What causes HCM in Maine Coon cats?

Asked By: Margery Kern

Date created: Wed, Aug 31, 2022 0:23 AM

Date updated: Thu, May 16, 2024 0:52 AM

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Video answer: HCM in Cats: What You Need To Know

Best answer to the question «What causes HCM in Maine Coon cats?»

Answered by Dale Everett on Wed, Aug 31, 2022 3:47 AM

Certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon or Ragdoll, may be predisposed, suggesting a possible genetic component. However, most of the time, the cause of HCM in cats remains unknown. With HCM, the normal heart muscle is replaced by fibrous connective tissue (scar tissue).

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «What causes HCM in Maine Coon cats?» often ask the following questions:

😻 What causes heart failure in cats with HCM?

In a cat with HCM, the heart’s left ventricle (its primary “pump muscle”) is thickened, leading to a decrease in the volume of the heart chamber and to abnormal relaxation of the heart muscle. These changes can cause the heart to beat rapidly, resulting in increased oxygen usage and possibly to oxygen starvation of the heart muscle.

😻 When do Maine Coon cats get hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Maine Coon cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually does not show up until they are an adult although the genetic mutation is present at birth. Most Maine Coons develop the disease after 3 years of age but some do not develop it until much later (6- 8 years of age). The Maine Coon DNA mutation is a single base pair change in the DNA.

😻 What kind of heart disease does a Maine Coon have?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the commonest form of heart disease in cats and it is very common in Maine coons. With HCM the thickness of the heart wall increases abnormally (Liu et al 1981). This thickening causes multiple problems and at some stage prevents normal heart function and heart failure develops.

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We've handpicked 26 related questions for you, similar to «What causes HCM in Maine Coon cats?» so you can surely find the answer!

What kind of heart disease does a Maine Coon have?

Can a Maine Coon have HCM without A31p mutation?

These studies have also identified HCM in cats that do not carry the MYBPC3-A31P. The incidence of HCM in these studies was 5.4% in cats that were negative for the A31P mutation, and 5.4% with the mutation. Therefore, the MYBPC3-A31P mutation is not the sole cause of HCM in Maine Coons. The other causes are not known at this time.

How old do Maine Coon cats die from HCM?

( See below for a summary of published research on HCM and Maine Coon cats.) The A31P breed specific mutation for inherited HCM in Maine Coon cats produces moderate to severe cardiac disease which can lead to sudden death by age 4 years or less for cats that carry two copies of the mutation (homozygotes).

What causes sudden death in Maine Coon cats?

Affected cats are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to defects that produce increased left ventricular heart muscle thickness. In the Maine Coon breed, the A31P mutation in the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene ( MYBPC3) has been found to be associated with increased risk for HCM.

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Do Maine Coon cats with HCM have a big heart?

Most cats with HCM will have a heart that weighs more than 20 grams and most cats with severe HCM will have a heart that weighs more than 30 grams. Myocardial fiber disarray, the hallmark microscopic heart muscle abnormality seen in humans with familial HCM is seen in all Maine Coon cats with HCM.

What are the symptoms of HCM in Maine Coons?

A Maine Coon suffering from HCM is likely to have the following health conditions: Arrhythmias (heart beats irregularly, too slowly, or too rapidly In cases where fluid has accumulated in and around a cat’s lungs, the following symptoms are often visible. These factors may indicate your Coon has congestive heart failure:

What kind of heart problems do Maine Coons have?

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs when there is a thickening of the muscular walls surrounding a cat’s heart, which negatively affects the heart’s efficiency levels. It is not known what causes Maine Coon health issues like this to occur, however, researchers do suspect a genetic component is involved.

Do Maine Coon cats get hip dysplasia?

The Maine Coon cat’s size may be a factor for the predisposition to hip dysplasia. Male Maine Coon cats can grow up to 15-25lbs. HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, is the most common form of heart disease and may affect middle to old age Maine Coon cats.

How old do Maine Coon cats have to be to get HCM?

Maine Coon cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually does not show up until they are an adult although the genetic mutation is present at birth. Most Maine Coons develop the disease after 3 years of age but some do not develop it until much later (6- 8 years of age).

Are Maine Coon cats prone to heart disease?

In Maine Coons, a breed-specific mutation has been found to be associated with increased risk for HCM. Phenotype: Cats affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at risk of sudden cardiac death.

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When do Maine Coon cats get hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Is there a test for HCM in Ragdoll cats?

Note: This test only detects the R820W mutation associated with HCM in Ragdoll cats and outcrosses as described by Meurs et al. 2007. The VGL offers a separate test for the A31P mutation associated with HCM in Maine Coon cats.

Are Maine Coon cats at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Cats affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk of sudden cardiac death. In Maine Coons, a breed-specific mutation has been found to be associated with increased risk for HCM. Phenotype: Cats affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at risk of sudden cardiac death.

How old do Maine Coon cats die from heart disease?

In Maine Coon cats with two copies of the disease-associated mutation, moderate to severe cardiac disease can lead to sudden death by age 4 years or less. Cats that carry one copy of the mutation have a longer life expectancy, but may still develop HCM.

Why did my cat die suddenly, with no symptoms of illness?

The most common reason for a young cat to die suddenly is a heart problem called HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). This condition does occur in Maine Coon cats sometimes. When a cat has HCM there can often be no symptoms and then one day the heart just fails.

Can cats get heart disease?

Some of the common types of heart disease in cats include: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) - HCM is the most common type of heart disease in cats, it causes the heart muscle to thicken and prevents it from pumping blood around the body properly. Some breeds, such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, are more likely to get HCM.

What is the biggest Maine Coon cat?

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Is HCM inherited in Turkish Van cats?

In some breeds such as the Maine Coon, HCM is inherited, but that has not been proven in the Turkish Van. Regardless of how healthy your cat is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. A pet insurance plan can help you stay ready for any of your cat's veterinary needs.

Are Turkish Vans healthy dogs?

Turkish Vans are generally healthy, although some have been reported to develop a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In some breeds such as the Maine Coon, HCM is inherited, but that has not been proven in the Turkish Van.

What is the life expectancy of a Maine Coon cat?

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How much are Maine Coon kittens for sale in Maine?

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What do you feed a Maine Coon cat?

- Protein - Wet Food V Dry Food - Varied Diet - Maine Coon Diet According To Age - Outdoor Maine Coons - Indoor Maine Coons - Chewing - Exercise Levels - Veterinary Check-Ups - Maine Coon Cat Treats

Do Maine Coon cats come in short hair?

Purebred Maine Coons do not have short hair but Maine Coon mixes often do. Maine Coon kittens sometimes have shorter hair which eventually grows longer. So if a cat looks like a short-haired Maine Coon it is likely to be a Maine Coon mix or a younger Maine Coon.

What should I Feed my Maine Coon?

Mixing wet food and dry food with a high calorie content will keep your Maine Coon healthy and looking fantastic. The diet of your Maine Coon takes into account many important factors. How active your Maine Coon is and their own individual preferences.

What is the biggest Maine Coon cat on record?

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What is the largest breed of Maine Coon cat?

Maine Coon cats are gentle giants that in rare cases can weigh more than 30 pounds. The Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat breed in the world! The official cat breed of Maine, the Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds native to North America – and it’s also one of the largest.

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