Health info
HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), is the most common form of heart disease in cats, both purebred and domestic. It is inherited from the cats parents.
HCM affects the heart muscle, causing the muscle to become thickened, resulting in an inability to pump blood normally through the heart. In most cases, the left side of the heart is the most severely affected, leading to left-sided heart failure.
In Ragdolls, most cases of HCM are inherited from the parents and caused by a gene mutation(s).
A reliable HCM test for the specific MyBPC3R mutation is available (since (2007) to ensure that breeding cats are not carrying this mutation.
If the parents are free of any mutations, (for known mutations), then the kittens will be free of HCM as well (for known mutations), as well. Reputable breeders will not breed from any cat that has HCM.
A “clear” result means that the cat does not have the specific mutation that has been found to be associated with HCM. As the test does not detect other causes of HCM, a “clear” result does not mean the cat will never develop HCM.
While there may be other mutations found in Ragdolls at some future date, none have yet been found.
NOTE: Though the inherited heart disease caused by the gene mutation is the most common cause of HCM in Ragdolls, there are other causes as well. For instance, hyperthyroidism has been implicated in causing toxic changes within the heart that may cause cardiomyopathy. (Some cardiologists argue that these cases are not accurately referred to as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but the symptoms are still similar.)
An echo-cardiogram is an ultrasonographic evaluation of your cat’s heart and allows direct visualization of the heart muscle and individual chambers of your cat’s heart. A cardiologist can measure the muscle thickness and determine whether your cat’s heart is pumping blood through its various chambers effectively and efficiently.
It is important to note that there are many forms and causes of HCM. HCM leads to a thickening of the heart wall, particularly on the left side. This in turn, can lead to heart failure, embolism and death.
PKD is a hereditary kidney disorder, relating to cysts in kidneys. Currently, there are no means available to prevent the development of PKD or to stop the growth of cysts.
A reliable DNA test is available to determine whether a cat has PKD.
Reputable breeders will not breed from any cat that has PKD.
It is important to note that there are many other causes of kidney disorders, that can lead to ill health and even death.
Tartar built up and plaque in your cat’s mouth can cause many dental complications. One of the most common complications is periodontal disease.
To avoid periodontal disease, feed your cat a healthy diet, a high quality biscuit is highly recommended. The size and hardness of the biscuit will also reduce tartar buildup.
During your cats bi annual vaccination appointment, your vet should check your cats teeth for any tartar buildup and if necessary advise any appropriate treatment.
Health Guarantee
You should never buy a kitten or cat without a health guarantee.
Ideally, it should be at least a two-year health guarantee on the kitten for any genetic or heredity defect. Many such issues do not show up until a cat is over a year old.
A health guarantee protects the buyer (as well as the breeder), if for any reason, you need to have your kitten replaced.
If your Ragdoll kitten or cat, has a (suspected genetic or heredity) health issue, you should contact your breeder as soon as possible.
Most breeders will require an autopsy report from your vet, as a vet’s “best guess” is not good enough. An autopsy provides an exact problem, and whether or not it could be passed on to more kittens. This will ensure healthy kittens for the future.