Health
The Maine Coon is generally a robust and healthy breed of domestic cat. The average lifespan is 12-15 years old although some live happily into their late teens.
There are illnesses and that any cat can get - pedigree or non-pedigree. Some genetic conditions can be identified and eliminated in a breeding programme by DNA testing and knowing if the breeding cats are clear.
We believe that the health of the Maine Coon is paramount for the future and protection of the breed. Maine Coons which are registered for breeding with our govering body, the GCCF, after 1st June 2024 must have undergone DNA tests to prove that they are negative for certain identified genes before they can be used for breeding. Our GCCF Maine Coon Registration and Breeding Policies include information on testing and breeding.
Here are some conditions which domestic cats, including Maine Coons may have inherited or develop:
OBESITY -
Caused by over feeding/poor diet/not enough exercise/metbolic issues.
This can lead excessive weight gain, difficulty in moving and a reluctance to play or exercise. It can exacerbate other health issues such as putting additional strain on joints and also potentially lead to diabetes. To prevent this, monitor and control the cat's calorie intake, encourage exercise and play, include lots of enrichment to help to keep the cat active.
MOUTH, TEETH AND GUM ISSUES -
Feline Stomatitis (inflammation of the cat’s gums and mouth) and Periodontal Disease (known as gum disease).
Signs and symptoms include inflamed and swollen gums, exessive drooling, bad breath, difficulty eating, unexplained weight loss, losing their appetite, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth etc.
If your cat has any of these syptoms it is worth having a vet consultation to check things out - medication and/or dental surgery may be required. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious haealth issues.
SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA) -SMA is an inherited disorder affecting the skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs. Loss of neurons in the first few months of life leads to muscle weakness and atrophy that first becomes apparent at 3-4 months of age. Affected kittens develop an odd gait with a sway of the hindquarters and stand with the hocks nearly touching. They may also stand with toes out in the front. By 5-6 months of age, they are too weak in the hindquarters to readily jump up on furniture and often have a clumsy landing when jumping down. The long-haired Maine Coon may hide it, but careful feeling of the limbs will reveal reduced muscle mass. Affected kittens are not in pain, they eat and play avidly, they are not incontinent, and most live very comfortably as indoor cats for many years.
From 1st June 2024, all Maine Coons must be negative for SMA before they can be added to the GCCF Active Register. There are some older breeding cats which may carry the SMA gene, although careful mating to a negative partner will prevent the condition from occuring in the kittens. Current statistics show that the incidence of the SMA gene in Maine Coons being registered with GCCF in the UK is low.
From 1st June 2024, all Maine Coons must be negative for SMA before they can be added to the GCCF Active Register. There are some older breeding cats which may carry the SMA gene, although careful mating to a negative partner will prevent the condition from occuring in the kittens. Current statistics show that the incidence of the SMA gene in Maine Coons being registered with GCCF in the UK is low.
PYRUVATE KINASE DEFICIENCY (PKDef). PKDef is an inherited disease which has been found in Maine Coon cats. Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme found within red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the circulation, which enables them to produce energy to survive. If this enzyme is lacking, the lifespan (survival time) of the red blood cells is significantly reduced, resulting in a reduction in the number of red blood cells in the circulation (anaemia).Further information is available at International Cat Care https://icatcare.org/advice/pyruvate-kinase-pk-deficiency/
From 1st June 2024, all Maine Coons must be negative for PKDef before they can be added to the GCCF Active Register. There are some older breeding cats which may carry the PKDef gene, although careful mating to a negative partner will prevent the condition from occuring in the kittens.
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY (HCM) HCM is a condition characterised by the inward thickening of the heart muscle, resulting in a reduction of chamber volume, thereby reducing the volume of blood that the heart can pump with each contraction.
