Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Ragdolls and Other Purebred Cats

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy pic

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Image: cvm.ncsu.edu

In her practice, veterinarian and feline health expert Dr. Jennifer Creed focuses heavily on Ragdoll cats and other purebred species. Dr. Jennifer Creed commonly treats feline heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most prevalent type of heart disease in cats. It is particularly common in Ragdoll cats, as this breed has a 30 percent chance of carrying a genetic mutation that encourages the condition.

The disease causes the muscle walls of the heart to thicken. This prevents the heart from pumping correctly, and it can lead to progressively worsening complications over time. Common problems include blood clots and respiratory concerns.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as yet. With regular veterinary care, cats with the disease can be diagnosed and treated in a variety of ways. Veterinarians often use echocardiograms to evaluate the condition of a cat’s heart, and they can prescribe various drugs to prevent heart failure and mitigate other symptoms.

Reasons to Neuter a Male Cat

Neuter a Male Cat pic

Neuter a Male Cat
Image: pets.webmd.com

Dr. Jennifer Creed, the owner of the cattery Midwest Ragdolls, is an experienced veterinarian. In her practice, Dr. Jennifer Creed routinely performs spay and neuter procedures.

Neutering a male cat not only protects the cat’s health but helps to reduce unwanted behaviors. A neutered cat is significantly less prone to spraying, a sexual response typical of non-castrated males, and is much less likely to roam when he senses a female in heat.

Furthermore, because aggression stems from the production of testosterone and other male hormones, neutering most often inhibits such tendencies. This can in turn lead to fewer injuries over the cat’s lifetime, as the aggressive impulse often prompts male cats to fight one another to defend their territory.

Another benefit of neutering is the prevention of testicular cancer and other conditions of the male reproductive system. Similarly, as neutering limits the breeding population of cats overall, the procedure can foster greater health in the next generation by limiting the transmission of diseases that have a genetic component. And finally, neutering helps to reduce the number of unwanted pets born, so that more resources and homes are available overall.