Burmese Cats Health - Hypokalemic Myopathy

Burmese cats can inherit through an autosomal recessive gene a condition called hypokalemic myopathy. The signs are evident at about 3 to 4 months of age. Kittens affected show periods of paralysis and weakness. Their heads tend to be "flexed downwards".

The treatment is a dietary supplement of potassium. This reverses the symptoms. The supplement needs to be provided until the kitten can regulate their potassium metabolism. This varies from cat to cat.

See also genetic diseases in purebred cats.