Cat Polycystic Kidney Disease Screening

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary condition in Persian and related cats. DNA testing before breeding eliminates the disease from affected lines and prevents inheritable suffering.

Key Facts

PKD affects up to 40% of Persian cats and is caused by a single autosomal dominant mutation
Cysts form in kidney tissue and enlarge progressively causing chronic kidney failure typically by age 7-10
A simple DNA cheek swab test identifies affected and carrier cats accurately
Breeding only from DNA-tested negative cats rapidly eliminates PKD from breeding populations
Most cat registries now require PKD testing for Persian breeding cats

Welfare Considerations

PKD causes progressive kidney failure with associated suffering from uremia, nausea and debilitation affecting thousands of Persian cats annually. The disease is entirely preventable through DNA testing before breeding decisions. Continued breeding from untested or known positive cats perpetuates avoidable suffering across multiple generations. Responsible breeders who test and breed only from PKD-negative stock eliminate the disease from their lines within one generation.

What You Can Do

Only purchase Persian, Exotic Shorthair or British Shorthair kittens from DNA-tested PKD-negative parents
Request to see both parents' negative PKD test certificates when buying from a breeder
Support breed club policies requiring mandatory PKD testing for all registered breeders
Have existing Persian cats tested if breeding status is unknown to make informed decisions
Advocate for mandatory health testing requirements as a condition of breed registration