Hereditary diseases of cats

Gangliosidosis is a fatal hereditary disease associated with lipid metabolism disorders. GM1 gangliosidosis is caused by a lack of β-galactosidase, which is responsible for the destruction of GM1 gangliosides (a type of glycolipids), and therefore the accumulation of GM1 gangliosides occurs in various tissues, in particular, in the nerve cells of the central nervous system. As a result, cats develop progressive neurological abnormalities such as ataxia, dysmetria, tremors, and nystagmus. Symptoms appear on average at 3-5 months of age, and progress to the final stage at 9-10 months of age.