Persian Cat Health Problem -
"Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)"

Persian cats are one of the breeds known to suffer from PKD (polycystic kidney disease). PKD is an inherited disease primarily found in Persian cats, related breeds, and cats with Persian ancestry. Other forms of PKD occur in other animals and in humans. PKD was occasionally reported in scientific literature as early as 1967, but actual study into this disease did not begin until 1990. In 2004, the mutation responsible for PKD in Persians and cats with Persian ancestry was identified.

When a cat has PKD, multiple cysts develop in both kidneys, sometimes leading to chronic kidney insufficiency or failure. Problems occur when these cysts start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the kidney's ability to function properly. Some of the signs of kidney insufficiency are increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy. Cats affected by kidney insufficiency due to PKD are usually identified when they are between three and ten years of age. PKD can be diagnosed by ultrasound of the kidneys, however, this test is only as good as the day it is done, cysts can develop later. Therefore, the ONLY reliable test for PKD is a DNA test Persian cats and cats with Persian ancestry.

In 2004, the University of California Davis developed a DNA test for feline PKD. Please note: Pelaqita Persians uses and recommends this testing facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Other facilities have their own tests. However, they are not based on the same protocols as those at UC Davis (as they developed the test), therefore I would be skeptical of any PKD results from any testing facility other than UC Davis. (Disclaimer: This is Pelaqita Persians' opinion only).