American Shorthair Cat Health Problems: 16 Common Concerns

American Shorthairs are loved because of their affectionate companionship, even temperament, and quiet voice. When bred and cared for correctly, these cats tend to be very healthy and live long lives.

However, there are some common health concerns to be aware of with this breed. Listed below are the 16 most common health concerns for cats in general and American Shorthairs in particular. Some of these health concerns are preventable, whereas others are not.

Top 16 American Shorthair Cat Health Problems

1. Allergies

Just as humans can have allergies, so can cats. Cats can be allergic to environmental allergens, as well as, rarely, food. Allergies can lead to skin conditions, sneezing, and other symptoms that are uncomfortable for your feline.

There’s no way to prevent allergies, but you can treat them. Talk to your vet to identify the allergen and get your cat on allergy medication if needed. Even though allergies tend not to be serious, they certainly are uncomfortable for your cat, and it’s best to get them treated.

2. Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE)

FATE is often a side effect of heart disease and occurs whenever blood clots develop inside the arteries. This usually happens in the aorta towards the back legs, which causes the hindlegs to lack proper blood flow. Cats develop cold legs, severe pain and paralysis as a result.

FATE can sadly cause sudden death, it can also show as the cat having severe breathing difficulties or not being able to use its back legs. It’s imperative to get your cat to an emergency clinic as soon as you suspect FATE. If caught early enough, cats may fully recover.

3. Calicivirus

Like rabies, feline calicivirus is a contagious disease, it causes both respiratory and oral diseases in cats. It is prevalent in shelters and breeding colonies. Most cats can recover from this infection, but it can be deadly if untreated, more so in the young and old.

Although calicivirus can be fatal, there are vaccines to help protect your cat. Cats that receive their vaccines regularly are at low risk for this disease. Talk to your vet to make sure your cat has all the vaccines it needs to stay healthy.

4. Deafness (Genetic)

Deafness has been a common issue in certain breeds, especially those that have white fur and blue eyes. Genetic deafness has been reported in American Shorthairs. There is no way to prevent or treat deafness.

Although it is neither preventable, nor treatable, deafness in your American Shorthair should not stop them living a happy and healthy life.

5. Dental Disease

Dental disease is another common health condition in all cat breeds. Unfortunately, many cat owners don’t realize that they need to brush their cat’s teeth. Without frequent brushing, dental disease can and will develop.

If left untreated, dental disease can be pretty serious. It leads to stinky breath and damaged teeth and gums. You can prevent and treat dental disease. Brushing your cat’s teeth frequently will largely eradicate this problem. If dental disease has already set in, talk to your vet about how to treat it.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes in cats usually develops in middle to older age. Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses in American Shorthairs and can be linked to obesity.

Ensuring your cat has a healthy weight and lifestyle will largely prevent any issues. If your cat develops diabetes, talk to your vet about treatment and creating a healthy routine.

7. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Everyone hates whenever their cat goes to the bathroom outside the litter box. This is a common occurrence in kittens, but it is not common in adult cats. If your adult cat is having trouble making it to the litter box, something is likely wrong.

Many cats can develop FLUTD and it is often related to stress. This condition requires veterinary care. It can be an emergency in male cats if they cannot pass urine. Once diagnosed the condition can be treated using certain medications, stress reduction and sometimes surgery.

8. Heart Disease (Genetic)

American Shorthairs can develop inherited diseases, such as cardiomyopathy. This is a medical term for heart muscle disease. There are different types of this disease, most of which are inherited. This is one of the few known genetic diseases in American Shorthairs.

If you catch the disease early, there are some treatment options. Proper breeding can help to diminish the chances of inherited heart disease. Ensure your can has an adequate level of taurine in its diet to reduce the risk of heart muscle disease.

9. Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland helps control a cat’s metabolic processes. In many American Shorthairs, especially middle-aged to old ones, tumors (usually benign) can develop in this gland, which causes their thyroid to produce more hormones than it should.

Due to the hyperactive thyroid, the cat can experience weight loss, vomiting,increased thirst, and eventually death. The good news is that there are a lot of effective treatment options today from diets to medications and surgery to effect a cure.

10. Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common health concerns in almost every type of cat, but especially American Shorthairs. Obesity is caused by excessive feeding and little exercise. Obesity can lead to several other ailments, including diabetes, arthritis, and other severe health conditions.

The good news is that obesity is both preventable and treatable. Feeding your American Shorthair a healthy diet will help to combat obesity. Additionally, play with your cat daily and provide opportunities to entertain themselves too. If your cat ends up overweight, talk to your vet to create a diet plan for your cat.

11. Panleukopenia (FP)

Feline Parvo virus was the leading cause of cat death in the past, but it is relatively rare today. Even so, it is highly contagious. If one cat has FP, there is a very good chance that any cats around it will develop FP as well.

FP currently has an effective vaccine. These vaccines are considered part of a cat’s core vaccines. Without the vaccine many cats will pass away, especially kittens. Prevention is the best way for your American Shorthair to remain healthy.

12. Parasites

American Shorthairs are just as susceptible to parasites as other animals. It’s essential to protect your American Shorthair from various parasites, including fleas, ticks, mites, hookworms, heartworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

When left untreated, parasites can become severe, but they are very easily prevented and treated. Your vet will recommend medication to help prevent the parasites. If parasites are suspected, your vet will be able to perform an exam to provide the cat with the medicine it needs for treatment.

13. Polycystic Kidney Disease (Genetic)

Polycystic kidney disease is not preventable. It is the result of a defective gene, making it an inherited issue. This disease is most common in Persians, but it is seen in American Shorthairs too. Genetic screening and responsible breeding will help to reduce occurrence of this disease.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for polycystic kidney disease, but there are medications and diets that cats help to slow the process. The best treatment option is to catch it early enough so that your cat can go on medications as soon as possible.

14. Rabies

Almost everyone has heard of rabies. Rabies is a type of infection that is entirely preventable. With proper vaccines, you will be able to protect your cat from rabies. Unfortunately, failing to get the vaccine leaves your cat, and you, at risk from this fatal disease.

To prevent your cat from developing rabies, make sure to get your furry feline their core vaccines as needed. Your vet will know all about the vaccines your cat needs to remain healthy.

15. Renal Failure

Renal failure is when the kidneys do not properly clean waste from the blood and body. Whenever this happens, renal failure can be progressive and eventually fatal in cats, especially older American Shorthairs.

In many cases, renal failure is a side effect of old age, which means it’s not preventable. You can help control renal failure with special diets and medications. If you suspect your cat’s kidneys are not working properly, see your vet immediately.

16. Rhinotracheitis

Rhinotracheitis is a type of respiratory infectious disease. It is caused by a virus, but vaccines can prevent it. Today, Rhinotracheitis is not that serious simply because the vaccine is highly effective. Talk to your vet to learn if your cat needs to be treated or get the vaccine against Rhinotracheitis.

How Can I Ensure My American Shorthair Is Healthy?

If you are getting an American Shorthair, you likely want to do everything in your power to keep them healthy. Luckily, this breed is generally considered healthy, especially if you focus on the following two factors:

Good Breeding

Only select a cat if you know it has good breeding. Good breeding will prevent most inherited diseases so that you only have to focus on diseases within your control. Talk to the breeder directly or get a veterinarian to do a full exam on your cat to determine if they have any inherited diseases.

Healthy Lifestyle

Providing your cat with a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep them around for years to come. Make sure your American Shorthair has access to plenty of water and a healthy diet. Lastly, ensure your cat gets exercise, preventative health care and dental care. Doing these few easy things will vastly diminish the chances of your cat developing serious issues.

Conclusion

Just like all cats, American Shorthairs can develop some serious health concerns. The 16 health concerns above are only some of the most common. Although 16 health concerns may seem like a lot, they are mostly possible in any cat and many are preventable. American Shorthairs are actually one of the healthier breeds you can have.

• Also see: How Much Do American Shorthair Cats Cost? 

Featured Image Credit: Puripat Lertpunyaroj, Shutterstock