Although Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Abyssinian cats is an inherited condition that leads to gradual blindness, this cat breed is not one plagued with a lot of inherited diseases. My research indicates that there are six which I will cover in future infographics.
While there is no cure for PRA, responsible breeding and genetic testing can help reduce the occurrence of this disease in the breed. Cats that develop PRA can still live a good quality of life by adapting to their loss of vision with proper care and environmental adjustments.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Abyssinian cats by Michael BroadWhat other cat breeds are predisposed to RTA?
In addition to Abyssinian cats, several other breeds are predisposed to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) due to inherited genetic mutations. These breeds have varying forms of PRA, but all experience a similar degeneration of the retina that leads to vision loss and eventual blindness. Here are the main cat breeds known to have a predisposition to PRA:
1. Somali
- Relation to Abyssinians: Somali cats are closely related to Abyssinians and share a similar genetic predisposition to PRA. The same gene mutation found in Abyssinians is often present in Somali cats.
2. Siamese
- Siamese-related PRA: Siamese cats are known to be predisposed to a specific form of PRA that can develop later in life. This type tends to progress more slowly than in some other breeds.
3. Ocicat
- Genetic Connection: Ocicats, which were bred using Abyssinians and Siamese cats, are also at risk for PRA due to their genetic heritage.
4. Oriental Shorthair
- Related to Siamese: Oriental Shorthairs share genetic roots with Siamese cats, and they can inherit the same form of PRA that affects their close relatives.
5. Persian
- Late-Onset PRA: Persians are susceptible to a different form of PRA, which typically manifests later in life. This is distinct from the early-onset form seen in Abyssinians and Somalis.
6. Bengal
- Genetic Risk: Bengals are known to develop PRA, but the onset and progression can vary depending on the specific genetic mutation involved.
7. Maine Coon
- Possible Link: While not as common as in other breeds, there have been cases of PRA reported in Maine Coons, though this is not as widely studied in this breed.
8. Balinese
- Similar to Siamese: Like Siamese, Balinese cats are predisposed to PRA, often sharing the same genetic mutation due to their close breeding ties.
9. British Shorthair
- Less Common but Present: British Shorthairs have been identified with PRA, though it is less common in this breed compared to others like Abyssinians and Siamese.
10. Burmese
- Late-Onset PRA: Burmese cats can develop a later-onset version of PRA, similar to what is seen in Persians.
Summary of Breed Predispositions:
- Abyssinian and Somali: Early-onset, rapid progression.
- Siamese and Oriental Shorthair: Slower progression, late onset.
- Persian, Bengal, and British Shorthair: Less frequent, but possible.
- Ocicat: Due to genetic ties with Abyssinians and Siamese.
In general, PRA occurs across a range of breeds, but the specific gene mutation and onset of the disease can vary between breeds. Genetic testing is key in helping to identify carriers and affected cats in these predisposed breeds.
Note: this article and infographic were carefully researched but if you spot an error, I’d be very grateful if you comment about it. I can then update the page.
