While inbreeding does often pass or create genetic issues, genetic issues can happen inside Maine Coon Cats without reference to whether inbreeding has taken place. These are some issues that are particular to Maine Coon Cats.

Hip Dysplasia an issue that most breeders try to reproduce out. They do this by having their studs and dams tested for potential hip Dysplasia, and then only mating standard to standard. This, sadly, does not always reproduce out the disorder, giving analysts the concept hip Dysplasia can skip many generations.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is also a genetic disorder, which may cause the left ventricle of the heart to thicken and stiffen. This leads directly to cardiac arrest. Maine Coons can be tested for this disorder between the ages of one and seven years.

Polycystic Kidney Illness is a condition where cysts exist in the kidneys, which can finally lead to renal kidney failure. This condition can be spotted at a particularly young age, though the difficulty will not have an effect till later in life.

Patellar Luxation is a condition where the knee cap moves and locks, causing agony. It can typically be moved back to place simply enough, and if the case is serious and awfully unpleasant, surgery can correct it. Top breeders feel that a cat that has Petellar Luxation shouldn’t be bred.

White Linked Hearing loss is associated to white colored animals, but a large amount of study is still required. This problem is serious to the point where all white cats are needed to be checked by the vet for hearing impairment before they can be entered into any shows.

Other common, but not major genetic issues include Polydactyl, Color Point Colours , and Rex. While none of these issues are harmful, breeders try avoiding them particularly polydactyl, which mean that the cat has an additional toe. …While there are breeders who don’t have an issue with inbreeding or line breeding, many breeders try and avoid this, and use outcross breeding instead, where the 2 animals that are being joined are the same reproduce, but come from different blood lines.

Some agree with line breeding, but don’t agree with inbreeding.

If you use line breeding or inbreeding, you are suggested to eventually use outcross breeding at some point. It is thought that each generation of inbreeds get weaker and have more health issues, including genetic problems.

If you are getting a Maine Coon kitten, it’s critical that you know what breeding system the breeder used, and get a written guarantee concerning the healthiness of the kitten. Also, visit your vet straight away for genetic testing, to make sure that it isn’t genetically inclined to the major health issues. Some breeders will have just had these tests done, and will give you paperwork.

Note a kitten that does have a genetic disorder, or the capability for a genetic disorder, can still live a long, full life, and can still love, be loved, and take part in shows. However, that cat shouldn’t be used for breeding purposes.

Pet Insurance Genetic Issues for Maine Coon Cats

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