Cat Breeds That Need to Visit the Vet the Most

It’s no secret that cats make fantastic pets. They’re lovable, independent, and excellent company. However, bringing a cat into your home is also a big responsibility, especially when it comes to making sure they’re as happy and healthy as possible.

In this regard, regular veterinary care is essential for preventing issues before they arise and for managing existing health conditions before they escalate. If you’re considering getting a purebred cat, it’s good to educate yourself on the health risks your feline might face, so you are as equipped as possible for your pet parenthood journey.

It’s generally accepted that purebred cats tend to be more inclined to health issues due to their limited gene pool and tendency to pass down inherited traits through selective breeding. But don’t let that fact put you off. Most ‘high-risk’ breeds can live long and fulfilling lives with proper care and preventative management of health issues.

In this article, we’ll look at several cat breeds that need to visit the vet most regularly, including Siamese cats, Persian cats, Ragdolls, Bengals, Sphynx cats, Exotic Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds.

Let’s dive right in.

Siamese Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

Siamese cats are known for their beautiful coloring and sharp, oriental faces. This is often paired with a fiercely loyal personality and a love of vocalizing. Unfortunately, they are also one of the breeds most susceptible to feline asthma and other respiratory or bronchial issues.

Though the reason for this genetic predisposition is unknown, it has been speculated that it might be related to their wedge-shaped heads resulting in narrow nasal passages, which are easily irritated by dust, smoke, or aerosol sprays.

Siamese kitties suffering from asthma or bronchial allergies may develop a dry cough, which, over time, can cause difficulty breathing due to inflammation in their lungs. Any of these symptoms call for a veterinary check-up so that you can work on a treatment plan to set your cat at ease. In good news, treatment for feline asthma is more advanced than ever before, making the condition simple to manage.

Additionally, dental issues are also fairly common in Siamese cats. Just like humans, they may develop a build-up of tartar that can escalate into gum infections and the like. A maintenance plan, developed in collaboration with your vet, can help prevent long-term issues with your Siamese’s teeth.

Persian Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

What’s not to love about the fluffy, stubby-faced Persian cat? These beauties have sweet, gentle dispositions, and love a good cuddle, making them an excellent choice as family pets. However, like Siamese cats, they may face their fair share of respiratory and dental issues, as well as polycystic kidneys. Therefore, it’s best to get them checked by your vet from kittenhood.

Persians are known for their short, flat faces, which can cause a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome. In basic terms, this means they may have very narrow nasal passages that can cause difficulty breathing. This condition, though long-term, is highly treatable.

Gum disease and tooth decay are also common among Persians due to plaque and bacteria build-up. Regular teeth brushing is advised, but as your cat may not love this idea, consult your vet on how best to go about your cat’s dental care routine.

Statistically, Persians are also one of the breeds most likely to develop polycystic kidneys, a genetic condition caused by irregular cell production. While there is no way to prevent it, you can reduce its impact through early screening tests and a good diet.

Finally, with all that glorious fur, regular grooming is highly recommended to prevent matting and reduce hairballs.

Ragdoll Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

Ragdoll cats are among the prettiest cats out there, with their soft cloudy fur and two-toned coloring making them easy to recognize. Personality-wise, they are friendly, affectionate, and innately curious. This combination of traits makes the Ragdoll highly sought-after.

Two of the biggest health concerns commonly found in Ragdolls are heart problems and bladder stones. Up to 30% of Ragdolls are at risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart’s wall muscles due to genetic abnormalities from selective breeding. While incurable, this condition is manageable with medication, especially if caught early on.

A poor diet, combined with a lack of exercise, can also increase a Ragdoll’s likelihood of developing bladder stones, especially as they grow older. Specialized vet foods for Ragdolls are ideal as a preventative measure, as is ensuring your feline is always well-hydrated.

Ragdolls have loads of energy and love to play, so exercise is vital to keep them healthy and manage their weight. Additionally, check in with your vet regularly to keep an eye on your kitty’s heart health. Establishing a good routine ensures your Ragdoll can have a long and happy life.

Bengal Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

Owning a Bengal cat is the closest you’ll come to having a little leopard in your living room. But don’t be fooled by their exotic looks - these showstopping kitties are playful and love people, especially children, often selecting one family member as their favorite.

Of course, pure breeding is a big part of keeping their wild aesthetic in place generation after generation, and over time this has led to the Bengal having a shorter-then-normal intestine. The consequence is that Bengals are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, which is best managed through proper nutrition under guidance from your vet.

Like Ragdolls, Bengals are also prone to hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It’s essential that your cat lives a healthy lifestyle and maintains a good weight to avoid adding strain to the heart.

Veterinary care from kittenhood is recommended, as both of these issues are all the more manageable the earlier they are diagnosed. To ensure the best possible quality of life for your Bengal, we cannot emphasize the importance of diet and exercise enough, along with regular vet checks.

