Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Savannah Cats
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic disease that affects the eyes of many cats. It also appears in Savannah cats, so breeders test for it early. Because the test is simple and reliable, responsible breeders use it before planning any litters.
How PRA Causes Blindness
This disease begins in the retina. The retina has rods and cones that help a cat see in light and dark. These cells work together to support clear vision. As the cat grows older, the cells begin to break down. Because of that breakdown, the cat slowly loses sight. Most affected cats become fully blind by around five years of age.
How a Healthy Cat Eye Works
A cat’s eye has several important parts. Each one helps the cat see clearly in many kinds of light. When one part stops working, the whole eye struggles. This is why PRA creates such serious vision loss.
The Outer Eye
The white area of the eye is called the sclera. It forms a tough outer layer that protects the eye. A thin membrane called the conjunctiva covers the sclera and reaches the edge of the cornea. The cornea is a clear dome that lets light enter the eye. It also helps focus that light on the retina. Because the cornea protects the front of the eye, it plays a major role in vision.
The Iris and the Pupil
The colored circle of the eye is the iris. It controls how much light enters the pupil. The pupil grows wider in dim light and becomes smaller in bright light. These changes help the cat adjust quickly to different lighting.
The Inner Eye
Behind the iris sits the lens. This lens changes shape to help the cat focus. Small muscles control these changes. While cats do not adjust their lenses as much as humans, they still see well in many environments.
The retina is located at the back of the eye. It contains rods and cones that sense light. Rods help with dim light, while cones help with detail and some color. Cats also have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects light back through the retina to boost night vision. These cells slowly fail in PRA, which leads to total blindness.
Two Forms of PRA in Savannah Cats
There are two main forms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy. One form is called CEP 290. The other is called CRX PRA. Because these forms are different, breeders test for both. You can find more information about testing at the UC Davis website. A cat that carries or shows PRA should not be bred.
Testing Helps Protect the Breed
Breeders who want strong, healthy lines rely on early testing. They often send samples to the same lab that tests for PK Deficiency. This process helps them avoid passing PRA to kittens. As a result, the breed stays healthier over time.
Learn More About Savannah Cat Care
If you want to explore more topics, you can read:
There are two forms of PRA. Once is CEP 290 and the other is CRX PRA. A Savannah cat should be tested for both forms and testing information and results may be seen at: https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/pra.php. As in PK Def carriers and affected cats should not be bred.
FAQ Section
FAQ Section
What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy?
It is a genetic disease that causes the rods and cones in a cat’s retina to fail.
Can cats recover from PRA?
There is no cure, but early testing helps breeders prevent the disease in future litters.
When do symptoms begin?
Most affected cats lose vision slowly and become blind by around five years old.
Should all breeders test for PRA?
Yes. Testing protects the breed and reduces the risk of producing affected kittens.
Can blind cats live normal lives?
They can live happy lives with a safe and stable home environment.