HEALTH TESTING

Healthy, strong kittens can only be produced on a continuous basis by appropriate testing, selecting and sufficient outcrossing.

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SCROLL DOWN FOR TEST RETULTS!

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Hearts: 

*Since 1999 testing for HCM! By Echocardiogram by Cardiologist and/or Feline Heart Specialist with Color Doppler Equipment. 

Cats with mediocre testing history will be tested 3 x up to age 6 (females) and 3 x up to age 5 (males). Cats with good testing history will only be tested once or twice. Special emphasis with heart testing will be put on new foundation lines. 

*Since 2007 testing with Gene Test for the Meurs Mutation. Note that the gene test for HCM is insufficient and often gives faulty results.

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Hips:

*Since 1999 testing for HD!  Over 70 hips tests (60 with OFA) have been performed (Preliminary or Certified). Now testing with Dr Schott in Winnipeg. 

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Kidneys:

*Since 2000 testing for PKD by Color Doppler Echocardiogram. 

*Since 2007 testing with Gene Test. Note that the *gene* test for PKD is insufficient and not applicable to Maine Coons. Echocardiograms have to be done for PKD. 

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DNA Full Panel Testing

*Since 2019 Full DNA Testing with Optimal Selection. Some breeding cats are N/N for everything by anchestry. This is perfectly legit and sufficient. Do not let others misinform you otherwise! 

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Stool Sample

*Since 1987 we do a stool sample in each group of kittens before they leave my home. This is standard practice and should be done by every Cattery imo.

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Felv/Fiv Testing

*Since 1987 One kitten in each litter gets blood drawn for a routine Felv/Fiv test. I am aware this is complete overkill but many pet owers are terrified of felv/fiv. Since the Felv/Fiv vaccine is super deadly, I opt to do the test instead. (Note that reputable, registered breeders do not have Felv/Fiv in their cattery as their kittens would not survive. -). 

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PCR Full Panel Testing

* Since 2023 Full panel PCR Testing for URI viruses and bacteria. All cats in my home will be tested yearly, including breeding cats, offspring and retired cats. Note that PCR testing is a good tool but controversial,  sometimes inaccurate and only valid for the time of testing. Too much emphasis and trust is put on this in modern breeder circles. The best protection protocol against disease will always a strong immune system. Strong immunity is being achieved through outcrossing, a raw meat diet, minimal vaccinations and proper feline husbandry. 

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TICA Cattery Inspection

*Since 2005 we have had regular veterinary inspections in the Cattery, in order to voluntarily comply with the TICA Code of Ethics. Each time we place with the highest scoring. Some results can be seen on my blog. Watch for 2023 results here soon! 

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Note: More test results will be added to the links below as time progresses. Please let me know if you have trouble loading the pages. 

THE FOLLOWING TESTS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED IN THE CATS IN MY PEDIGREES, EITHER BY MYSELF OR MY COLLEAGUES: