Himalayan cats are a beautiful Asian cat breed with long hair and a “smooshed” face. They tend to have a look like a cross between Persians and Siamese, and they’re extremely docile and lovable. These cats are popular as pets, thanks to their easygoing personalities.

Like all breeds, Himalayans are prone to some health conditions, some of which are a direct result of the breeding that gives them their distinctive looks. Read on to learn about six common issues for Himalayan cats.

The 6 Common Himalayan Cat Health Problems

1. Breathing Difficulties

The Himalayan is a brachycephalic breed, which means it has a broad, short skull. This can lead to difficulty breathing due to the compression of the sinuses and nasal passages. Because of this, Himalayans may be more susceptible to upper respiratory infections.

2. Joint Problems and Deformities

Himalayan cats are desirable, and kittens can command high prices. Because of this, some breeders are unreputable and seeking to have a high kitten turnover, not necessarily looking out for the cat’s best interests. Poor breeding and inbreeding can lead to joint problems or major organ deformities that can cause pain, complications, and high veterinary costs throughout their lives.

3. Dental Malocclusions

Dental malocclusion is a poorly aligned bite, which may be skeletal or dental. Skeletal malocclusion is when the length of the lower jaw doesn’t align with the length of the upper jaw, and the teeth don’t align properly. The teeth can also be misaligned, even with a normal jaw. Both conditions are common in brachycephalic breeds like the Himalayan and can cause trauma to the teeth or soft tissue, predisposition for dental disease, as well as nutritional deficits.

4. Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid gland is prolapsed. This third eyelid is an additional layer of protection for the eye and helps to keep the cornea lubricated. If it flips out of its normal position, it can become red, enlarged, and irritated, swelling, and protruding out of the eye. Over time, this can irritate your cat and lead to rubbing or scratching, which can damage the eye itself. The condition typically worsens, so it’s best to treat it quickly.

5. Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that’s seen in Himalayan Cats and other cat breeds. This condition has multiple cysts to form in the kidneys at birth, which grow over time and may disrupt kidney function. The progression and severity of the cysts can vary between cats, but once it disrupts kidney function, it can cause kidney failure. The condition is not curable or truly treatable—all treatments are supportive and intended to treat the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

6. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome, also known as “twitch-skin syndrome,” is a condition in which the affected cats will intensely bite and lick the back, tail, and limbs. Multiple systems are affected and can be distressing for a cat. While any age or breed of cat can be affected, the purebred Asian breeds like Himalayans may be predisposed. Though rare, this condition isn’t curable, and treatment is intended to suppress the episodes and minimize self-mutilating behaviors.

Are Himalayan Cats Healthy?

Though Himalayan cats are prone to certain health conditions, no breed is without possible health problems. Genetics, environment, veterinary care, and other factors can impact whether a cat develops health conditions.

Along with genetic or breed-specific problems, Himalayan cats may also develop common conditions that affect cats as a species, such as respiratory infections, ringworm, rabies, heartworm, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and diabetes. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be prevented with regular vaccinations.

Conclusion

Himalayan cats are stunning, docile cats with long, luxurious coats and distinctive looks. Like all cat breeds, they may be prone to different health conditions, which is why it’s important to use a reputable breeder who tests parent cats to promote good health. It’s also vital to take your cat for regular wellness checkups to monitor its health and identify any problems early on.

Featured Image Credit: Catursari, Shutterstock