Health and Exercise

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail cat is a relatively healthy and sturdy breed having a lifespan of 13-15 years.
However, there have been cases of this feline being born a rumpy or without a tail. Rumpy ones tend to
have shortened spines and may have incontinence issues. As such, it is necessary to acquire this cat from
breeders who can provide records and guarantees on its health.

American bobtails are relatively low-energy breeds but are usually playful. They have medium exercise
needs, which means that you can take them out for a walk. Just like other cats, they need mental
stimulation such as playing with interactive toys.

To prevent obesity, ensure that this feline gets enough exercise and be fed the appropriate amount of
food. The American Bobtail may be allowed to explore the outdoors, but do not be surprised if it returns
to you with an animal gift.

American Curl

The American Curl’s lifespan ranges from 12-20 years. This cat is known for being a healthy breed and
defect-free except for those health issues affecting all cats.

Not only does it look sturdy, it is truly a hardy feline. In fact, it is not known to have any genetic issues
other than narrow ear canals. Despite this, it is always recommended to get American Curl kittens for
sale from reputable breeders.

American Curls have low exercise needs but are normally active. Since they enjoy playing, it is best to let
give them interactive toys to stimulate their minds. It is also better to keep them inside the home to
keep them from running away.

American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are generally healthy and could even live between 15 and 20 years. This breed can
be predisposed to a heart disease called cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to mouth and gum
disease. To ensure its overall health, take it to regular vet visits for check-up and vaccinations.

Although modern American Shorthairs are known as indoor pet cats, regular exercise is needed to avoid
obesity. They are moderately active and enjoy playing interactive toys. They still need daily exercise like
short walks.

American Wirehair

On average, the American Wirehair’s lifespan ranges from 15-16 years. They are considered as robust
cats with a few major health problems such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is the most
common heart disease in cats.

American Wirehairs are agile and energetic, which means they need a lot of exercise to keep them from
getting bored. This breed loves to play with interactive toys, which help them stay in shape. Being an
intelligent breed with strong hunter instincts, it should be provided with toys and activities that will also
challenge its mental abilities.

Arctic Curl (no information on exercise; unedited)

Considering the robust qualities of both parent breeds, the Arctic Curl remains to be a strong cat. There
have been no known breed-specific defects recorded at the moment. Similar with the other breeds,
Arctic Curls should be getting enough exercise and a well-managed diet to prevent obesity.
As this cat is monitored by the breeders, there still isn’t accurate information as to its life expectancy.

Asian Cat

On average, the Asian cat’s life expectancy ranges from 16-18 years. This cat breed is among the
healthiest and is not known to be affected by hereditary health issues.

Asian cats are generally active so make sure that it gets enough exercise and manage its diet well. They
are interactive and sociable but they are not likely to be active all day. Being an intelligent breed, it
should be provided with toys and activities that will also challenge its mental abilities.

Australian Mist

The average Australian Mist’s life expectancy ranges from 15-18 years. This cat breed is among the
healthiest and is not known to have health issues.

Ensure that this feline gets enough exercise and its diet managed well to prevent it from becoming
overweight. Be firm on its diet, as this feline is prone to over-eating.

Australian Mists are normally happy with indoor living but be sure to provide them with smart
interactive toys to keep them getting bored. They do not need to be taken out for a walk. American
Mists still need some exercise by playing alone or with owners such as a game of fetch.

Balinese

On average, Balinese cats can live up to 12 years but some live longer up to 20 years. Balinese cats are
generally healthy but they can develop a few health issues as the Siamese as they get older. These
include amyloidosis, asthma or bronchial disease, crossed eyes, and congential heart defects, among
others. It is a good idea to consult a veterinarian regularly and check for initial signs of these diseases.

Balinese cats enjoy staying indoors. They do not need a lot of exercise although they are active and
social. Like other cats, the Balinese loves to play fetch. This breed also enjoys playing with interactive
toys, which are a good mental stimulant.

