Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

If you have a purebred cat, consider genetic testing for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).  

This genetic disease is more common in Abyssinian and Persian cat breeds and can lead to loss of vision.  

Affected cats may become more anxious at night or have more dilated pupils with eyes that seem more reflective than they used to. Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for progressive retinal atrophy in cats.  

Let’s learn more about this uncommon genetic disease and how you can help your pet. 

What Is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats?

Progressive retinal atrophy in cats is a genetic disorder of the retina that can, over time, lead to blindness in both eyes. 

Progressive retinal atrophy is rare in cats.  

This condition affects the retina in the back of the eye. Light hits the retina and allows your cat’s brain to see pictures of what’s around them. 

The retina is composed of specialized photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. Rods function better in dim lighting and help your cat see motion and shapes, while cones work better in bright light and allow cats to see colors. 

Progressive retinal atrophy is not considered a medical emergency.  

However, if your cat is suddenly acting blind or having a hard time seeing, this is a medical emergency as there may be something more serious going on. 

Types of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats 

Progressive retinal atrophy is a general term for several inherited disorders affecting the retina. 

However, the disorders can be grouped into two main types. 

The types differ in PRA depending on whether the inherited gene is recessive (requiring a recessive gene from each parent) or dominant (only one gene is required). 

The two different types of progressive retinal atrophy in cats include: 

• Photoreceptor degeneration. Photoreceptor cells gradually deteriorate, with symptoms developing around three to five years of age. This type is recessively inherited and plays a role in rod development. 

• Photoreceptor dysplasia. This form is only seen in Abyssinian cats, occurring when photoreceptor cells do not develop properly early in a kitten’s life. Symptoms develop early, with blindness within a few months of birth. This type has a dominant mode of inheritance. 

Symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

Most affected cats will begin to experience night blindness initially, because the condition affects the rod photoreceptor cells first. 

Vision loss will gradually worsen over the months and years. Progressive retinal atrophy affects both eyes. 
 
Other symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy in cats may include: 

• Disorientation and bumping into objects 

• Difficulty finding food and water bowls or toys 

• Reluctance to go up or down stairs or enter a dark room 

• Reclusive at night 

• Dilated pupils 

• Greater reflectiveness of the eye (eyes seem more reflective and shinier when light hits them) 

• Cataracts, which often occurring as a secondary complication 

Causes of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

Progressive retinal atrophy in cats is an inherited condition, meaning one or both parents have a gene that causes the condition. 

Abyssinians are the breed most often affected by progressive retinal atrophy. 

Other breeds predisposed to PRA include: 

• Persian 

• Siamese 

• Somali 

• Ocicat 

• Oriental shorthair 

• Bengal 

• Cornish Rex 

Males and females are equally affected, and because this condition is inherited, it’s most noticeable in kittens and younger cats.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

Your veterinarian may initially suspect progressive retinal atrophy during a routine eye exam, especially in kittens because there are notable changes in the appearance of the retina. 

Diminished or absent eye reflexes may be noted as well, but they may not always show up in the earlier stages of the disease, and a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be necessary.  

A veterinary ophthalmologist often will evaluate the eye with specialized lenses and may recommend a more advanced procedure called electroretinography (ERG), in which electrical signals are measured against the retina and recorded. This test can determine if the retina is functioning properly.  

Other tests that may be recommended include: 

• Blood work 

• Urine testing 

• Blood pressure analysis 

• Testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) 

• Testing for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) 

• Testing of taurine blood levels 

The results from these tests not only provide a baseline but can also help exclude other conditions that also cause blindness.  

Additionally, there are genetic/DNA tests available which can identify carrier animals so breeders can make well-informed ethical breeding decisions. 

Affected cats should not be bred.  

Treatment of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

Although no effective treatment or cure exists for progressive retinal atrophy in cats, it doesn’t cause pain. 

No medications or supportive care (other than some environmental modifications) are required, and it doesn’t require future follow-up visits.  

Over time, your cat will become blind. If you notice your pet bumping into objects or seem to be disoriented, reach out to your veterinarian for advice on how to manage this new development and how you can best help your cat. 

Recovery and Management of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Cats

Most cats with progressive retinal atrophy adapt well to this condition because the loss of vision is progressive, and cats have time to adapt and learn to rely on their other senses. 

The key to managing this condition is ensuring a safe home environment by doing the following: 

• Don’t relocate furniture 

• Securely block off access to the stairs, pools, or other potentially dangerous spots 

• Keep the floor free from clutter 

• Keep your cat indoors 

• Apply soft padding to sharp edges and corners 

Make sure to get your cat’s attention prior to approaching or petting them to prevent startling your pet. Voice commands can be useful when navigating around the home.  

Proper diet and nutrition are very important, as well as including the amino acid taurine in their diet, like Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Savor or Royal Canin Persian Diet.  

Most commercially prepared diets have enough taurine already included. Look for diets that are AAFCO approved or ask your veterinarian for the best choice for your cat.  

Some supplements are made to support ocular health either through the addition of extra taurine or vitamins, like Coco and Luna’s Multivitamin, or Ocupet Eye Support.  

These supplements contain ingredients that can be helpful in preventing retinal disease.