Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Cat Health Screening 2026

Cat health screening has advanced in 2026, with genetic testing and wellness panels enabling earlier detection of common diseases.

Key Facts

Genetic testing for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) variants allows breeding risk reduction
Pre-breeding genetic testing for PKD (polycystic kidney disease) reduces Persian cat health burdens
Annual wellness blood panels detect metabolic disease at treatable early stages in 1 in 5 senior cats
Blood pressure monitoring is recommended annually for cats over 7 years
Thyroid palpation at annual check-ups detects hyperthyroidism earlier than waiting for clinical signs

Welfare Considerations

Health screening enables early detection and intervention before suffering becomes severe. Integrating genetic screening, wellness panels, and clinical examination delivers comprehensive preventive welfare.

What You Can Do

Book annual wellness panels for cats over 7 including blood, urine, and blood pressure checks
Seek genetic testing for heritable diseases when choosing a pedigree cat or kitten
Advocate for genetic testing requirements before breeding in pedigree cat breeds