Hereditary Diseases in Cats: What You Need to Know Before Adopting. Be Mindful When Choosing (and Adopting) Cute Cats But Also Those With Health Issues

Close your eyes. Imagine a Persian cat.

I don't think I'm wrong in saying that we all have a pretty similar image in mind, since the typical physical characteristics of this breed are well known.

People often love and seek out the physical characteristics of a specific breed when adopting a pet. However, few people realize that this choice can come with risks of hereditary diseases, which are exacerbated by the genetics specific to the chosen breed.  

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the topic of hereditary feline diseases and share tips on how to adopt from a certified and ethical breeder.

Is it a congenital, genetic, and/or hereditary condition?

Congenital disorder 

A condition present from birth.

• The condition is already present at birth, regardless of the cause.

• It may be due to genetics, but it could also be caused by something that happened during pregnancy (infection, medication, abnormal development, etc.).

Hereditary disease 

A disease inherited from parents.

• It is passed down through genes.

• An animal may be born with the disease or develop it later in life, but it stems from its family history.

Genetic disorder 

A disease caused by a genetic abnormality.

• It’s a “glitch” in the DNA.

• It can be inherited from parents… or occur spontaneously (mutation).
  

To sum it up while throwing everything together: 😉

• A genetic disorder may or may not be hereditary

• A congenital disorder is not always genetic

• A hereditary disorder is not always apparent at birth

Here are a few examples of common hereditary diseases in cats.

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A fragile heart behind a large frame 

Some cats, despite their strong and majestic appearance, may be hiding a serious heart condition. This is particularly true for certain breeds, such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, which are predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). 

HCM is one of the most common hereditary diseases in cats. It is characterized by a thickening of the heart muscle, which reduces the heart’s ability to fill properly and pump blood effectively.

Over time, this condition can lead to several serious complications, such as:

• heart failure

• breathing difficulties

• blood clots (thromboembolism)

• sudden paralysis of the lower limbs

In affected cats, symptoms may be very subtle or even absent for a long time. The following may sometimes be observed:

• faster or labored breathing

• unusual fatigue

• decreased activity

In some cases, the first sign can unfortunately be sudden and severe, such as respiratory distress or sudden paralysis.

That is why screening is essential, especially in at-risk breeds. A cardiac ultrasound can help detect the disease earlier and tailor treatment accordingly.

Those little folded ears… and what they hide 

Scottish Folds, those cats with round faces and folded ears, are highly sought after by cat lovers. Their unique and endearing appearance makes them a particularly popular breed.

But what few people know is that those famous folded ears are directly linked to a serious health issue that can significantly impact the animal’s quality of life.

This condition is called osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic disorder that affects the development of cartilage and bone in all Scottish Folds with folded ears, without exception. It leads to significant bone and joint deformities, which are often painful, as well as early-onset osteoarthritis.

In affected cats, the following symptoms may be observed:

• stiffness or difficulty moving

• decreased activity

• deformed limbs

• chronic pain

In short, despite their “cute” appearance, Scottish Folds are unfortunately prone to a serious hereditary condition.

Before adopting a cat of this breed, it’s essential to thoroughly research the risks to its health and well-being.

We invite you to watch the video of Morty’s surgery on our Instagram:

By the way, the Highland Lynx’s folded-back ears can also lead to other health issues. Be sure to research this breed before adopting one!

Big cats with fragile hips 

Maine Coons, those large cats with tender hearts, may seem very sturdy. However, they have a significant predisposition to a well-known orthopedic condition: hip dysplasia. 

This hereditary condition in cats is characterized by abnormal development of the hip joint, particularly at the femoral head. Over time, this leads to joint instability, pain, and premature wear and tear, resulting in osteoarthritis. 

In affected cats, the following may be observed:

• an abnormal gait with outward rotation of the hind legs

• a "penguin-like" gait

• stiffness or reduced activity

• limping, sometimes to the point of refusing to put weight on the limb

However, when both hips are affected, the signs can be much more subtle, as the symmetry masks the clinical signs. The cat may appear to walk normally, but is actually experiencing pain in both hind legs. Since it cannot compensate by shifting weight from one side to the other, the visible signs of pain are often less obvious. This is why this condition sometimes goes unnoticed for a long time.

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Responsible adoption reduces the risk of hereditary diseases 

Adopting a purebred cat is often a decision based on love at first sight. However, it’s important to remember that beyond appearance and temperament, there’s also a whole genetic makeup that can influence your future companion’s health.

That’s why it’s essential to choose your breeder carefully.

A responsible breeder selects cats not only for their appearance, but also for their health. They screen for major hereditary diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia.

Among the key credentials are certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). This organization compiles the results of validated health tests, which verify whether breeding animals have been screened for certain genetic conditions.

A good breeder should be able to:

✅ Provide the results of genetic and radiographic tests—not just tell you about them!

✅ Demonstrate that the parents have been screened for known hereditary diseases in the breed using official documentation

✅ Answer your questions with complete transparency

Conversely, the absence of tests or documentation is a red flag. Be on your guard!

Choosing a responsible breeder reduces the risk of hereditary diseases and gives your future pet the best chance at a long and comfortable life.