Sphynx Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

If you’re looking for a loyal companion, there’s no cat quite like a Sphynx. They are, of course, famous for their hairlessness, which gives them an adorable, alien-like aesthetic. That said, it’s taken decades of selective breeding to keep them this way, which comes with a unique set of issues.

Most obviously, Sphynx cats are at high risk for skin conditions as they lack a coat of fur to protect them. These can range from sunburn to pigmentation and certain types of cancer. Thus, regular baths to prevent a build-up of oil and dirt are a must. This will also keep them comfortable and stop them from becoming greasy or itchy.

Sphynx cats may develop respiratory issues, too, if they’re not correctly cared for. This could be from irritants in their environment, from overheating, or from their short nasal passages (like Persian cats). Their lack of fur also makes them more prone to upper respiratory tract infections, and any coughing or wheezing should be taken seriously.

If you’re a first-time Sphynx owner, be aware that these cats are on the higher end of the maintenance spectrum and develop a good care routine right from the start. A happy Sphynx is an incredible pet to have around, but skincare and regular vet visits are essential.

Exotic Shorthair Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

If you love the look of a Persian, but can’t commit to all that fur, then the Exotic Shorthair is the perfect cat for you. These cartoonish creatures are gorgeously grumpy-looking yet have some of the sweetest personalities out there.

With their short, stubby faces, it comes as no surprise that Exotic Shorthairs are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems. Their narrow nostrils and windpipes are easily obstructed, causing breathing issues. However, with preventative treatment and regular vet checks, long-term side effects can be managed quite easily.

Like many other purebred cats, the Exotic Shorthair also needs consistent dental care. Their square, short faces don’t leave much room for their teeth, so abnormalities in their jaws are common. This may lead to periodontal diseases and infections as they age, so it’s best to establish a dental care routine as soon as possible.

As health risks for Exotic Shorthairs are quite predictable, you can manage them as early as possible. See your vet regularly to address any potential health concerns, and you’ll reap the reward of a happy, healthy cat.

Scottish Fold Cats: Health Concerns and Veterinary Needs

Inarguably adorable, the Scottish Fold is best known for its downturned ears and docile personality. They are wonderful companions (just ask Taylor Swift), but unfortunately, most of these kitties develop joint issues over time, and some may suffer from heart disease.

To elaborate, their signature folded ears are caused by an inherited gene mutation that affects the cartilage throughout their entire bodies. This is degenerative and can be very painful for your pet if not properly managed with a healthy diet and supplements. Symptoms of arthritis can also be prevented through weight management and exercise.

Like purebred Bengals and Ragdolls, Scottish Folds are also at high risk for developing thickened heart wall muscles, but with regular vet check-ups, this can be identified early and managed with preventative care. In the long term, treatments like beta blockers can also be introduced to alleviate symptoms of heart disease.

As joint and heart issues in Scottish Folds can be detected from as young as three months, ideally you want to find your kitty a good vet early on and give them the best quality of life possible.

Finding Pet Insurance for High-Risk Cat Breeds

Visits to the vet can get expensive, and with high-risk breeds like those listed above, the chances are you’ll be visiting your pet’s doctor at least a few times a year, even if it’s just for regular check-ups.

Therefore, investing in pet insurance is essential. It provides peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered for both preventative care and unpredictable scenarios like hospitalization. So, consider insurance as a big (and vital) part of planning for your cat’s future and ensuring you can care for them if and when they need it.

For Siamese, Persian, Ragdoll, Bengal, Sphynx, Exotic Shorthair, and Scottish Fold cats, you may want to consider a comprehensive insurance policy that includes preventative care and wellness packages (especially if they require specialized food). Work with a broker who can tell you if your breed is included in their coverage lists. They’re also best positioned to fill you in on different premiums and deductibles.

Naturally, the best place to find out which pet insurance is best for you is also to browse through customer reviews. Most often, these are people who have been on similar journeys and can detail their experiences, so you know what to expect.

From our side, one of our top recommendations is Pumpkin, which has a comprehensive care plan and no breed or age exclusions. ASPCA Health Insurance is affordable and allows you to visit any vet in the whole US. Embrace Pet Insurance offers unlimited coverage for a $100 deductible, while Lemonade offers incredible wellness packages.

Any of the above is a great option, so long as you’re aware of your cat’s specific needs and select your insurance accordingly.

Summary

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: prevention is better than cure. This is why we strongly recommend you regularly get your cat checked out by the vet, especially knowing high-risk cats are predisposed to certain health issues.

And in this regard, comprehensive pet insurance is the best way to keep you and your cat on track. Not only does it help you manage costs for long-term care, but it’s also vital in the unfortunate event of a medical emergency. The last thing you want when you’re worried about your feline is the additional anxiety of financial strain.

Owning any of these cat breeds can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life, so plan for your (and their) future with a rock-solid healthcare plan and the financial relief to pursue it.