Disclaimer: Screening for HCM is currently the recommended method to aid in reducing  the incidence of this genetic condition in our cats. Breeders cannot guarantee that their cats will not develop this condition. However, we can guarantee that we are dedicated to screening our cats in a continued effort to produce healthy and sound Maine Coons to the best of our ability.   We also are fortunate that there is a DNA test now available for ONE mutation that is associated to HCM in Maine Coons.  While this is a great breakthrough in research, there are different mutations still unidentified.  Therefore, Chemicoons will also continue to have annual screenings done by board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Deborah Fine, at the University of Missouri. 

What does this really mean?  All Chemicoons' breeding cats, and to those they are bred, are found to be free of both the ONE known genetic mutation & screen clear, via echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) with color flow Doppler imaging, by a board-certified cardiologist.

Further Reading, "First Gene Mutation to Cause Heart Disease in Cats Identified"

Donate to the HCM Research Fund, via MCBFA's matching funds Fund Raiser.