01/20/2025
Dear Fellow Maine C**n Breeders, Both New & Established -
While breeding & raising Maine C***s (or any animal) is wonderful and rewarding, there is so much more to it than just pairing 2 cats together. As you begin (or continue) this journey, I want to share some thoughts on the responsibilities we share as stewards of this incredible breed - especially with how many new breeders are popping up.
Breeding Maine C***s is a labor of love, but it is also a serious commitment that requires dedication, knowledge, and unwavering responsibility.
One of the most crucial aspects of ethical breeding is prioritizing the health of our cats. Maine C***s are known for their size, beauty, and affectionate personalities, but they are also predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. It is our duty as breeders to do everything possible to minimize these risks and improve the overall health of the breed.
Proper health testing is non-negotiable. All breeding cats should undergo the following tests:
1. OFA Hip Scans: Maine C***s are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause pain and mobility issues - that also has a strong genetic component to it. Screening your breeding cats through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) helps ensure that you are not passing this condition on to future generations.
2. Echocardiograms: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is another common concern in Maine C***s. While DNA tests can screen for certain HCM mutations, echocardiograms performed by a board-certified cardiologist are essential to detect early signs of this condition, even in cats without known genetic markers.
3. Genetic Testing: Comprehensive DNA testing can help identify other potential hereditary conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Wisdom Panel is an excellent company for these tests.
4. Blood Testing: Cats have three blood types: A, B, or AB, and mismatched blood types in breeding pairs can lead to a serious condition called neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI).
NI happens when a type B queen is bred to a type A or AB male, and the kittens inherit the father’s blood type. The mother’s antibodies in her milk attack the kittens’ red blood cells, which can cause severe illness or death within days.
To prevent this:
1. Test the blood type of all your breeding cats using a lab or an at-home test.
2. Avoid mismatched pairings (e.g., type B queens with type A males).
The number of new “breeders” we see and have communicated with that do not even know what OFA scans or echocardiograms are, is honestly scary. We need to preserve and prioritize the health of this breed, or it WILL be destroyed.
These tests are costly, but they are vital investments in the health and longevity of your cats and their offspring. Cutting corners on health testing not only jeopardizes the lives of your kittens, but also damages the trust and reputation of ethical breeders as a whole.
It’s also important to recognize the financial and emotional realities of breeding. The costs extend far beyond health testing and include high-quality food, veterinary care, birthing supplies, emergency care, and kitten raising expenses. Unexpected complications, such as difficult births or illnesses, can quickly escalate costs. Breeding requires a willingness to take losses when necessary, always prioritizing the well-being of the cats over profit.
Additionally, there are the emotional challenges of breeding. Seeing kittens grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding, but there are inevitable hardships. Not every kitten will survive, and sometimes difficult decisions must be made for the sake of a cat’s quality of life. These moments are heartbreaking, but they come with the territory.
As breeders, we also bear a responsibility to educate new owners and ensure that our kittens go to loving, suitable homes. Contracts, spay/neuter agreements for pet kittens, and a lifetime commitment to the welfare of the cats we produce are essential components of ethical breeding.
Remember, breeding Maine C***s is not about quantity or profit—it’s about preserving and improving the breed. By adhering to the highest ethical standards and health practices, you will be helping to safeguard the future of Maine C***s for generations to come.
As a breeder, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need advice, please reach out to experienced breeders in the community. We are stronger when we work together to prioritize the health and well-being of this extraordinary breed.