HCM

It is found in ALL species of cats, dogs and even humans. HCM is the thickening of the left ventricle wall. There is no cure. Sometimes it is genetic and sometimes it is not.

There is no way to determine how the cat developed the disease once they have been diagnosed with HCM. If discovered early, proper medications can prolong the life of the cat.

Responsible breeders scan/screen their breeding cats annually from a board-certified veterinary cardiologist to lower the odds of producing cats that could develop HCM. Ratatat scans for HCM twice a year. Responsible breeders are also DNA testing for a gene recently discovered in Sphynx cats. This gene is a valuable tool for breeders. Ratatat has tested all breeders. A cat homozygous for the gene will not be used for breeding. A cat with parents with HCM increases the odds 25% for developing the disease.

No cat with any degree of HCM or any heart abnormality should ever be bred.

Ratatat offers a lifetime replacement guarantee for HCM