Common Genetic Diseases in Ragdoll Cats

Ragdolls are prone to two inherited diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart wall thickens and can cause sudden cardiac death, and polycystic kidney disease, where fluid cysts enlarge the kidneys. HCM peaks at four to eight years and affects about 6 percent of the breed; PKD strikes at three to ten and is avoided if both parents test clear. Neither can be cured, only managed with care, kidney-support diets and vet-guided mineral supplements, so DNA testing and routine prevention matter.