PKD is a genetic condition causing progressive kidney failure in Persian and related breeds — genetic testing has dramatically reduced incidence while improving welfare outcomes.
PKD represents a success story in genetic welfare improvement alongside an ongoing welfare challenge. The availability of a simple genetic test means that breeders who test and remove affected cats from breeding programmes can eliminate this condition within a generation. Countries and breeding clubs that have adopted mandatory testing have achieved dramatic reductions in prevalence. Meanwhile, cats already affected with PKD require the same proactive welfare management as other kidney disease patients to maintain quality of life through the progressive disease course.