Genetic testing helps us rule out several genetic markers of significant health issues that exist among all cats, pedigreed or otherwise.

The most important genetic tests for maine coons are:

HCM - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Primary HCM is one of the most common reasons of sudden heart failure not only in cats even in humans. 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder. It is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of the spinal cord neurons that activate skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs.

Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) 

PK deficiency is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of its namesake regulatory enzyme.

All of our cats are N/N meaning do not carry the genes causing the diseases listed above.

Over 100 different illnesses or presentations of HCM exist. We currently have 2 genes we can test for on a commercial level.  Given that information, it is considered to be best practice to do echocardiograms to ensure that each Maine coon is healthy before breeding. Echocardiograms are done by board-certified cardiologists and is a non-invasive way to see that the heart is nice and healthy.

Research shows that HCM is inherited autosomal dominant with incomplete penetration and with variable expression in the Maine Coon breed. This means that the gene does not always show and that it varies depending on how early the disease occurs and how severe the disease gets despite of the fact that it is dominant. It is estimated that 10-15% of the Maine Coons have HCM.

HCM is a so-called progressive disease, which means that it develops gradually over the years despite having no genetic indicators. PawPeds and TICA have an established re-occurring testing protocol that we follow in our cattery.

Hip dysplasia testing is done by x-ray imaging under sedation to get proper positioning. Then it is reviewed by at least 2 providers, our vet and a radiologist. 

Hip Dysplasia is a condition affecting the hip joint where the socket portion does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone, resulting in the dislocation of the hip bone. Hip dysplasia has an environmental component, particularly diet and weight management. 

Overweight and obese Maine Coons are much more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Therefore a healthy diet and access to an enriching environment for exercise is crucial to the health and longevity of your kitty.

The fecal tests are mainly used to detect multiple harmful parasitic organisms, which are the major causes of illness and may cause death in cats. 

We test all of our adults when they enter our cattery. Additionally each litter is tested before going to their new families.