So disheartened to hear of the health issues with your fur-babies
I just had to put my 16 year old kitty down last week
Lost my red and white 19 year old manx 2 years ago
I had done a little research on the Manx breed as far as UTI issues are concerned as my manx went thru a few years with urinary problems as well...I learned a few things about the breed that I never knew...One issue is that they do not have the same number of vertabrae as other breeds of cats and this is part of the reason they have no tail. My vet told me the same thing...If the problem persisted my manx would also have to have the surgery where he would be changed into a female. Gabriel also had to be hospitalized with the catheter etc...My vet suggested putting him on a low ash diet and lo and behold!! No more UTI issues!! I switched him over to Purina UTI dry formula. All the best to you with your fur-babies!!
I am now kitty-less but am searching for a Manx...They are my favorite breed next to the Siamese
Please don't give up on him yet!!! Have you tried a low ash formula cat food yet?? My vet also said he suspected too much fish in the diet may be causing an issue?? He didn't have proof of this...It was just a theory and he explained why but I have since forgotten why he suspected the fish in the diet..So...between me putting Gabriel on a low ash no fish diet it worked!!!
Manx kittens and Manx Syndrome.
Responsible breeders of the Manx breed will not let kittens leave their cattery unless the kittens are at least four months old. This is to greatly reduce the possibility of Manx Syndrome being present in any kittens they sell.
Manx Syndrome is a defect caused by the Manx gene, it is this gene that is responsible for the taillessness in the Manx breed. Sometimes the gene also results in a shortening of the spine, causing a gap in the last few vertebrae or vertebrae fused together. Bowel and bladder problems are often present in kittens with the syndrome.
Usually any problems show up in the first month of a Manx Syndrome kitten but can sometimes not show until later, by the age of four months the breeder will be sure that the kitten does not have the syndrome.
Breeding between two tailless Manx cats greatly increases the chances of Manx Syndrome being present in a litter. Breeders of Manx usually make sure that a longy (tailed) is bred in at frequent intervals, to decrease the risk.
If a kitten does not have Manx Syndrome it should go on to live a long and healthy life, in fact Manx are generally robust felines and if properly cared for and not overfed, many will live to 16 years or beyond.
