A leopard-print brown cat sits on a tree trunk against a black background. Photo.
Bengal cats are one of the breeds that are more likely than others to suffer from chest defects. Photo: Eivor Rasehorn

Chest deformities – linked to deaths in Bengal kittens

Page reviewed:  04/06/2026

Chest wall deformities occur in kittens of several breeds and can cause health problems, sometimes proving fatal. A new study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) strengthens evidence that hereditary factors may contribute to the condition.

Read the full article in Swedish.

This text was translated to English with AI assistance.

Link to the scientific publication

Holst BS, Mikko S, Gustavsson MH, Ley CJ, Andersson G, Ley C. Thoracic wall deformity in Bengal cats - Morphological findings and results from a breeder questionnaire. Vet J. 2026 Apr 10;317:106669. 

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