Health tests are not used to display a series of acronyms. They help the breeder make more responsible decisions and give families verifiable information about the parents.
The case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
HCM is a disease of the heart muscle. A mutation associated with increased risk has been identified in Maine Coon and can be screened for by DNA. A genetic result provides targeted information; it does not summarize the entire cardiac health of a cat and does not replace the advice of the veterinarian or, when indicated, a cardiac ultrasound.
Read a result correctly
“Tested” does not always mean “free from disease.” You need to know which gene or condition was researched, in which laboratory, on which animal and with what results. Some diseases have multiple causes and not all have a breed-relevant DNA test. The interpretation must therefore remain linked to the pedigree, the clinical examination and the breeding program.
What a family can ask for
- The exact identity of both parents
- A simple explanation of the examinations carried out
- The possibility of consulting the available results
- The kitten's vaccination record and veterinary information
- Follow-up recommendations after arrival
Prevention continues after adoption: weight, appetite, breathing, mobility and behavior deserve regular attention. If in doubt, only a veterinarian can examine the cat and make a diagnosis.
Useful sources
To go further, here are the official or veterinary references used to verify the general points of this guide.
Updated 24 August 2026 · Maillard'Coon / Pretty Lynx, Courtételle (Jura, Switzerland)
