Cat Diseases

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common feline heart condition. The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA test now screens for two additional genetic health markers associated with HCM to let pet parents know if their cat is at a higher risk for the disease.

How to best care for your cat’s teeth and support their oral health can feel like a complicated subject, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s an important topic to discuss, since your cat’s oral health directly impacts their overall health and well-being. Today, we’ll discuss your cat’s teeth and their growth timelines, dental conditions to be aware of, and how you can provide your beloved cat with the best oral health care possible!

The article discusses common health concerns for Sphynx cats such as heart disease and respiratory issues, and provides tips for extending their lifespan through proper care and diet. We want to emphasize the importance of responsible ownership in ensuring a long and happy life for these unique cat companions.

Persian cats stand out not only for their distinctive appearance but also for the genuine companionship they offer. The average Persian cat lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years, making them cherished members of many families for a significant portion of their lives. In some extraordinary cases, these captivating creatures have defied expectations, living up to 20 years or more. However, achieving such an impressive lifespan requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence their longevity and dedicated care to address their specific needs.

We’re so excited to share that the latest results from the Basepaws Feline Health History Questionnaire are in! For the past two years, amazing pet parents like you in our customer and/or citizen science research community have filled out this questionnaire to help us learn about your furry family members’ physical appearance, health, eating habits, behaviors, and more.

Porphyrias is a term for a group of rare metabolic disorders that affect a cat’s ability to produce heme. Heme is an essential part of hemoglobin—a protein found in red blood cells that brings oxygen from a cat’s lungs to other parts of their body. Different types of porphyrias can occur in cats, as well as in humans and other animals. In this blog, we’ll discuss acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in cats, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated by veterinarians.

Too many pet parents have known the heartbreaking loss of a beloved pet to cancer. As part of our commitment to helping all pets live healthier, happier, and longer lives, Basepaws is studying the genetic and oral microbiome factors associated with certain types of cancer. We welcome your participation in this research, which could inform the development of new screening tests for earlier detection of cancer in pets.