Thread: first post and wanting to know about heart problems in Maine Coons

Don't forget that heart conditions can be caused by more than one gene, but only one can currently be identified by the genetic test. It is not infallable and even if a cat has the defective gene which can currently be identified, it doesn't mean he or she will develop a heart problem. If your kitten has not yet been neutered, why not ask the vet if he or she can echo test at the same time? It won't cost a great deal but may help to put your mind at rest. I'm surprised you took your kitten home at 8 weeks of age, 13 weeks is the norm for a pedigree cat, after vaccinations.

I'm not saying that testing is worthless, as I believe it is and my cats are in the process of being tested. Anything we can do to make the breed less susceptible to inherited problems is worthwhile.