Cats are far more suseptible to disease, particularly upper respiratory disease, than say Dogs. This is why 'stud' service is rarely offered and why you may be asked not to touch a show cat before disinfecting your hands. With That being said, the average lifespan of a Silver or Golden Persian is about 14 to 18 years of Age. The Winn Feline Foundation is a wonderful source for information. The Winn Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Projects funded by Winn provide information that is used every day to treat cat diseases. Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine is another great source for information about Feline Health.
Dr. Leslie Lyons writes: "Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited kidney disease that has been found in Persian/Exotic cats. Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has been reported sporadically in the literature since 1967, but actual study into this renal disease did not begin until 1990. In1990 an affected female Persian was referred to the Ohio State University teaching hospital with symptoms of renal failure. Offspring of this female were used to start a colony and begin research into this condition."
PKD is most easily diagnosed by DNA Testing, which can identify the disease very early in its course. All that is required is swab of the interior cheek area.
Dr. Leslie Lyons continues: "Polycystic Kidney Disease is a slowly progressive disease. It clinically shows up later in life (late onset), with enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction on average at seven years of age. The condition is inherited and cysts are present from birth. The size of cysts can vary from less than one millimeter to several centimeters, with older animals having larger and more numerous cysts. Problems occur when these cysts start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the kidneys' ability to function properly. The ultimate end is kidney failure."
"Some of the clinical signs are depression, lack of or reduced appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination and weight loss. There is a marked variability in how quickly individual cats succumb, with the possibility of the symptoms of PKD developing late enough in life that the cat can die of other causes before kidney failure. However, kidney failure is certain when and if the cysts grow and cause problems."
Wyndcreste Silver Persians has been testing our cats for about ten years and not even one cat has proven Scan or DNA positive for PKD.
12.5 million humans suffer from the same condition: Human PDK Cure
According to Dr.'s Foster and Smith: 'Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex' is the term used to describe a condition affecting the mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, and upper airway in cats and kittens. There are multiple causes of feline upper respiratory complex, but 80-90% of the cases are caused by feline herpes-1 (also called feline rhinotracheitis virus) and calicivirus (pronounced cal-ee-chee). Other causes include Chlamydophila felisi (previously termed Chlamydia), feline reovirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella spp., and mycoplasmas. Infections and symptoms by some of these agents may occur secondarily to an infection with rhinotracheitis virus or calicivirus.
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
A Guide to Feline Upper Respiratory Disease
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center writes: "Most people have heard of feline distemper only because the distemper vaccine represents the core recommended regular immunization for pet cats. Because the vaccine is highly effective, most cat owners do not have a lot experience with the actual feline distemper infection. Feline distemper, caused by a "parvovirus," is a life-threatening disease and the virus is considered ubiquitous, meaning it is present in virtually every place that is not regularly disinfected. The infection is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats, usually kittens and young adult cats living in groups. Barn cats, feral colonies, animal shelter groups, pet stores, and rescue facilities are high risk for outbreaks. The following is a review of the virus and the disease it causes."
The CFA Website has a number of informative articles about how to keep your home poison free for the health and well-being of your kitty. Ten Tipos for a Poison Safe Household.
The Cat Fancier's Association has a number of interesting and informative articles posted online about how to care for your cat and Feline Health Articles and Research Progress. Please click here: CFA How to Care for your Cat
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. Website Launched April 15, 2010
