Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition affecting Persian cats and related breeds, causing progressive kidney failure with significant welfare implications that are now largely preventable through breeding screening.
PKD causes progressive welfare compromise through advancing chronic kidney disease — polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, weight loss, and uraemia in the final stages. Affected cats experience the same welfare impacts as cats with other causes of CKD, but the preventable genetic basis makes breed-level prevention the most impactful welfare intervention. Mandatory genetic screening before breeding prevents future cases being born. Dietary management, phosphate restriction, anti-nausea medication, and subcutaneous fluid therapy can extend good-quality life in affected cats. The welfare case for mandatory PKD genetic screening in Persian breeding is overwhelming.