Abyssinian Cat: Health And Disease

2023 Author: Molly Page | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 22:49

Abyssinian cats are healthy and active animals characterized by longevity (some representatives of the breed live for more than 20 years). Even as they mature, they remain as active and playful as kittens.

For Abyssinians, regular observation by a veterinarian is mandatory throughout their lives.

Cats of this breed have a predisposition to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This can be avoided by regularly brushing your teeth and examining the mouth for reddened gums and bad breath.

Of the hereditary diseases found in Abyssinian cats, there are: renal amyloidosis, patellar dislocation, progressive retinal atrophy, pyruvate kinase deficiency, blood diseases (associated with a violation of the integrity of red blood cells), hip dysplasia, polyps in the nasopharynx, spontaneous hyperesthesia syndrome. Young animals that are not yet one year old can get sick with kidney amyloidosis. Therefore, once a year, it is necessary to take general and biochemical blood tests, which reflect the state of the whole body, including the kidneys.

Often, kittens and adolescents have various skin irritations that disappear over time without treatment.

Abyssinians may develop diarrhea due to stress and food allergies. In this case, you need to choose the right diet and everything will work out. To find out if a cat is allergic to food, it is recommended to feed her Royal Canin Veterinary Diet - Hypoallergenic for a month, a dry food for cats suffering from food intolerances and allergies.

Obesity is a major contributor to a large number of diseases and deaths in cats. Being overweight is one of the most influential factors in the development of arthritis, diabetes and other dangerous diseases. Studies show that being overweight will shorten your pet's lifespan by about two years. Overeating cats have problems with stool.

The more obese a cat is, the more likely it is to develop diabetes. Liver lipidosis is another potentially fatal disease in overweight animals.

You must regulate the amount of food your cat eats. Instead of filling the bowl up to the top, follow the feeding instructions on the food packaging and be sure to feed your pets high quality food.

Where can you give an injection to an Abyssinian cat?

The method and location of the injection depends on the medication you want to inject. Independently, without a doctor, you can give an injection under the skin or muscle. Subcutaneous injections are made into the fold of the skin above the scapula, intramuscular injections into the soft part of the thigh.

Why did the kitten have receding hairline?

Bald patches in Abyssinian cats can appear due to food allergies, vitamin deficiency and psychogenic alopecia.

Psychogenic alopecia is an animal's behavior associated with anxiety and stress. Cats lick themselves so hard that bald patches appear in some places. This is often seen in bored Abyssinians. Allergies and parasites can also cause hair loss. An accurate diagnosis requires examination and consultation with a veterinarian.

What vaccinations should an Abyssinian cat have?

Abyssinian cats should be vaccinated against diseases such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and rabies.

Your veterinarian may advise you to get an additional vaccination against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

How many years do Abyssinian cats live?

Abyssinian cats are distinguished by longevity. On average, Abyssinians live 12 to 17 years. And some live to be 20-24 years old!

What behavior of an Abyssinian should alert?

Be sure to seek advice from your veterinarian if:

- the cat has a change in appetite, or she began to drink more / less water;

- the cat's mouth smells unpleasant, it has red gums or broken teeth;

- the cat constantly itches, scratches, gnaws or licks itself excessively, there are bald spots on the skin;

- the animal is lethargic, inhibited, sleeps too much;

- the cat has become aggressive, or vice versa, shy;

- lameness appeared during the game, the cat's gait changed, the hind limbs move like a rabbit - jumping;

- the cat refuses to eat or eats too little;

- the animal often runs into the tray or cannot go to the toilet.

Related article Abyssinian cat: character

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following signs:

- The cat is constantly shaking its head, it has discharge from the ears;

- redness or cloudiness of the eyes, purulent discharge from the eyes, increased tearing and any other problems associated with the eyes;

- discolored urine;

- weakness or intolerance to exercise;

- rapid or labored breathing;

- paralysis of the hind legs;

- pallor of the skin, lethargy.

What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)? How does she threaten the cat?

Progressive retinal atrophy is a clinical term for retinal degeneration. The first symptom commonly seen in PRA is impaired twilight vision.

With the degenerative form of the disease, visual impairment occurs, starting from the age of two. The disease progresses and by the age of six to seven the cat is completely blind. Cinnamon (not recognized) and fawn Abyssinians are most susceptible to this form. With the dysplastic form of PRA, animals lose their eyesight by one year.

At what age do Abyssinian cats stop growing?

On average, cats and cats stop growing by 12-15 months. At this age, animals gain maximum weight, and kittens have their final eye color. The formation of coat color in Abyssinian women lasts up to 1.5-2 years.