Last updated Sep 8, 2022
Progressive Retinal Degeneration or Atrophy was first recognized in the onset of the 20th century in an exotic dog breed named the Gordon Settlers. Since then, it has been documented and exhibited by more than 100 mixed breeds but has not been very prevalent in cats. Well, apart from the Abyssinian cat which seems to have an unusual predilection for PRA.
But what exactly is Progressive Retina Atrophy and how does it affect cats in general? Let us take a quick look.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy And The Anatomy Of The Eye
A cat’s eye is quite a delicate organ yet surprisingly durable. Like a human’s optical organ, it comprises of several interspersed layers that form part of the cornea. The iris, which is the colored/pigmented part of the eye, is in turn responsible for letting in less or more light depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. There is also the lens that ‘bends’ and refracts light rays that enables visual acuity through focus.
On the other hand, the retina lines that are found in the innermost layer of the eye are responsible for converting the light rays received into electrical signals that are sent down to the brain via the attached optical nerve. The retina is our main area of focus here.
How The Eye’s Retina Is Affected By Progressive Retinal Degeneration?
The retina is the most important part of a cat’s eye, which receives the rays of light that are gathered and subsequently focused by all other parts of the eye. After this, the retina will convert light rays into an electrical nerve signal that the cat’s brain can interpret visually.
For it to operate optimally, the retina is made up of a myriad of photoreceptors known as cones and rods. These are the same sub-structures that enable your cat to see in darkness and perceive different colors.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Ordinarily, the eye’s photoreceptors in a cat ocular lobe will develop right from birth until the kitten is about eight weeks old. However, as the cat grows older within 12-16 months of age, these receptors may degenerate and, thereby, give way to PRA-Rdy or Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Usually, it starts with subtle signs of night blindness before deteriorating further to total blindness after a few years.
Early Signs Of Progressive Retina Atrophy In Cats
Normally, PRA is virtually painless. If anything, it is hard to decipher whether a cat is suffering from Progressive Retina Degeneration by simply just looking him. Expect none of the usual tell-tale signs that will signify an underlying optical problem – no excess tearing, no redness or even squinting.
Instead, pay more attention to sudden changes in your feline’s behavioral patterns. For instance, your cat will suddenly be reluctant to walk down a staircase and avoid dark or poorly-lit hallways.
Another characteristic of progressive night blindness is the abrupt change of personality of the cat after dusk. Your cat will prefer to sit and retreat to the safety of their box or kernel instead of daring to prowl outside.
As the disease progresses, it is possible to observe an unusual dilation of the eye’s pupils which is followed by an equally unusual shimmering/reflection of light stemming from the back of the eye. As the situation worsens, the lens may become cloudy and opaque, before giving way to total blindness.
Can PRA In Cats Be Diagnosed?
Depending on the variant of progressive retinal atrophy that is ailing your feline friend, a simple ophthalmic examination by your pet’s vet can reveal this anomaly. If not that, a more advanced process such a thorough electroretinography will be used to rule out any chances of an underlying PRA.
The Treatment Of Progressive Retina Atrophy In Cats
Sadly, there is no immediate treatment or cure for PRA in cats. There isn’t even a way to slow down the progression of this anomaly once it sets in. Fortunately, a majority of cat breeds, especially the Bengals are naturally adaptable to this kind of progressive blindness.
They will perform and act as normal in their customary home/environment thanks to their excellent memory. The blindness will only be more pronounced if you move to a new neighborhood or rearrange the furniture in your home.
In closing, as of this time, this is no way to prevent the onset of PRA as it is primarily considered a genetic disorder. Therefore, just make sure that the parents or littermates of the cat that exhibits PRA are not bred but neutered/spayed to prevent further cats from developing this disorder.
About The Author:
Erick Dimalanta is the founder of the blindbengal – A simple blog with all kinds of Feline Info, Reviews and How To’s. Including documenting the adventures of Xena his blind Bengal Cat and her Bengal sister Gabbi.
Hi, I think I have a Bengal kitten. She has the M on her forehead and spots on her belly. She also has partial blindness due to her corneas not staying attached at birth. The vet thinks she has 10-15% loss. Thank you for writing this article as it has helped me.
Is PRD most common in purebred kitties? I adopted a cat from a local shelter and she appears to be a mix of tabby and siamese. She seems to have symptoms of PRD and is about 8 months old. I’m so sad!
Hello Tricia, it’s difficult to say why your kitten may be presenting symptoms of PRD. The genes that have been identified as causes of this condition are more common in Abyssinian, Somali, and Ocicats, as well as the American Curl, American Wirehair, Bengal, Balinese/Javanese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Munchkin, Oriental Shorthair, Peterbald, Siamese, Singapura, and Tonkinese. I’m sorry that your kitten is showing signs of PRD, but remember that cats with this condition can often live very fulfilling, healthy, and happy lives. I would recommend consulting with a veterinarian to get a definitive diagnosis. Hope this helps! – Mallory
Thank you!
My 19 year old Russian blue literally lost his sight in 48 hours! Was fine two days ago, then started walking into things and walking gingerly around the room. I’m heartbroken. He seems terrified, guessing because it was so sudden. Any advice how I can help adjust?
Oh, Sue, that sounds awful. I’m so sorry that your kitty had to lose his sight so suddenly, and I understand that it must be worrying for you, too. This article may help you to adjust. Take care. – Mallory
Always see a vet if there is any question of vision loss. Why would one NOT take the animal to a vet? Hypertension is only one possible cause of retinal detachment etc causing blindness in cats.
Does PRA only show in the earlier years? My cat is 17+ (not entirely sure as she was a stray) and recently has started to go blind in the evenings. She seems quite sad and spends the evenings very still, she is also deaf so it’s especially hard for her I think but she does manage to navigate around the house. Is this likely to be PRA or could it be something else? She went to the vets a couple of months ago for the same reason and they said she seemed fine in her examination and picked up a mild infection in her urine which cleared up with antibiotics, the blindness then stopped happening but has now started again, only at night. She is booked in for a blood-test in a few days but would this detect if it was PRA?
Hi Em, thank you for your comment, and I apologize that it took over a week to get back to you! I would not assume that your cat has PRA. This condition usually affects younger purebred cats. Instead, I would suspect another form of vision loss that’s developed as she’s gotten older. Do your cat’s eyes look clear? I would wonder if she’s affected by cataracts. Glaucoma is another potential cause of this. I know you already went in for the blood test, so perhaps your vet was able to give you some insights already. Again, I apologize that this came so late and hope you’ve gotten some answers.