Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) occurs frequently in cats. During the life of an affected cat, cysts appear in the kidneys. These cysts put pressure on the healthy kidney-tissue, which leads to a loss of function of the affected kidneys. Symptoms that occur are loss of hunger, too much consumption of water and a loss of weight. Affected cats usually die at ages between four and eight years because of the kidney failure.

A DNA test has been developed that enables the identification of cats that are free of PKD, or will be affected.