Cat Polycystic Kidney Disease Screening

Polycystic kidney disease is a heritable condition in Persian and related cats that causes progressive renal failure and is preventable through genetic testing and responsible breeding.

Key Facts

PKD affects approximately 40% of Persian cats in some populations due to historical founder effects
The condition is caused by a dominant mutation in the PKD1 gene
Affected cats develop multiple fluid-filled cysts that progressively replace functional kidney tissue
DNA testing can identify carriers and affected cats before clinical signs develop
Breeding only PKD-negative cats would eliminate the condition within a few generations

Welfare Considerations

PKD causes progressive chronic kidney disease with the welfare impacts of uraemia, nausea, lethargy, and ultimately renal failure. The condition is entirely preventable through genetic testing of breeding cats and selecting only negative cats for reproduction. The fact that a highly prevalent, entirely preventable inherited disease continues to affect over a third of Persians represents a systemic failure of breeding responsibility. Each affected cat suffers unnecessarily from a condition that responsible breeding would prevent.

What You Can Do

Test all Persian and related breed cats before using them for breeding
Verify breeding cat PKD test results through official databases
Request evidence of PKD testing when purchasing Persian kittens
Support breed clubs that enforce mandatory PKD testing for registration
Raise awareness about PKD as a preventable welfare tragedy in Persian cats