Most Prevalent Health Issues in the Maine Coon Breed

As with all purebred animals, purebred Maine Coons are at a higher risk for health and genetic issues due to selective breeding. By limiting the gene pool from selective breeding versus a large gene pool when mix breeds procreate, more issues can be “in the lines” and harder to avoid. The most prevalent issues found in Maine Coons are listed below. Whether working with our cattery or another, it is important to know the possible risks of owning a purebred pet and to be able to feel confident in the breeder you choose to work with. 

• HCM Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - About 30% of Maine Coons carry a gene that increases their chance of having HCM. HCM is a serious condition in which the heart walls thicken, making it more difficult for it to function properly. Blood clots or even heart failure can occur. Genetic testing and Echos can be conducted to catch HCM. Testing via echo should be done after 1 year of age since the heart is still developing prior to that age, some vet’s even recommend waiting until 2 years old for this scanning.

  All of my queens and king have come from lines negative for HCM, tested through genetic tests and echos. HCM can develop at any age and so routine checks are done on all breeding lines to ensure the lines are still clear of this health issue.

• Hip Dysplasia - A joint problem in the hips. Leads to pain and mobility issues.This condition is more common in larger breeds, such as Maine Coons. Many are aware of this issue in large dog breeds, such as German Shepherds and Great Danes. Hip scans are conducted at appropriate ages (between 1-2 years old) when the hip is developed enough to show signs.

  All of my cats come from lines without this condition and will be scanned at the appropriate age per my veteran’s recommendation.

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - A neuromuscular issue causing muscle weakness and mobility issues. This typically shows at 3-4 months old with tremors and muscle weakness. No treatment is available however, supportive care is available.

  My cats come from lines without this issue and have 0 concerns on their genetic testing. 

• Polycystic Kidney disease (PKD) - A condition in which cysts develop on the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. This concern can be found on genetic tests and was negative for my breeding cats.

Along with these more serious issues, Maine Coons can have gingivitis/stomatitis (bad teeth and gums). Nasal issues such as being more sensitive to environmental allergens and being more susceptible to respiratory infections (sneezing, coughing, discharge) due to the differently shaped nasal and sinus cavity are also common in the breed. Brushing teeth or dental cleanings (typically later in life), adding a teeth & gums health additive to their water, having humidifiers or air purifiers, and routine checks on your kitty can help them immensely.

With the sale of a kitten, I offer 1 month of free pet insurance through Trupanion (code given at the time of the sale of the kitten). Having pet insurance can be very helpful for recurrent issues such as teeth issues, allergies, respiratory infections, or any other issue causing routine/recurrent vet intervention.

Precautions and education on breeding lines are taken by Snowberry Maine Coons. If health concerns do crop up in a certain line, whether in my cattery or a relative of one of my cats, extra care is conducted, which may result in the early retirement of that line. It is incredibly important to us that we provide healthy kittens that can live long and happy lives. It is also incredibly important and helpful to all (ethical) breeders that if a health issue comes up with your pet, you notify the breeder so additional investigations may be conducted to support future prevention of those issues.