Signs and symptoms may include rapid or laboured breathing, lethargy, fainting spells and additionally some of the following health conditions are seen: Acute hind leg pain or paralysis, rapid heart beat, arrythmias (heart beating too fast or too slowly), blood clots in the heart, thromboembolism, weak pulse. Teatment is very much dependent on individual cases, but may involve a combination of medication and lifesyle changes as well as regular veterinary check-ups.
It is a condition found in all mammals, including man. It is known that there are a number of different genes which can cause HCM in cats, including Maine Coons. To date, one of the genes which causes HCM in Maine Coons - known as the p.A31P mutation in the MYBPC3 gene (labelled HCMmc), has been identifed and a DNA genetic test is available using a mouth swab. Recent research indicates that HCMmc gene in Maine Coon cats is more likely to be autosomal recessive than autosomal dominant (See research paper here). Breeders in the UK have worked very hard to reduce the incidence of this identified HCMmc gene and the statistics show than the number of positive or heterozygous cats has reduced considerably. Not all cats with the mutation will exhibit symptoms. Genetic testing can be useful in identifying which cats carry the mutation. Whilst a positive test result means that the cat is genetically predisposed to HCM, unfortunately a negative test only means that the cat does not have that one particular mutation of HCM. It does NOT mean that the cat being tested doesn’t have any form of HCM but is a start towards identifying cats that do carry the identified HCMmc gene so that in time, they can be eliminated from the breeding program.
Breeders must not claim that their cats are HCM-free, they can only state that the parents are Homozygous negative for the one DNA currently identified gene, HCMmc and/or the cat was considered clear on its last cardiography scan.
All Maine Coons must now be homozygous negative before they can be added to the GCCF Active (Breeding) Register. Further information on this condition can be found on International Cat Care: https://icatcare.org/advice/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm-and-testing/ Scanning - This is recommended whenever your vet discovers irregular heart sounds. There are many conditions that can cause this, and scanning can help to identify the cause, as well as giving an indication if HCM is present. It is good practice for breeders to have all their breeding cats scanned preferably annually, but at least every two years, for any evidence of HCM since currently only one gene has been identified to date and there may be others which can cause disease, whilst still giving a negative result for the one identified HCMmc gene. Several companies offer this service around the UK. HCM may develop in middle or later life, so it is recomended that retired breeding cats continue to be monitored and scanned. Scanning can identify the presence of other forms of HCM, not just the HCMmc gene so is a very valuable diagnostic tool to use.
It is a condition found in all mammals, including man. It is known that there are a number of different genes which can cause HCM in cats, including Maine Coons. To date, one of the genes which causes HCM in Maine Coons - known as the p.A31P mutation in the MYBPC3 gene (labelled HCMmc), has been identifed and a DNA genetic test is available using a mouth swab. Recent research indicates that HCMmc gene in Maine Coon cats is more likely to be autosomal recessive than autosomal dominant (See research paper here). Breeders in the UK have worked very hard to reduce the incidence of this identified HCMmc gene and the statistics show than the number of positive or heterozygous cats has reduced considerably. Not all cats with the mutation will exhibit symptoms. Genetic testing can be useful in identifying which cats carry the mutation. Whilst a positive test result means that the cat is genetically predisposed to HCM, unfortunately a negative test only means that the cat does not have that one particular mutation of HCM. It does NOT mean that the cat being tested doesn’t have any form of HCM but is a start towards identifying cats that do carry the identified HCMmc gene so that in time, they can be eliminated from the breeding program.
Breeders must not claim that their cats are HCM-free, they can only state that the parents are Homozygous negative for the one DNA currently identified gene, HCMmc and/or the cat was considered clear on its last cardiography scan.
