Genetic & Health Testing
Why is health & genetic testing important?
The health of our Bengal kittens is our top priority. That’s why all of our breeding cats undergo thorough health and genetic testing before entering our program. This ensures our kittens are clear of the two most common genetic conditions in Bengals—PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which affects vision, and PK Deficiency (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency), which can cause anemia. By testing and selecting only healthy breeding cats, we help ensure your kitten has the best possible start to a long, happy life.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. It is a condition that causes the muscular walls of a cats heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s efficiency and sometimes creating symptoms in other parts of the body. It could lead to an early death and effects 13% of Bengal’s. Bengals must be tested yearly. For more info visit this website:
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK)
PK Deficiency is a condition in which red blood cells break down faster than they should. It is the development of anaemia. It is autosomal recessive, thus two copies of the mutant DNA variant are required for the cats to be blind. Cats that carry one copy of the mutation can only be detected by a DNA test.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a group of degenerative diseases that affect this photoreceptor cells. With this disease, the cells deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness in the affected cat. It is autosomal recessive, thus two copies of the mutant DNA variant are required for the cats to be blind. Cats that carry one copy of the mutation can only be detected by a DNA test.