Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic means multiple cysts. PKD is therefore a disease in which a large number of fluid filled cysts form within the kidneys. These cysts are present from birth in affected cats but they start off very small. However, they grow and multiply over time, until they compromise the surrounding normal kidney tissue. The diseased kidney eventually shuts down, causing end-stage renal disease.

PKD is most prevalent in Persian cats and Persian-derived breeds including British Shorthairs, Himalayans, Scottish Folds and Chinchillas. All ChubbyBuddies in our breeding program have been DNA tested as PKD negative. This is important because cats which do not posses the positive gene cannot pass it on to their offspring.