Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetics and Welfare

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition in cats causing progressive kidney failure, most prevalent in Persian and related breeds, that is largely preventable through responsible breeding.

Key Facts

PKD is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation in the PKD1 gene that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys.
A single copy of the mutant gene is sufficient to cause disease — heterozygous cats are affected.
Persian cats have historically had PKD prevalence rates of 30-50% in some breeding populations.
Cysts enlarge progressively, compressing normal kidney tissue and reducing function over years.
Clinical signs typically appear in mid-to-late life (7-10 years) as chronic kidney disease progresses.
A simple DNA test identifies affected cats, enabling breeding programmes to eliminate the mutation.
International breeding organisations have made PKD-testing mandatory, dramatically reducing prevalence.
Affected cats require the same management as other causes of CKD: phosphorus restriction, hydration, and monitoring.

Welfare Considerations

PKD is a genetic welfare tragedy that was entirely preventable once the causative mutation was identified. Affected cats develop progressive kidney failure over years — experiencing the same welfare impacts as any CKD patient (nausea, reduced appetite, uraemia) — as a direct consequence of inherited genetics from breeders who did not screen. The contrast with breed clubs that have adopted mandatory PKD testing is stark: in populations where testing and only breeding PKD-negative cats is standard practice, prevalence has fallen dramatically toward zero. Continuing to breed untested Persians perpetuates avoidable suffering in cats who have no ability to consent to the conditions of their breeding.

What You Can Do

Only purchase Persian, Exotic Shorthair, or related cats from breeders who provide PKD-negative DNA test certificates.
Ask for documentation of PKD test results for both parents before purchasing a kitten.
Support breed clubs that have made PKD testing mandatory and enforce compliance.
If you have a PKD-positive cat, manage them as a CKD patient with appropriate veterinary monitoring.
Report breeders selling untested cats to relevant breed clubs and consumer protection bodies.
Advocate for mandatory health testing requirements to be included in pet sale legislation.