Progressive retinal atrophy has no treatment - your cat will go blind. PRA is inherited disease where the retina degenerates over months to years. Owners typically notice when cats bump into furniture in dim light or show dilated pupils. By then, significant vision is lost. Diagnosis costs $200-$500; no medicine can stop it.
Inherited disease where retinal photoreceptors degenerate. Rod cells (night vision) fail first, then cone cells (color and detail). Different mutations affect different breeds - rdAc is common in Abyssinians and Somalis. Autosomal recessive: both parents must carry the gene. Inherited, progressive, incurable
Night blindness comes first - hesitation in dim light, bumping into objects, reluctance to jump in dark rooms. Pupils become progressively dilated with increased eye shine in photos. Eventually complete blindness in both eyes. Some cats compensate well; owners don't notice for months. Earliest sign: night blindness
Ophthalmologist exam reveals retinal thinning, blood vessel attenuation, and increased reflectivity. Electroretinography (ERG) detects PRA before symptoms by measuring retinal cell response. DNA testing ($100-$200) confirms the mutation. Both eyes always affected. Average: $200-$500
No treatment, surgery, or medication can stop PRA. Antioxidant supplements lack proven benefit. Focus on home adaptation: keep furniture positioned consistently, use scent markers, avoid rearranging rooms, and block hazards. No cure - focus on adaptation
Diagnosis only. There's no ongoing treatment cost beyond routine vet visits. DNA testing for breeding cats adds $100-$200. $200-$500 for complete diagnosis.
Timeline varies by breed and mutation. Some cats lose vision over 1-2 years, others over 5+. Complete blindness is inevitable, but cats adapt remarkably well.
DNA test breeding cats before mating. Never breed two carriers together. Responsible breeding is the only way to eliminate PRA from affected lines.
02/04
Diagnosis only.
Most policies cover diagnostic workup - ophthalmologist exams and electroretinography. The standard 14-day illness waiting period applies. Since there's no treatment, ongoing coverage provides limited benefit. The main value is covering the specialist diagnosis: $200-$500.
PRA is hereditary and some budget policies exclude hereditary conditions entirely. If you own an Abyssinian, Somali, or Persian, verify your policy covers inherited diseases. Even diagnostic costs may be denied if your insurer excludes hereditary conditions. Premium plans typically cover the diagnosis.
PRA has low total cost: $200-$500 since there's no treatment. Insurance value is more peace of mind than protection. Your deductible alone may exceed total diagnosis cost. PRA is one condition where insurance doesn't dramatically change finances.
Blind cats risk injury from falls, collisions, and accidents. Insurance covering accident-related injuries becomes more valuable after vision loss. Some cats develop anxiety or behavioral changes requiring veterinary care. These secondary issues are typically covered separately.
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