Bengal cats are a unique combination cat breed having an exquisite wild appearance, yet lovable and friendly nature. Striking markings on their coat, and an agile, active nature makes them fun to be with. They are non-violent and super-social pets, that will bond well with children and other docile pets like a beagle, at home. But, unfortunately, like other cats, these little claw babies are prone to certain health problems at a certain point in their lifetime. Lets us learn in this article, some common health issues with Bengal cats and how you can deal with them.
Eye issues:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that affects the retina of cats. This hereditary disease can affect both male and female cats. Some get the onset of PRA as early as the kitten stage, while some can have them at an older age.
Your furry baby can show symptoms of diminished vision which can further lead to blindness. It is necessary to report any vision change you notice, to your vet, at the very 1st instance, to stop or slow down its progression.
Another eye problem that can trouble your Bengal cat is a cataract; it is noticeable as it changes the eye, making it appear cloudy, cataract can be surgically removed and cured.
Heart problem:
The furry munchkin who stole your heart can have heart problems too. Bengal cats, like other cats, can develop a serious heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is a condition where the heart muscles get thick causing them to work hard, resulting in blood clots, thrombosis, and congestive heart, it is a fatal condition hence, should always be kept an eye on it.
Other problems are congenital heart disease, a birth defect in heart of your cats; and adult-onset heart disease; which develops as the cat gets older. The exact cause of the latter is not known, but we know that lifestyle and diet affect it.
These heart diseases are common in all types of cats. Observe your cat’s behavior to understand the early phases of it and notify your vet immediately.
Allergies:
Bengal cats are prone to Anesthesia sensitivity and react adversely to certain anesthetic compounds. Thus, if at any point your Bengal cat needs to undergo surgery, have a quick discussion with your vet about other available options.
Cats, in general, can have allergies to multiple things like dust, pollen, certain foods, fleas, and so on. These things, when they enter their system, create an autoimmune response, making a cat hypersensitive to them. Look for symptoms like face scratching, sneezing, eyes discharge, and wheezing, and take prompt action before it gets worse.
Diabetes:
Bengal cats, like other cats, are prone to type-2 diabetes in their adulthood. Obesity, food habits, and lifestyle can be some influencing factors for its development. As in humans, diabetes also affects other organs of the cat’s body, like the liver, kidney, eyes and so. Leading to certain organ failure can be at times fatal.
Bones and joint issues:
Bengal cats are very active breed cats. They like to jump, climb and swim a lot. But this, at times, can come with a cost. It is highly possible, for a cat, to get patellar luxation, wherein the knee cap dislocates, making it difficult for cats to walk, sit, stand, and do the daily routine.
Another problem in this category, for Bengal cats, is hip dysplasia, wherein the hip joints get weak causing lameness in the hind limbs of the cats.
Renal disease:
Renal or Kidney problems are more common for cats than dogs. This is due to excess renal enzymes in their blood. Most of these enzymes are filtered out and excreted via urine. However, poor diet and chronic dehydration can hinder the proper removal of these enzymes developing renal malfunction. In severe cases, it can cause renal failure and eventually your poor animal succumbs to it.
Conclusion:
Bengal cats live healthy, long, happy, and active life without any major problems. Though they are prone to certain health issues, keeping a close eye and taking proper care, can eliminate the chances of developing any serious issues. Regular vet check-ups can help you to keep your little friend in optimum health. Also, buying pet insurance can help you save many of these costs.