Testing
The intent of an ethical breeder is to breed for the betterment of the breed. It is never about money. In fact it is very expensive to breed registered cats. Below we will discuss the testing we do on all of our breeding cats and the importance these tests play in the betterment of the Maine Coon breed.
Genetics
We want to breed only the healthiest Maine Coons. We start this by doing genetics testing on ALL breeding cats, even if the parents have clear tests. Maine Coons are predisposed to 4 genetic anomalies, HCM, PKD, PKDef, and SMA, that should be screened for prior to breeding. We have found that the labs over seas do not test for the same amount of alleles as the labs in the U.S.. Optimal Selection runs a panel of over 40 genetic diseases as well as telling us their blood type and traits. It is important to know blood type as there can be incompatibilities with pairings and detrimental to the kittens in the first few days of life. Genetics only gives us a snapshot of what is in our cats profile but is no indication of disease. Further testing is needed for that.
Heart Echocardiograms
As mentioned above, Maine Coons are predisposed to a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy also known as HCM. HCM is a thickening of the wall of the left ventricle in the heart. Depending on the severity it can cause sudden death. While there is a panel in the genetic test that covers this disease it is one that can show up at any age even with a clear genetic profile. Routine heart echos are imperative to any breeding program to ensure that there are no indications of the development of heart disease. We start these tests at 10 - 12 months of age. Any cat that fails an echo should not be utilized as a breeder. For more information regarding HCM in the Maine Coon please visit https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Maine Coons are a large breed cat. Being such puts them at risk of a hip deformity called Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. It can vary in severity but can cause extreme discomfort and random subluxation of the joint impairing a cats quality of life. While there is a very expensive and invasive surgery to attempt to repair this condition, it is not perfect. This is a test that we run on our cats at 10 - 12 months of age. Any cat showing signs of dysplastic changes would be altered and placed in a pet home.
Respiratory PCRs
All new Maine Coons that come into the cattery are placed in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. They see our veterinarian as soon as we can get them scheduled. During this visit we run the usual tests for communicable diseases but we also run a respiratory PCR. This is a swab of mucosal membranes that is submitted to a lab for testing. This testing panel tells us if the cat has or is a carrier of communicable diseases such as feline herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis), feline calicivirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydia sp., Pneumovirus, Influenza A virus (all subtypes), Mycoplasma cynos, and Streptococcus zooepidemicus.. Vaccines are not perfect as they do not cover all strains of certain diseases. This panel tells us if the cat needs to be treated or if it can even be considered as a breeding cat.
Cutting corners is not an option!!
Ask to see these tests from any breeder you are considering a kitten from. If they are not doing these tests, you are gambling with your money, your heart, and the life of your new family member. Most breeders offer a health guarantee. Why gamble on a guarantee when you can support a breeder that has done everything they can to produce a healthy cat that will offer you a lifetime of happiness?