Our Maine Coons Are DNA Tested
Our breeding Maine Coons are genetically screened!
As a dedicated Maine Coon breeder I believe it’s important to genetically test/screen for various health conditions that are found within the Maine Coon breed. Although it is impossible to guarantee that any cat will remain in perfect health throughout their lifetime I do everything I can to try and ensure healthy, strong lines by minimizing the risk for disease and illness in our cats and kittens.
What specifically do we test for?
HCM- HCM is a heart condition that can develop in any cat. Approximately 5-15% of Maine Coons will develop HCM in their lifetime. Cats who inherit a positive gene from each of their parents are considered high risk and there is an increased chance they will become ill. A cat that only inherits one copy of the gene mutation is slightly less at risk but it still considered at risk.
SMA-Spinal Muscular Atrophy
This is a rare disease among Maine Coons, however it is a very serious condition and one that I believe warrants testing. If present the condition results in muscle atrophy or shrinking of the muscles.
PKD- Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a autosomal dominant inherited condition in cats. This condition is characterized by cysts found in the kidneys. These cysts will increases in number and size over time and eventually cause renal failure. These cysts can be present at birth but not become noticeable until later in life. Typically seven years of age.
PKDeF-Pyruvat Kinase Deficiency
This condition can occur in many breeds but was just recently identified within the Maine Coon breed. Approximately 15% of all Maine Coons carry this mutation. The disease is an autosomal recessive trait. That means that both genes have to be defective for a cat to develop PK deficiency. If one gene is defective and one is normal this would be called (heterozygote) the normal gene is dominant over the recessives gene and the cat will only be a carrier of the defect but will not develop any signs or disease. Only homozygous positive animals (those with the double gene) are impacted and will get ill. As long as breeders do not breed carrier to carrier the cat will remain healthy.
Were Registered With The CFA
My Bossy Cat Maine Coon Cattery
2114 South 75th Avenue, Yakima, Washington 98903, United States
MyBossyCat Jami Campbell Kellie Pascua Email: jami4888@yahoo.com Please understand that all of our kittens are sold as pets only. We are a closed cattery and do not allow in person visits. Message us if your interested in one of our kittens
