Health FAQ

At LKN Bengals, we are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our Bengal cats. This section provides important information about the health conditions that may affect Bengals and the thorough health testing we perform to reduce risks. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to support your Bengal in living a long, healthy life. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, feel free to contact us!

What is PK Def?

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Def) is a genetic disorder where cats lack an enzyme necessary for red blood cell function, leading to anemia and symptoms like lethargy, weakness, and jaundice. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a cat must have two copies of the gene to be affected. Genetic testing identifies carriers and affected cats, allowing breeders to avoid pairing two carriers, which prevents the condition from being passed on to kittens. While there's no cure, managing symptoms can help improve the quality of life for affected cats.

Reading PK Def. test results:
N/N: Unaffected
N/PK: Carrier
PK/PK: Affected

What is HCM?

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease in cats, causes thickening of the heart's walls, particularly the left ventricle, leading to abnormal heart function, blood clots, and potential heart failure. This disease is hereditary in some breeds, including Bengals, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons, and genetic testing can identify at-risk cats. Responsible breeders should perform yearly screenings on their breeding cats to prevent passing on HCM, and early detection can help manage the disease, though there is no cure. If you're purchasing a kitten, inquire about the breeder’s HCM screening practices and request the test results for their breeding cats.

Please be aware that LKN Bengals and its authors are not licensed veterinarians. The information provided is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice. We cannot be held liable for how readers choose to use this information.