What you say – or what you do
Have you ever come across a breeder who does not say that they are focusing on healthy cats?
Here is what we do at WesterosCat Maine Coon cattery, based on what is known – to better the health status in the Maine Coon breed:
- broader gene base – the 15 % inbreeding most MCO have today is way too high, we need a broader gene pool
- HD x-rays before mating, to check status – preferably for as many relatives of the cat as possible, to get an overview of risk in the lines
- HCM scans according to the program – before breeding, and then every 2 years until old age, also preferably of as many relatives of the cat as possible, to get an overview of risk in the lines
- DNA status for all known diseases, to be able to plan matings and avoid affected cats
When choosing a breeder, make sure you check what they actually do.
Word is wind …
