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Understanding PK Deficiency and PRA in Somali Cats: A Health Roadmap

Good to know: general information, not veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.
A ruddy Somali cat with amber eyes being examined at a veterinary clinic

Short answer: two inherited conditions are worth knowing about in the Somali: pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, which can cause anaemia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes gradual blindness. Both have DNA tests. The GCCF says PK deficiency has a reliable test and has been eliminated from Somali Cat Club breeding lines, so the practical step for a buyer is to ask the breeder for test results.

The Somali is generally healthy

The GCCF describes the Somali as generally healthy and athletic, with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. The breed is a semi-longhaired version of the Abyssinian, and that shared ancestry is why the same inherited conditions appear in both. Knowing about them is not a reason to avoid the breed; it is a reason to buy carefully and keep up with routine care. Our guide to the yearly vet check-up explains what a good annual exam covers.

PK deficiency

PK deficiency is an inherited condition that, according to the GCCF, can cause anaemia. The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory offers a PK deficiency test for Abyssinian, Somali and domestic shorthair cats, and it can be bundled with the PRA rdAc test. A study published through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association followed the clinical course of 25 Abyssinian and Somali cats with PK deficiency, which shows that vets are documenting the disease and that it can be managed once identified.

What this means for owners:

  • Ask a breeder whether the parents were tested for PK deficiency, and ask to see the results.
  • If your cat seems tired, weak or off its food, do not wait: book a vet visit. Those signs have many causes, and our guides on how much cats sleep and vomiting explain how to tell normal from worrying.
  • Tell any new vet that your cat is a Somali, so breed-related conditions are on their list.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

The UC Davis laboratory explains that cats with the rdAc form of PRA are born with normal vision. The light-sensing cells of the retina, the rods and cones, slowly deteriorate, leading to blindness. There is no treatment. Early changes can be detected by electroretinography at around 7 months, vision loss is gradual and varies between cats, and most affected cats are blind by roughly 3 to 5 years old.

The GCCF notes that PRA has been found in Somalis in some other countries, but that no UK cases had been recorded. It is still worth asking about, because the condition is inherited.

How it is inherited

  • PRA rdAc is autosomal recessive: a cat must inherit two copies of the CEP290 mutation to lose its sight.
  • Carriers with one copy have normal vision but can pass the mutation on.
  • Two carriers bred together have a 25% chance of producing an affected kitten.

The DNA test

The laboratory offers a cheek-swab test with three possible results: N/N (normal), N/rdAc (carrier) and rdAc/rdAc (affected). It detects only the rdAc form; another form, Rdy, is caused by a different gene and has its own test. A breeder who tests breeding cats and shares the results is doing exactly what the GCCF recommends.

Living with a cat that is losing its sight

If a cat does develop PRA, most cats adapt well to a stable home. These are practical suggestions, not veterinary instructions:

  • Keep furniture and food, water and litter in the same places.
  • Avoid leaving new obstacles in walkways.
  • Keep a cat with limited vision indoors or in a secure enclosure.
  • Keep up play with scent, sound and texture; see our guide to indoor cat enrichment.

Everyday health for any Somali

The GCCF also highlights dental care, since tartar build-up can lead to gingivitis. Read our dental care guide. For vaccines and parasite control, see cat vaccinations explained and fleas on cats. For another breed's health planning, see Common Norwegian Forest Cat Health Issues and How to Prevent Them.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet can discuss testing and your cat's individual risk.

Quick checklist

  • Buy from a breeder who shares PK deficiency and PRA test results.
  • Know that PK deficiency can cause anaemia and PRA causes gradual blindness.
  • Tell your vet your cat is a Somali.
  • Keep the home layout stable if vision declines.
  • Do not skip yearly check-ups and dental care.

Keep reading

Sources

Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.