7 Common Russian Blue Cat Health Problems to Know!

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Purebred animals typically have a higher incidence of genetic health conditions related to their breeding. Whether you are a current or potential owner of a certain breed, it is always important to be aware of what kind of health conditions they may face. Here, we will discuss some common health ailments of the beautiful, Russian Blue cat.

The good news? Russian Blues do not have any genetic health condition related to the breed.¹ That doesn’t mean they will be perfectly healthy, though. Domesticated cats in general have a high incidence of certain health conditions, which is why it is so important to keep up on veterinary care and regular health check-ups. Here’s a look at some of the most common conditions affecting domesticated cats.

Top 7 Common Russian Blue Cat Health Problems:

1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline lower urinary tract disease, also referred to as FLUTD, is a blanket term that covers a variety of disorders that affect the bladder and urethra. Disorders of the urinary tract are one of the most common ailments seen in the veterinary field among pet cats.

The disease of the lower urinary tract can be caused by a variety of issues like inflammation, stress, infection, urinary obstruction, diet, and behavioral problems. The prognosis for feline lower urinary tract disease varies depending on the condition.

Conditions associated with feline lower urinary tract disease can vary from mild to severe. Regardless of the severity, cats do need veterinary intervention for the treatment of these disorders and any unusual symptoms should be brought to the attention of your veterinary staff.

2. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Upper respiratory infections are quite common in cats, just like they are in humans. Cats that are regularly exposed to other cats are much more likely to be affected by an upper respiratory infection due to the ease of transmission. Upper respiratory infections are typically the result of viral infections, though bacterial infections can be to blame as well.

URIs typically have a good prognosis and may resolve on their own within one to three weeks but always check with your veterinarian on how to proceed if symptoms are present. In severe cases, an upper respiratory infection could lead to pneumonia. If the infection is bacterial, a round of antibiotic treatment may be warranted but if it is a viral infection, supportive care is the usual treatment.

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3. Dental Disease

Dental disease can affect both the teeth and gums and is incredibly common in cats, especially those middle-aged and older.  Studies have shown that anywhere between 50 and 90 percent over the age of four years will suffer from dental disease. Dental disease is a preventable condition and treatable if caught early on, though it can get severe if left untreated.

The most common types of dental disease in cats include gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. All types of dental diseases can be very painful and cause a great deal of discomfort. In some cases, it will inhibit chewing, swallowing, and eating and may even result in loss of teeth.

Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to prevent dental disease since cats are highly susceptible. Severe dental disease can result in hefty veterinary bills, as dental cleanings require imaging, and anesthesia and may require tooth extractions.

4. Heart Disease

Heart disease occurs with any abnormality within the heart. Heart disease can affect as many as 1 in 10 cats worldwide, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Heart disease is a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can be broken down into two separate categories:

Congenital- congenital heart disease is typically the result of developmental issues with the heart during the development of the fetus. This type of heart disease may affect only one kitten within a litter but can also be caused by inherited health disorders that affect more than one kitten in the litter.

Acquired- Acquired heart disease is the onset of heart disease as the resulting damage to the heart. This can be due to an inherited health condition that developed over time. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease observed in cats.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes, known scientifically as diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system that occurs when blood sugar can no longer be effectively regulated by the body. The condition is most common in adult and senior cats, and males tend to have a higher incidence overall. Diabetes is on the rise in cats and other companion animals, as it is a health condition that can result from chronic obesity. Low-quality diets that are high in carbohydrates are a common cause of feline diabetes.

Diabetes must be diagnosed, managed, and monitored by a veterinarian. This disease can have a severe impact on your cat’s quality of life and can shorten its lifespan. There are two different types of diabetes, Type I and Type II, with Type II being the most common in domesticated cats.

Type I – Type 1 diabetics are fully insulin-dependent. This means the body can no longer produce or release enough insulin into the body.

Type II – Type II diabetics are not always insulin-dependent. In this case, the cat’s body can produce insulin, but the organs and other tissues have become resistant to the insulin and do not respond properly.

6. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is also an endocrine system disease. Like diabetes, it is most common in middle-aged to older cats. This disease occurs from the increased production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the rest of the body, which puts cats with hyperthyroidism at greater risk of developing secondary conditions. This condition can be diagnosed with a blood test performed by veterinary staff.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism varies depending on the specific cat’s needs. It can involve medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. The prognosis of hyperthyroidism is typically good if caught early and proper treatment is received. Complications tend to occur more often if secondary conditions are present and other organs have been affected.

7. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease or CKD is a condition that results due to damage to the kidney. The kidney’s role is to remove waste from the bloodstream, help to regulate certain minerals, conserve water for the body and produce urine to excrete the gathered waste. Kidneys can become damaged because of toxins, trauma, infection, organ failure of other organs, urethral blockages, dehydration, and more.

This condition is considered an inherited health condition in certain breeds like the Persian, but any cat of any breed can be affected by CKD. It is most common in older cats, as the kidneys tend to show damage over time.

Veterinary staff will need to perform laboratory testing to diagnose any problems with the kidneys. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, there are treatment options available that can improve the overall quality of life and extend longevity. Prognosis is dependent on the individual patient, the degree of damage to the kidneys, and how well they respond to treatment options.

Conclusion

Thankfully, the Russian Blue is an overall healthy breed and one of the longest-living purebred cats. Any cat is susceptible to falling victim to health ailments, which is why it is important to schedule regular veterinary health exams, stay up on preventative measures, and make sure to reach out to your veterinarian if you notice your cat is exhibiting any unusual symptoms or behavior.

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