Bengal cats
Bengal cats are a rare breed that was formed when breeders crossed domestic cats with the wild Asian Leopard Cat. People who buy bengals, which can cost thousands of dollars, appreciate their look of a wild cat crossed with the temperament of a house cat. Bengal cats, however, are more susceptible to certain diseases than fully domesticated cats.
Tritrichomonas Foetus
According to Fabcats.org, Bengals are susceptible to Tritrichomonas foetus, a tiny protozoa that causes diarrhea in cats. This single-cell protozoa can cause colitis, or inflammation of the large intestine, and can induce diarrhea with blood and mucus. Tritrichomonas Foetus is most commonly seen in cats younger than one year, but can affect any age. It is spread by direct contact from cat to cat. While most treatment of Tritrichomonas Foetus is unsuccessful, most cats overcome the infection on their own within nine months, according to Fabcats.org. While it is not known whether Tritrichomonas Foetus can infect people, proper caution should be taken around infected cats.
Cardiomyopathy
According to PetInsurance.com, Bengal cats are also known to suffer from a cardiac disease called cardiomyopathy. This disease, which attacks the heart muscles and often results in congestive heart failure, is thought to be genetically acquired and somewhat common in the Bengal breed. Cardiomyopathy can be fatal and also can induce blood clots and rear leg paralysis. Another common symptom of cardiomyopathy is difficulty breathing. Like any other condition that can potentially affect your Bengal cat, it is important to have your cat screened for cardiomyopathy by a veterinarian. If your cat is suffering from the condition, your veterinarian will likely prescribe drugs that assist the heart.
Eye Conditions
Bengal cats are also susceptible to certain eye diseases, according to PetInsurance.com. One of these is cataracts, a condition where proteins cloud over the lens. Cataracts are easily treated with surgery, but if left untreated can lead to blindness or other eye conditions. Bengals are also susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a disease that causes the retina to degrade, resulting in blindness. This disease is passed on if both parents are affected or are carrying the gene. According to PetInsurance.com, there is no test available to find out if a cat is a carrier or not.
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