One of the terrific ways to prepare yourself for being a responsible pet parent is learning about the possible elements that could affect a particular cat breed. Therefore, I will discuss the Birman cat health issue in this article.
When it comes to the Birman cat, this Breed is blessed with a long fluffy coat, blue eyes, and a superb temperament. But what about its health? Many things play a massive role in health, like genetics, happenstance, and environmental circumstances.
Even though the Birman cat tends to be a relatively healthy cat breed, it can run into specific health issues. Therefore, before we discuss commonly seen health issues that plague the Birman cat breed, let’s first find out: do Birman cats have health problems?
Do Birman Cats Have Health Problems?
Even though Birman cats are a relatively healthy breed, some common health issues that may plague the Breed include constipation, vomiting, inappetence, urinary conditions, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, ringworm, food allergies, pancreatitis, and dental disease.
Even though your cat seems relatively Independent and healthy, it can be tricky to tell the difference between a severe health problem and a minor issue.
This is why it is highly recommended to understand the symptoms and signs of the most common Birman cat’s health problem that may plague the Breed in the future if anything goes wrong. Therefore let’s discuss 11 Birman cat health issues.
11 Birman Cat Health Issues (Explained)
Here we will take a closer look at ordinary Birman cat’s health issues and disease, including symptoms and treatment Outlook. Remember, if your cat is showing any alarming signs or symptoms, contact your nearest veterinarian as soon as possible.
Below I have given all the information based on my research and for educational purposes. Therefore this article is not meant to help diagnose any disease in your Birman cat.
Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease is relatively common in medium and large cat breeds. However, a kitten can also be born with Kidney Disease, which progresses as it ages. If your cat suffers from chronic kidney disease, she needs early diagnosis and proper care to ensure a high-quality life.
Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. If your cat has acute renal failure, it can be reversed if it’s diagnosed in time. The kidneys’ job is to regulate blood and water level while filtering out waste; if there is a deterioration or a breakdown, Birman cat may develop chronic kidney disease or acute renal failure.
The most common causes of kidney diseases in the cat are:
- Infections
- Birth Defect
- Blockages
- Trauma
- Ingesting Poison.
Not making the right decision or leaving it untreated can lead to many other health issues. If your cat suffers from kidney disease, she may need medical diagnoses like urinalysis and Blood Work.
The most common signs of Kidney Disease in Birman cats include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cloudy Urine
- Weight Loss
- Frequent Urination
- Drinking Much Water
- Dry & Dull Coat
Food Allergies
If your cat is suffering from food allergies, she may exhibit signs like:
- Skin Irritation
- Skin Rashes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Constipation.
The primary cause of food allergies in Birman cats tends to be:
- Dairy Products
- Raw Chicken Meat
- Fatty Fish Product
- Expired Meat Product
- Too Much Beef.
- Dietary Changes
- Overeating.
It is common to notice minor digestive irregularities in Birman cats if you have made any dietary changes. This is why I advise you always to transition slowly to anything new.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that are common in pet cats and dogs. This disease is often carried out through fleas infestation. When your cat grooms, she accidentally ingests fleas and tapeworms. Even though tapeworms are not a severe health issue, your cat starts vomiting if they enter her stomach. Tapeworms are also fairly noticeable in your feline’s feces.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism develops as your cat ages. It is an endocrine disease that is caused by benign growths on the thyroid gland. When your cat suffers from hyperthyroidism, its size and function dramatically increase, increasing the concentration of thyroid gland hormones.
The most common signs of hyperthyroidism in Birman cats are:
- Weight Loss
- Increased Appetite
- Pent Up Energy
- Restlessness
- Being Aggressive
Suppose your cat is suffering from hyperthyroidism, a quick visit to your nearest veterinarian. A professional vet will likely order a lab test to diagnose your cat’s hypothyroidism properly.
Pancreatitis
For Almost all animals, the pancreas performs an essential function in the digestive process. If your cat’s pancreas is inflamed, she may suffer from pancreatitis. It is also usually accompanied by the cat’s intestine and liver inflammation. Unfortunately, the cause of pancreatitis in Birman cats is unknown. However, the symptoms can help you identify pancreatitis at the right time. Symptoms of pancreatitis in Birman cats include:
- Fever
- Not Eating Enough
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
Ringworm
Do you know ringworm is very common in cats and dogs? It is nothing less than a fungal infection affecting nearly all types of domesticated animals and humans. The primary cause of ringworm in domestic or pet animals is direct contact with the fungus.
