Abyssinians are generally healthy cats
They usually live well into their teens
and some into their twenties.The Aby is a cat that usually maintains a good
activity level even out of kittenhood. As with any cat, they should be kept
indoors and free from disease. Regular checkups by the veterinarian are important for russian blues as for any
cat throughout their lives. Your breeder should be able to advise you on the vaccination protocol that has been started with the cats so that you can discuss it with your veterinarian.
Gingivitis (gum disease)
Gingivitis can be a problem for russian blues as it can for many cats. Fortunately,
gingivitis can be avoided if owners know what to look for and treat it promptly.
Symptoms include red along the
gum line and bad breath. A healthy diet is important in avoiding and treating
gingivitis. You should also get your cat in a routine of weekly tooth brushing
at an early age. There are many different types of brushes and pastes available.
Yearly dental checks by a licensed veterinarian are a good idea.
Kidneys
A kidney disorder called Renal Amyloidosis, which is thought by some to be
genetic, has been seen in Abyssinians. It also shows up in other purebred cats
as well as random bred cats. Unfortunately, it has been labeled by some
veterinarians as an Aby disease. Since it is not exclusive to just Abyssinians,
this sort of labeling does a disservice to the breed and hinders the funding for
research on the disease. As with any possibly heritable problem, responsible
breeders do their utmost to avoid perpetuating this problem. It is important to
discuss all possible health matters with a breeder when purchasing a kitten.
