Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the better-known health concerns in the Maine Coon breed. As a large, slow-maturing cat, the Maine Coon can be more predisposed to hip issues than many other breeds, although many affected cats never develop significant clinical symptoms. 

The most important advancement in recent years has been the widespread use of hip screening programs such as PawPeds, which allow breeders to evaluate breeding cats and make informed decisions when planning future generations. 

At Highglow, we place a strong emphasis on sourcing breeding cats from reputable breeders who share our commitment to health testing. We preferentially select breeding stock from lines where hip screening is routinely performed and results are openly available. By combining careful selection with ongoing hip screening of our own cats, we aim to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia and contribute to the long-term health of the breed. 

Maintaining healthy body condition, appropriate growth rates, and breeding from screened parents are among the most effective tools available for improving hip health in future generations of Maine Coons. 

Today, responsible breeders around the world are working together to improve hip quality within the breed, giving kitten buyers greater confidence and helping ensure a healthier future for the Maine Coon. 

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease seen in cats and is a recognised health concern within the Maine Coon breed. The condition causes thickening of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's ability to function normally. 

Significant progress has been made in understanding HCM in Maine Coons, including the identification of the MYBPC3 genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. While DNA testing is an important tool, it cannot identify all cases of HCM, and a normal genetic result does not guarantee that a cat will never develop the condition. 

For this reason, responsible breeders combine DNA testing with regular echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) performed by a veterinary cardiologist. Echocardiography remains the gold standard for detecting changes in the heart and monitoring breeding cats throughout their lives.

At Highglow, we prioritise heart health by purchasing breeding stock only from reputable breeders who actively screen for HCM. In addition, all of our breeding cats undergo annual echocardiograms from one year of age onwards, allowing us to make informed breeding decisions and monitor the ongoing health of our lines.

Although no breeder can ever guarantee a kitten will be completely free from HCM, combining careful pedigree selection, DNA testing, and regular cardiac screening gives us the best opportunity to reduce the incidence of this disease and contribute to a healthier future for the Maine Coon breed.