The most common signs of ringworm include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Dryness
- Itching
- Skin Rashes.
Fortunately, you can quickly treat ringworm using a pure combination of oral and topical medication. It avoids purchasing any medicine without consulting a veterinarian.
Cancer
Yes! cats also suffer from cancer. The most common type of cancer that affects Birman cats includes Lymphoma. Most cancer cases in cats go unnoticed because early detection is quite Paramount for the veterinarian.
Therefore paying an occasional visit and making routine veterinary exams paramount will help with early detection to improve treatment outcomes.
If your cat is positive for FIV or FeLV, she has an increased risk of developing Lymphoma. Besides this, if your cat is exposed to secondhand smoke, she may also develop cancer. Moreover, like Birman cats, Siamese cats are more likely to develop cancer.
The most common symptoms of cat’s Lymphoma are as follow
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Anorexia
Vomiting
If your cat has a habit of eating too fast, it may vomit. Birman cats are also notorious for developing hairballs that may upset their stomach and cause vomiting.
Dental Disease
According to Cornell Feline Health Center, it is estimated that almost 50-90% of cats more than four years old suffer from one or more types of dental disease. The most common dental condition that may plague Birman cat includes:
- Periodontitis
- Gingivitis
- Tooth Resorption
All of these have different degrees of severity from other symptoms. In significant cases, these dental diseases can easily be treated or prevented with proper care and medications.
There have been a few cases where a cat has suffered severe pain and discomfort from a tooth disease while affecting a cat’s quality of life.
Severe gum disease may also prevent your cat from eating because of pain. It can, moreover, lead to malnutrition and other health-related issues. Therefore let’s take a quick look at 3 of the most common cat dental diseases.
3 Types Of Dental Disease
Tooth Resorption: Believe it or not, Tooth Resorption is the most common reason for tooth loss in all cats. Although it has unknown causes, Tooth Resorption has been found to occur when the tooth’s inside structure breaks down. The symptom of Tooth Resorption includes:
- Turning Head To The Side While Eating
- Drooling
- Pain
- Inability To Eat.
Gingivitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation in the gum area due to plaque build-up. The symptoms of Gingivitis include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding Gums
- Discomfort
Periodontitis: Any cat suffering from Gingivitis is more prone to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is caused when the Gingivitis is left untreated, or there is damage to the gum’s soft tissue. Periodontitis also occurs when there is damage to the bone that supports your cat’s teeth. The most common symptoms of Periodontitis include the following:
- In Ability To Eat
- Drooling
- Halitosis
Diabetes
If your Birman cat cannot produce enough insulin or gives an inadequate response, it can suffer from diabetes. Even though diabetes is a serious health concern in Birman cats, it can be easily managed with the proper care. The most common cause of diabetes in cats are;
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Pancreatic Disease
Talking about signs, here are a few common symptoms of feline diabetes:
- Lethargy
- Weight Loss
- Dehydration
- Sweet Smelling Breath
- Excessive Urination
- Increased Thirst
- Change In Appetite.
Obesity
According to the rule of thumbs, any cat that weighs more than 20% of its ideal weight is considered obese. In addition, obesity is a severe problem because it shortens your cat’s lifespan while making them more prone to health issues and diseases like joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
If you suspect your Birman cat may be obese, consult your veterinarian. A cat specialist will be the best person to determine your Birman cat’s ideal weight goal based on overall health and nutritional requirements. After that, they may recommend a newly prepared diet plan to help your caf shed some pounds of fat.
Also Read: Best Food For Birman Cats
Conclusion
I have tried to give you all the necessary information regarding Birman’s cat’s health problems. Hopefully, you’re feeling glad about learning that Birmans are a reasonably healthy breed, and there aren’t many issues that are super determined to this Breed.
However, an occasional visit to your nearest vet for a routine check-up is an excellent way to monitor their health from time to time. In addition to it, regular care and at-home monitoring is also recommended.
Before purchasing any cat, check the proven bloodline of the chosen kitten’s parents and the breeder’s reputation. I hope you liked this article. If you do, consider sharing this piece of information.
Your share will help many people learn about the health issues that may affect their Birman cat in the future if precautions and occasional vet visits are not made properly. Check our other posts on Birman cats care; till then, take care and goodbye.
