About Stoic
About our Euroline Maine Coons and the “health testing” that we do on our cats. For those not familiar, the phrase “health testing” is in addition to regularly scheduled well check vet visits. Health testing is formal “testing” in which results have been sent to a grading organization such as OFA or PawPeds for either preliminary or final certs(based on age).
We have been asked what some of the conditions are that we test our Maine Coons for, and why.
Hips - the amount of hip dysplasia in Maine Coons is astounding, and it can be quite crippling for such a giant cat. In the past, we have imported and purchased stateside some VERY expensive cats that we later discovered had HORRIBLE hips. Leason learned. 37% of the breed has some degree of hip dysplasia, and that figure we know to be very low as most people won’t spend the extra money for formal grading when the xrays they just paid a fortune for show that the cat won’t pass certification.
HCM - Heart Condition that can be fatal. Cardiac conditions are prevelant in Maine Coons. Genetics testing can tell you if your cat carries any copies of the HCM gene. However, it is also noted that HCM can occur in cats which are not carriers, which is the justification for cardiac testing such as ultrasounding (aka echocardiogram) before breeding them.
SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy which is found in Maine Coons
PK Deficiency - blood disorder found in Maine Coons
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) which sadly causes kidney failure
At Stoic Maine Coons, we complete the following health testing on our big furry adult house ornaments.
OFA Hips
OFA Elbows
OFA Cardiac
OFA Patellas
We complete the following genetics testing on our cats:
Optimal Selection Genetics Testing: clear of HCM, SMA, PK Deficiency, and PKD. It covers 45+ genetic health tests, plus blood type, along with traits and genetic diversity
All breeds of cats and dogs can develop things that one may be more prone to than others. As a breeder you can’t predict everything, but you can be responsible. TICA registered.