{"id":4171,"date":"2024-04-13T11:31:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-13T11:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=4171"},"modified":"2025-11-01T09:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T09:24:10","slug":"polycystic-kidney-disease-in-persian-cats-the-leading-cause-of-kidney-failure-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/polycystic-kidney-disease-in-persian-cats-the-leading-cause-of-kidney-failure-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Polycystic Kidney Disease in Persian Cats: The Leading Cause of Kidney Failure in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some cat breeds are more prone to genetic disorders such as polycystic kidney disease as compared to others. According to <\/span>UFAW<\/span>, around 36% to 49% Persian cats<\/a> develop polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in their adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Polycystic kidney disease or PKD can cause renal failure in cats when left untreated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease In Persian Cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that leads to the formation of multiple fluid-filled sacs or cysts in the cat\u2019s kidneys. The affected kittens are born with these cysts but they are too small to be detected when the kittens are young.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The growth of these cysts typically begins when the <\/span>persian cats reach breeding age<\/span><\/a>. These cysts may become visible on scans once they cats are older than 5 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The cyst growth is progressive which causes worsening kidney and liver functions in the affected Persian cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Your Persian Cat At Risk Of Developing Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"vetic\u00ae<\/p>\n

It is one of the most common and aggressive kidney diseases that is inherited by Persian cats. It is highly prevalent in Persian cats since it is an autosomal dominant trait. That means inheriting only one mutated gene is enough to cause polycystic kidney disease in cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a Persian cat who is reaching breeding age (older than 5 months), opt for an USG to ensure that their kidneys are free from cysts. Most cats who have PKD are born with these cysts in their kidneys that grow with time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Go in for <\/span>preventive healthcare checkups<\/span><\/a> and tests such as USGs to ensure that your cat doesn\u2019t have any cysts in their kidneys. Along with USGs, the veterinarian will also recommend complete blood count, liver function and kidney function tests to check if there are any abnormalities present in the blood or serum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Persian Cat Has Cysts Or PKD. What To Do Now?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Early diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease can help you manage your cat\u2019s symptoms. Just because a Persian cat or kitten has cysts in their kidneys it doesn\u2019t mean they will go into kidney failure rapidly. In many cases, the cysts enlarge very slowly and cats only <\/span>begin to show signs of PKD<\/span><\/a> when they are around 7 years old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With early diagnosis and correct treatment, your veterinarian can help you slow the progression down. Your veterinarian will help you chalk out a proper diet, supplement and medicine plans so your cat lives a high quality and long life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even with the earliest possible diagnosis, polycystic kidney disease is not curable or 100% preventable. However, you can definitely slow down the onset of the diseases and reduce a huge part of the signs and symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your cat has polycystic kidney disease you should not breed your cat. There is a 75% chance that your cat\u2019s babies will end up with polycystic kidney disease even if the other parent is free from the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019 are The Signs Polycystic Kidney Disease in Persian Cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sadly, there is no standard treatment of polycystic kidney disease. The clinical signs are almost identical to that of <\/span>chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.<\/span><\/a> The early signs of polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats include –<\/span><\/p>\n