Longevity
Life expectancy
With good lifestyle hygiene, a suitable diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Kai often lives between 12 and 14 years. Its life expectancy is good for a dog of this size, especially when it maintains physical activity consistent with its athletic profile.
Build
A robust breed?
The Kai tolerates an active life well and has a hardy constitution. This natural robustness does not exempt it from rigorous breeding, a stable weight and monitoring of the joints and eyes over time.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance must mainly focus on the eyes, hips and knees, as well as on any sign of locomotor discomfort or reduced vision. Sensible screening and careful observation are particularly useful in dogs intended for breeding or very active.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a gradual decline in vision.
Hip dysplasia : Developmental abnormality of the hip that may promote pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Heart murmur : Cardiac abnormality that may require a veterinary assessment to clarify its origin and significance.
Patellar luxation : Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause locomotor discomfort and intermittent lameness.
Allergies : Certain skin or environmental sensitivities may appear in some individuals.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its dense undercoat, the Kai tolerates the cold rather well. It can adapt to milder temperatures, but high heat requires greater caution, with shade, fresh water and physical activity adjusted to the coolest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Kai is not the breed most prone to being overweight, but excess weight remains harmful to its joints and endurance. Rations adjusted to its actual activity, combined with regular daily exercise, are essential to preserve its physical condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor gait, weight-bearing, and any limping after exertion.
- Have hips and knees checked if any locomotor discomfort appears.
- Consult promptly in case of decreased vision or unusual behavior in the dark.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit joint overload.
Vaccination
Kai vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Kai? Like all cats, the Kai receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Kai is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Kai vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Kai?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Kai
An orthopedic examination of the hips and knees, as well as ophthalmological monitoring in case of doubt or as part of breeding, constitute relevant checkpoints for this breed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
