Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Kishu is generally around 11 to 13 years. Serious selection, stable weight, regular exercise and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its longevity.
Build
A robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, the Kishu copes well with an active life when its physical and mental needs are met. Its compact, solid build makes it a rather resilient dog, without dispensing with normal vigilance regarding the eyes and thyroid function.
Watch points
What to watch for
The breed is not known to be fragile, but some individuals may present a few points of vigilance that deserve to be known before acquisition and monitored throughout life.
Hypothyroidism : a few occasional cases have been observed; a daily treatment generally makes it possible to control the disease well when it is diagnosed.
Entropion : an inward turning of the eyelid can irritate the cornea and warrants ophthalmologic vigilance in case of ocular discomfort.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its dense undercoat, the Kishu generally tolerates cold better than intense heat. In summer, it must have fresh water, shade and activities shifted to the least hot hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Kishu is not described as a big eater, but maintaining its muscle mass and mobility requires a ration adjusted to its actual activity. Regular monitoring of its body shape helps prevent weight gain and keep an agile dog.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor the eyes in case of tearing, discomfort or repeated rubbing.
- Consult if unusual fatigue, weight gain or a dull coat raise suspicion of a thyroid disorder.
- Maintain a stable weight with an appropriate ration and regular activity.
- Trim the nails regularly and check the condition of the skin during shedding.
Vaccination
Kishu vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Kishu? Like all cats, the Kishu receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Kishu 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 Kishu 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 Kishu?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Kishu
An annual clinical examination, ophthalmological monitoring in case of signs of irritation and an evaluation of thyroid function if suggestive symptoms appear are good bases for follow-up 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.
