breed born condition

Question
QUESTION: If I get an Abyssinian kitten from a breeder with a certificate of health does that mean the cat will not develop renal amyloidosis later in life?
ANSWER: Joan,

No.  However, we are seeing and hearing about amyloid problems in Abyssinians less and less.  As people breed for and have cattery conditions to foster better immune systems, the incidence of amyloid problems appears to be much less.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  Would it be bad form for me to ask permission to talk to the vet who deals with the cattery if that condition is/has been a problem in that cattery?
ANSWER: Joan,

It would be bad form to question the vet about a cattery without permission of the cattery owner to talk to you.  Furthermore, the vet should not talk to you anyway (doctor/patient privilege) unless you had permission of the cattery owner.

If you do not trust the cattery owner to believe what they tell you, then why would you even deal with that person?

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am just a simple pet owner, and really do not know how to 'vet out' a cattery.  I have been told that cats reared in small groups in a family, with lots of handling, is the way to go, as opposed to caged cats, bred for sale.  Cats live for a long time and I do not often have the chance of visiting catteries.  I am glad I asked this question.  It was brought about by some add I saw in which the person said their vet would sign a certification of health.  Thanks a lot for your help, as it is most appreciated.  

Answer
Joan,

Generally, if the cattery looks and smells clean, it is.  I have been in some catteries where the ammonia odor is overpowering, and this sets off the warning flags.

As to Feline Amyloidosis, there is so little known about the disease at this point, I would not be concerned about it.  Most cats end up dying of kidney problems, eventually, anyway, unfortunately.  Most of what I have seen on Feline Amyloidosis is myth and has no factual research to back it!

It is that there are other things I would worry about long before amyloid.  Does the cattery offer you a reasonable sales contract?  Do they require neutering/spaying or provide neutered/spayed pets (either is OK)?  Are the premises clean?  Do the kittens get to be underfoot?

Check out a book called "Kittens for Dummies" by Dusty Rainbolt, published by Wiley.  BTW, there is no slight intended, this is the title of the book.  There are excellent chapters on general cat care.  She has some common sense advice on Inspecting the Cattery.

I was just pointing out an ethical situation on discussing someone's conditions with their vet without permission.  I did not mean to sound too harsh.  I am always happy to have prospective buyers check with my vet, if they want to.

Best regards... Norm.