protected against the solar.
10. Dystocia
Cornish Rex cats might have problem giving beginning to kittens. Their litters might should be delivered by C-section. This breed carries a better danger of demise for each the mom and her kittens than with different breeds of cats.
Conclusion
The Cornish Rex is a playful and clever cat that makes a fantastic companion. Whereas this breed is comparatively wholesome, there are specific related well being points that you have to be conscious of. All the time do your analysis, be taught as a lot concerning the breed as attainable, and schedule common veterinary exams to detect issues early and to maintain your cat as wholesome as attainable.
Featured Picture Credit score: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
