Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is one of the most commonly encountered heart disease in cats. This disease is characterised by an abnormal thickening of one or several areas of the walls of the heart, usually of the left ventricle. In cats, this disease is more prevalent in Ragdolls, Maine Coons and American Shorthairs, but can also be seen in other breeds (Himalayan, Burmese, Sphynx, Devon Rex and Persians (including derived breeds such as the British Shorthair)).

Given that genetic testing for this disease is only available for Ragdolls and Maine Coons, HCM can be diagnosed in British Shorthairs via an ultrasound of the heart (also known as an echocardiogram). To ensure that ChubbyBuddies in our breeding programme do not carry this disease, they are regularly ausculted for heart murmurs or arrhythmias from a young age and periodically undergo echocardiographies performed by certified veterinary cardiologists.