Bengal

Bengals are generally healthy cats with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They are known to be
immune to feline leukaemia. However, there are health conditions this breed is predisposed to such as
hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, flat-chested kitten syndrome, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, and Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Bengal cats are quite active even indoors as they are athletes. Having high energy, they need to have
physical and mental activities. Apart from interactive toys that challenge their minds, provide platforms
where they can climb up and down. Also get them different types of toys that will keep them busy.

Birman

Birmans are relatively healthy with a longevity of 12-16 years. They do not have known major genetic
conditions. They may develop health issues common to regular cat breeds such as obesity, hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, and kidney diseases.

To keep your Birman from getting bored, let them play a lot. They do not require specific exercise needs
but they need physical activities and mental stimulation. They are moderately active so prepare an
assortment of toys to keep them busy, some climbing towers, and puzzles.
Bombay

Bombay cats are a robust breed whose lifespan ranges from 15-20 years. However, it can be affected by
a number of hereditary health conditions and other issues like Burmese hypokalaemia, breathing
difficulties (e.g. sinus problems), gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and watery eyes.

Control feeding as it overeats. This feline likes to eat more than it needs to. As such, its meal portions
and feeding must be controlled to prevent obesity.

Bombay cats have low exercise needs. Exercise is normally achieved through an assortment of toys that
make them run such as a game of chase. Moderately active, Bombay cats like to engage in activities that
involve physical and mental stimulation. Daily exercise of 10-15 minutes a few times a day can help
them maintain their weight.

Bramble (only the second paragraph is edited)

Being a relatively new breed, the Bramble cat has no known hereditary health problems at the moment
and is believed to be a robust feline.

Brambles have a Bengal in the breed making them agile and athletic. This means that this breed is active
and its exercise needs is the same as Bengals. A good variety of interactive toys, and climbing platforms
would keep them from becoming bored and overweight.

British Longhair

British Longhairs normally have a life span of 15 to 17 years but they can sometimes live up to 20 years.
They are generally considered to be healthy but they can develop health issues common to their breed
such as renal polycystosis, neonatal isoerythrolysis, obesity, feline leukaemia, and enteritis.

As it is a solid-bodied indoor cat, this breed tends to put on too much weight and they become less
active as adults. As such, owners should encourage their British Longhair to exercise every day and stay
active by offering them an assortment of interactive toys or play with them. Using treat-based games
and interactive feeding devices can keep them from being too laid back.

British Shorthair

A British Shorthair's life expectancy ranges from 14 to 20 years. Although a healthy breed, it is likely to
develop hereditary health conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of heart muscle),
polycystic kidney disease, and haemophilia B.

Weight management is important with British Shorthairs as they are prone to gaining pounds. They must
get enough exercise daily. One way to encourage them to exercise is to climb on platforms such as a cat
tree. Cat trees not only help them exercise but also provide them mental stimulation. It is also necessary
to provide them with interactive toys.

Burmese

Burmese cats are fairly healthy and can live a long life (16-18 years). However, they have higher
potential of developing diabetes mellitus than most breeds. This breed is also predisposed to other
health issues such as hypokalaemia or low levels of potassium, flat-chested kitten syndrome, and dilated
cardiomyopathy or an enlarged heart. They can also be susceptible to gingivitis, which can be avoided
with good oral hygiene.

A high-energy breed, Burmese cats need lots of physical and mental stimulation in the form of toys and
interactive games. As an indoor pet, it should be provided with various places to hide and climbing
platforms. Burmese cats are generally considered as more heavily inclined to play games with their
owners than other breeds.
Burmilla

Burmilla cats' average lifespan is 7 to 12 years but could last up to 15 years or more. It does not have
known breed-related health problems recorded at the moment. Much like the other cats, it needs
annual vaccination boosters against common feline diseases.

However, there have been cases of Burmilla affected by allergies as well as polycystic kidney disease
when they age. It is, therefore, necessary to check the Burmilla breeder’s credentials before getting one.

