Thread: HCM gene testing- are we wasting our time?

HCM, has been a huge problems across the worlds cats, wiping out very young cats for generations.

The HCM Gene test which is what a lot of breeders use is not conclusive proof that there is no HCM as they are testing only on one known gene.

The best test is the Echo test but there is not really much point in testing a cat under 2 years old as the heart changes so much, the best time to test is after 3, but then you can be more hopeful if you have got your cat to that age its either clear or only has a mild case so hardly detectable.

However knowing the parents and grandparents are clear is also an added advantage. Most of my breeding stock I have 10 generations of and then some which are now pets and still alive so I would hope this is good and conclusive..

However a very good friend of mine had her girl tested by echo at 4 years old, and she was clear, she is now 9 years old and has HCM.. so what that is all about I do not know, her vets conclusion is the test was not clear in the first place.

In Europe the rule is simple cats have to be tested and these tests have to be shown if the cat is to be used at stud, or queens sold for breeding, however most pets owners are now asking to see the tests. Especially if they have lost a pet from this disease.

Responsible breeders should and do test that their cats are clear from all the known diseases, like HCM, PKD, PL PRA. before they breed off them.

Most of the UK breeders specially with the British short-hairs do not test for HCM but do test for PKD??

My Mainecoon breeding stock have been both gene tested and Echo tested and are Clear my 2 new girls will also be Echo tested when they are old enough, they have been gene tested and are clear, but not having the luxury of having information on their parents has made this a worrying time for us.

My British are tested for HCM and PKD. and My Abyssinians for PKD, PL and PRA.

Its a lot of money to lay out when you are testing and for the HCM and the eye test for the Abyssinians its a hell of a drive, my other tests I have them done at UCL, the peace of mind it gives to me is worth the money you pay out!

I have recently brought in new cats from the UK and also France and I was very impressed with the way forward for a lot of good and dedicated breeders, you might pay a little more for the breed cats but they come fully tested, and also blood typed and colour tested for the know colours like cinnamon- chocolate and colour pointed gene ( British Sh- Abyssinians - Somalis)


We can only hope that people both breeders and pet owners ask before they buy their pedigree pet cats, to see the documentation that comes with them just seeing on the breeders website HCM N/N. I believe is not proof enough!

I did all my homework when I bought Jet li and Aphrodite and Athene.. and the breeders of all my cats gave me photo copies of not only the parents but the grand parents etc etc .I could have just bought any cats and bred off them there was many for sale when I was looking, but I have never done this with my British and Abyssinians so I was not about to get sloppy with my daughters Mainecoons.

Ask to see the paperwork and tests before you buy saves a lot of heart ache later on down the line!

If we only breed off healthy cats we can then only improve the breed!