12/22/2025
Before You Blame a Breeder: The Realities of Cat Genetics & Health 🐾
I want to take a moment to address something that comes up often in my messages and on my page by families in groups when they purchase a pedigree cat of any breed, because education here truly matters. It’s heartbreaking to see many responsible breeders labeled as “bad” without proper understanding of what ethical breeding can — and cannot — control.
I regularly hear from people who are understandably frustrated and hurt because a cat they purchased later developed a heart condition, allergies, hip issues, urinary problems, or other health concerns. I fully understand how upsetting that can be. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about responsible breeding.
There are limits to the testing that exists today. Ethical breeders do extensive health and genetic screening, but there is no test available that can predict whether a breeding queen or stud will produce kittens who later develop food sensitivities, allergies, skin or gastrointestinal issues, bladder crystals, or other adult-onset conditions. Many of these issues are influenced by a complex combination of genetics, environment, diet, weight, stress, and lifestyle over time.
We also cannot keep our cats or home in a bubble. As much as we wish we could prevent everything, illnesses can be picked up from everyday life — from shoes, vet clinics, shows, deliveries, and normal exposure. Even with strict biosecurity and careful management, things still happen. I can not stress this enough to families.
There is also currently no way to know or test whether a kitten will develop FIP later in life.
Did you know that feline coronavirus is extremely common? Studies show that 80–90% of cats are exposed to one or more strains of feline coronavirus at some point in their lives. Exposure does not mean a cat will develop FIP nor does it mean your “breeder is bad”— in fact, the vast majority never develop FIP. Unfortunately, exposure to coronavirus cannot be fully prevented in any multi-cat environment, including homes, shelters, and catteries with felines.
The same applies to feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). It is also widespread in the general cat population, with similar exposure rates. While responsible breeders would not knowingly use an actively symptomatic adult in a breeding program, no environment can completely prevent exposure, even with excellent care and precautions.
Testing must be appropriate and evidence-based. No ethical breeder is going to over-test animals with no clinical signs simply to meet unrealistic expectations. Animals, like people, are not perfect and neither is biology.
Responsible breeders work to reduce RISKS, not promise perfection. We use the best tools available, make informed and careful breeding decisions, prioritize health and welfare, and remain transparent with our families. But no breeder can guarantee lifetime health outcomes.
Families should also always keep pet insurance, even if a breeder provides a complimentary month to help with initial vetting for unexpected illnesses. Veterinary care is expensive, and having a backup plan is critical because anything can happen — no matter how careful you are.
This is why it is so important to research, understand, analyze, and evaluate before choosing a breeder. Do your homework, ask questions, and make informed decisions. Education, fairness, and honesty matter — for breeders and owners alike. 😺
About Highlanders specifically:
Highlanders are generally known to be genetically healthy when sourced from reputable catteries with carefully documented lineages. However, there are many catteries that mix Highlanders with other breeds, such as Maine C***s or Bengals, which can introduce known genetic concerns or HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) risks.
At Enchanted Highlanders Cattery, we carefully select our breeding cats from specific lines and catteries that are tested and documented to be free of these problems. This ensures our kittens have the best chance at long-term health while maintaining the traits and quality Highlanders are known for.
Choosing a responsible breeder and understanding the realities of pet health helps protect both your future cat and your peace of mind. Please do your research and make thoughtful decisions — it makes all the difference.