The Burmilla has the same exercise needs as most other cat breeds. Because they have long sleeping
hours, owners should ensure that they are active when awake to keep them from getting bored and
putting on weight. This breed should be provided with toys, cat trees, and activities that will also
challenge its mental abilities.

Chartreux

The Chartreux is a relatively healthy breed having a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Although it is a
healthy breed, it is still at risk of genetic diseases such as cardiomyopathy, which is a heart muscle
disease. arterial thromboembolism, urinary tract disease, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and
hyperthyroidism. This does not mean that Chartreux cats have these diseases, but they are more likely
to develop them compared to other cat breeds.

The Chartreux is not an energetic cat but likes to be occupied. It plays in short bursts and takes naps in
between. Like other cat breeds, Chartreux cats need regular exercise by engaging them in high-activity
toys that involve physical and mental stimulation. These can help avoid obesity and keep them from
getting bored.

Chausie

The Chausie’s life expectancy ranges from 12–14 years. This cat breed is among the healthiest and is not
known to be affected by health issues except that they cannot eat vegetables. There have been cases of
chausies affected by gluten intolerance that imply less capability of breaking down fibre and plant
matter. It is best to feed Chausie cats pure meat.

Because of their wild cat blood, Chausies need a lot of playtime. They are playful cats that often demand
attention and interaction with their owners. They also require a lot of space to for running and
exploring. Providing them with high-activity toys and cat towers would be a good idea.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats are generally healthy with a life expectancy of 12-16 years. However, just like all cat
breeds, they have the potential to develop genetic health issues. The Cornish Rex are prone to
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fading kitten syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, and patellar luxation.

The Cornish Rex are active and lively cats that enjoy playing fetch for hours. As an intelligent feline, the
Rex should be mentally stimulated to keep it balanced and happy. It should be protected from the cold
during winter season and the heat during the warmer months as it is temperature sensitive. It can get
sunburn when exposed to direct sunlight for a length of time.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is considered a typically healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years. While they are
generally healthy, Devon Rex cats may be prone to patella luxation. Their breed is also susceptible to
Devon Rex myopathy, which is mainly due to a limited gene pool. Another health issue to watch out for
is yeast infection of the skin, which is due to their sparse hair.
While Devon Rex cats are known extroverts, they could still have an issue with obesity if they do not
engage in physical activities. This may be unlikely as they are very active with both doglike and monkey-
like traits. Owners should provide them with interactive toys and cat towers to make sure they get
enough exercise daily.

Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau cats normally have a life span of 9-13 years but some can live up to 16 years. It is generally
considered as a healthy breed except for being prone to patellar luxation and periodental disease as
they age. Egyptian Maus are also likely to develop skin sensitivity, pyruvate kinase deficiency, and
umbilical hernia than other cat breeds.

Egyptian Maus are athletic and lively cats. It is important to surround them with toys that can sufficiently
stimulate them both mentally and physically. They can maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle as long as
they have enough exercise by playing and climbing on platforms.

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair cats can live up to 15 years or longer. Exotics are fairly healthy but compared to other
cat breeds, they are more at risk of developing polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Being a brachycephalous
breed-its eyes and nose are close to each other-the Exotic Shorthair is likely to develop sinus problems.
Its short jaw makes it also prone to teeth issues. It can develop eye conditions like entropion and cherry
eye. It is also sensitive to heat and is predisposed to ringworm. Feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a
hereditary health issue to watch out for; it occurs in about 40-50% of Exotics.

When it comes to exercise needs, Exotic Shorthair cats do not require much. However, they should
always be encouraged to play several times a day to keep them from gaining weight. While they are
livelier than Persian cats, they tend to be laid-back, making them prone to obesity. Offering them
interactive toys, fishing-pole toys, and engaging them in puzzles are enough to satisfy their exercise
needs.

The Exotic must be secured indoors as it cannot fend for itself against other dangers outdoors, such as
other cats and dogs.