Susceptibility

• While any cat can develop amyloidosis, Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese are susceptible to a genetic form that affects the liver, and Abyssinians are susceptible to a form that causes kidney damage. These breeds make up most of the cases of amyloidosis.
  
  

Age

• When the disease is acquired genetically, it is typically diagnosed by age 5. Other cats tend to be about 7 years old when diagnosed.
  
  

Symptoms

• Kidney amyloidosis causes weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, and swelling of the legs, face or abdomen. Liver amyloidosis does not have obvious symptoms until a liver rupture causes sudden death or hemorrhaging. A cat with a liver rupture may sleep more than usual.
  
  

Treatment

• There is no cure for amyloidosis. Once a cat is diagnosed, a veterinarian will prescribe measures to slow the progression of the disease and keep the cat comfortable; for example, administering intravenous fluids. Ultimately, humane euthanasia will be necessary.
  
  

Prevention

• The best way to keep amyloidosis at bay is not to breed cats that have shown signs of the disease. It is not possible to prevent the disease in a cat that has inherited it.