Devon Lair

All About the Devon Rex

Health

Health issues to be aware of with your Devon Rex cat

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is the most common form of heart disease in cats and causes thickening of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM.
  • Patellar luxation is a hereditary problem in which the kneecap occasionally pops out of place. In severe cases it can dislocate frequently or even permanently and may require surgical correction.
  • Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) causes muscle weakness. Signs become evident at three to 23 weeks of age and usually progress slowly or remain static. Moderately to severely affected cats show evidence of more generalized muscle weakness, particularly following exertion, stress or excitement. A cat can be DNA tested for this.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD-1) is a progressive, inherited condition which causes multiple fluid filled cysts on the kidneys and can result in kidney failure. A cat can be DNA tested for this.
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a virus transmitted by infected cats.
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is transmitted through bite wounds.
  • Herpes is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infection in cats.