All Maine Coons must now be homozygous negative before they can be added to the GCCF Active (Breeding) Register. Further information on this condition can be found on International Cat Care: https://icatcare.org/advice/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm-and-testing/ Scanning - This is recommended whenever your vet discovers irregular heart sounds. There are many conditions that can cause this, and scanning can help to identify the cause, as well as giving an indication if HCM is present. It is good practice for breeders to have all their breeding cats scanned preferably annually, but at least every two years, for any evidence of HCM since currently only one gene has been identified to date and there may be others which can cause disease, whilst still giving a negative result for the one identified HCMmc gene. Several companies offer this service around the UK. HCM may develop in middle or later life, so it is recomended that retired breeding cats continue to be monitored and scanned. Scanning can identify the presence of other forms of HCM, not just the HCMmc gene so is a very valuable diagnostic tool to use.
HIP DYSPLASIA - Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to joint instability and over time. This condition results in ball and socket disclocation.
Signs and symptoms may include: Limping, reluctant or difficulty in jumping, running or climbing, stiffness or pain espeically after exercise, reduced thigh muscle tone/mass. Early signs may include joint laxity or looseness or hip joint pain.
Diagnosis usually involves a veterinary surgeon performing physical examinations and X-rays to assess the hip joint’s structure and function.
Treatment may include medication to help with pain, weight management to reduce stress on the joints and physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
It was initially believed that because the Maine Coon is a large cat, it would, like large dogs, pose a risk of this condition. However, the reported incidence of this in the UK would appear to be very low. Pawpeds run a screening programme where owners can get their x-rays assessed and verified. The x-rays can be taken by your normal vet.
DEAFNESS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH INHERITED BLUE EYES INCLUDING DOMINANT BLUE EYE (DBE) -
Research has shown that all white cats, of whatever colour eyes, are at risk of deafness, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Further information can be found here: http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/inherited-deafness-white-cats
All white Maine Coons must have a negative BAER Test Result before they can be placed on the GCCF Active Register.
A recent introduction into the Maine Coon breed around the world has been the Dominant Blue Eye gene (DBE) - where cats which are bi-colour (even with the smallest level of white) have either one or both eyes of blue colour. The latest reseach shows that there is more than one gene which can produce DBE cats and at least one of these genes has been linked to deafness. Changes in the skull formation (nose and eye socket shape and set) has been seen in some DBE cats and one of the genes may possibly be lethal to the unborn foetus. Research will be ongoing. The GCCF Maine Coon breed has no intention of accepting DBE cats to be shown and breeders and potential owners should be aware of the possible health risks before breeding or buying a DBE cat or kitten. Further information about the research into DBE and its association with deafness in the Maine Coon can be found in the following links.
a) PAX3 haploinsufficiency in Maine Coon cats with dominant blue eyes and hearing loss resembling the human Waardenburg syndrome | G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
b) jkae131.pdf (unibe.ch)
c) http://messybeast.com/blue-eye-breeds.htm
The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is based on the electrical response of the brain to auditory stimuli. When a sound enters the ear, tiny electrical impulses are generated by components of the auditory pathway. The signals can be picked up by recording electrodes positioned on the head and are, in turn, passed into a computer. A series of clicks are passed into the ear through a headphone, producing a repeatable sequence of peaks and troughs which is displayed on a small TV screen. The test offers quick, non-invasive and accurate assessment of an individual’s hearing status. BAER testing is now offered at various establishments around the country. Deaf cats can lead a long and happy life, but deafness and how to accomodate a deaf cat should be fully considered before a new owner buys one.
b) jkae131.pdf (unibe.ch)
c) http://messybeast.com/blue-eye-breeds.htm
The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is based on the electrical response of the brain to auditory stimuli. When a sound enters the ear, tiny electrical impulses are generated by components of the auditory pathway. The signals can be picked up by recording electrodes positioned on the head and are, in turn, passed into a computer. A series of clicks are passed into the ear through a headphone, producing a repeatable sequence of peaks and troughs which is displayed on a small TV screen. The test offers quick, non-invasive and accurate assessment of an individual’s hearing status. BAER testing is now offered at various establishments around the country. Deaf cats can lead a long and happy life, but deafness and how to accomodate a deaf cat should be fully considered before a new owner buys one.
