Breeds Prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, characterized by thickening of the heart muscle that reduces the heart chambers ability to fill and pump blood efficiently. It can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and sudden death.
Symptoms
Rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, hind leg pain or paralysis (from blood clots), fainting, and unfortunately, sudden death may be the first sign in some cats.
Prevention & Management
Genetic screening for at-risk breeds (especially Maine Coons and Ragdolls), regular echocardiographic monitoring, and choosing breeders who test for HCM. Once diagnosed, medications can manage symptoms.
23 Breeds Prone to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
23 cat breeds
American Shorthair
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Obesity
American Wirehair
Cat · Medium · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Skin Allergies
Bengal
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, PRA, Patellar Luxation, Flat-chested Kitten Syndrome
Birman
Cat · Medium-Large · Myanmar (Burma)
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Kidney Disease, Corneal Dermoid
Bombay
Cat · Medium · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Craniofacial Defects, Breathing Issues
British Longhair
Cat · Medium-Large · United Kingdom
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Obesity, PKD
British Shorthair
Cat · Medium-Large · United Kingdom
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Obesity, Polycystic Kidney Disease
Cornish Rex
Cat · Small-Medium · England
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Patellar Luxation, Vitamin K Deficiency
Devon Rex
Cat · Small-Medium · England
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Patellar Luxation, Myopathy, Skin Issues
Egyptian Mau
Cat · Medium · Egypt
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Urolithiasis, Leukodystrophy
Maine Coon
Cat · Large-Giant · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Polycystic Kidney Disease
Norwegian Forest Cat
Cat · Large · Norway
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Glycogen Storage Disease IV
Ocicat
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Renal Amyloidosis, PRA
Pixie-Bob
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Cryptorchidism
Ragamuffin
Cat · Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, PKD
Ragdoll
Cat · Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Bladder Stones, FIP
Savannah
Cat · Large · United States
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Generally healthy
Selkirk Rex
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: PKD, Hip Dysplasia, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Siberian
Cat · Medium-Large · Russia
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, PKD, FIP
Sokoke
Cat · Medium · Kenya
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Generally healthy
Sphynx
Cat · Medium · Canada
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Skin Conditions, Respiratory Issues, Dental Disease
Turkish Angora
Cat · Medium · Turkey
Health risks: Deafness (white cats), Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Ataxia
Turkish Van
Cat · Large · Turkey
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Deafness (white cats)