Health

Chartreux can be particularly sensitive to hip dysplasia. This hereditary disease is characterized by a malformation of the hip joints, and causes painful lesions that may lead to osteoarthritis. Deformity can develop in kittens as young as six months and in most cases the deformity is bilateral. Screening by X-ray may be done at two years of age. There is currently no cure for this disease, apart from surgery to remove the malformed femur. Medication may be given to curb the damage to the cartilage or to temporarily relieve inflammation.

Some Chartreux may carry the recessive gene for medial patellar luxation, also known as floating kneecap. With this condition, the kneecap dislocates, or moves from its normal position. It is genetic in origin, but the mode of inheritance is as yet unknown. Chartruex cats also have a tendency towards polycystic kidney disease, a very common genetic condition seen in many cats.

Chartreux may also be subject to Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease related to overweight or obesity. This disease is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy) which causes respiratory problems in cats. The risk of cardiac arrest is also a consideration with this condition. Biologists have recently discovered that genetic factor could also be the cause of this ailment, and DNA testing is currently in-progress. Meanwhile, diagnosis of the disease can be easily performed by a veterinarian with a simple echocardiography. It is therefore advisable not to overfeed the Chartreux in order to guard against any cardiovascular risk.

Struvite urinary stones are a problem seen not just in the Chartreux, but in all cats. Also referred to as triple phosphate (magnesium ammonium phosphate), the condition occurs when several crystals bond to form stones. These stones can vary in size and shape, and they may lead to rapid kidney failure if they block the urinary tract. Struvite crystals are less likely to form in a more acidic environment, where the urine is diluted.

Generally, the Chartreux cat is known for its fine health, hardiness and longevity, but, as with all cats, they can be susceptible to various diseases, such as feline leukemia, internal parasites such as worms, or external parasites like fleas, so it is essential to schedule regular veterinary checks to ensure your Chartreux maintains its vital good health and well being.