Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKdef) is an inherited genetic condition that affects red blood cell function in cats. At Bengal Kittens Breeders Home, all breeding Bengals are tested for PKdef as part of our comprehensive 50-condition DNA testing programme.
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKdef) is an autosomal recessive inherited condition caused by a deficiency in the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is essential for red blood cell energy metabolism. Cats affected by PKdef experience haemolytic anaemia — the premature destruction of red blood cells — which can cause lethargy, weakness, weight loss, and in severe cases, life-threatening anaemia.
PKdef is inherited recessively, meaning a cat must inherit two copies of the defective gene variant (one from each parent) to be clinically affected. Cats inheriting one copy are carriers — they are healthy themselves but can pass the variant to their offspring.
PKdef has been identified in Bengal cats and represents a genuine inherited health risk in lines where testing has not been carried out. Without testing, breeders may unknowingly produce affected kittens by pairing two carrier cats.
All breeding Bengals at Bengal Kittens Breeders Home are DNA tested for PKdef. Our pairing decisions are guided by these results to ensure that no kitten can be born affected by this condition. Only cats that are clear of or appropriately managed for PKdef are included in our breeding programme.
By purchasing a Bengal kitten from Bengal Kittens Breeders Home, you can be confident that our breeding programme actively prevents the production of PKdef-affected kittens. This is a tangible commitment to the lifelong health of every kitten we produce — and a standard that not all Bengal breeders maintain.
