Cat HCM Screening: Protecting Breeding Cat Welfare

Echocardiographic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in breeding cats enables selection away from affected individuals, reducing the prevalence of this common and often fatal cardiac disease.

Key Facts

HCM affects Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, and other pedigree breeds at high rates
A pathogenic MYBPC3 mutation has been identified in Maine Coons enabling DNA testing
Annual echocardiographic screening by a cardiologist detects phenotypic HCM regardless of genetic cause
Breeding from HCM-positive cats passes the disease on to offspring who will experience cardiac compromise
Breed clubs that mandate cardiac screening have achieved measurable reductions in HCM prevalence in screened populations
The cost of screening is modest compared to the welfare cost and treatment expense of HCM in affected offspring

Welfare Considerations

HCM screening in breeding cats is one of the most direct welfare interventions available in pedigree cat health management. Breeding from affected individuals knowingly perpetuates a disease that causes cardiac deaths, aortic thromboembolism, and chronic cardiac compromise in offspring. The availability of DNA tests for the MYBPC3 mutation in Maine Coons means the genetic cause can be identified before phenotypic disease develops. Breed communities that embrace systematic screening reduce suffering across generations of affected cats. The welfare case for mandatory screening as a breeding prerequisite in predisposed breeds is compelling.

What You Can Do

Request cardiac screening results for both parents before purchasing any pedigree cat from a predisposed breed
Support breed clubs that mandate annual echocardiographic screening as a breeding requirement
Have your cat DNA-tested for HCM mutations if you own a Maine Coon and plan to use them for breeding
Choose breeders who publish cardiac screening results transparently rather than those who avoid screening
Advocate for mandatory HCM screening standards in breed registration requirements for predisposed breeds