Every Chatlerie breeding cat has a comprehensive genetic panel. But "DNA tested" is one of those phrases that can mean everything or nothing — some breeders test for one gene and call it done. Here's what the tests actually measure, which ones matter, and how to read the results.
Essential Genetic Tests for Maine Coons
| Test | What It Detects | Why It Matters | Result Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyBPC3 (HCM) | One known mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Carriers can be bred cautiously; homozygous positive cats should not breed | N/N (clear), N/P (carrier), P/P (affected) |
| SMA | Spinal Muscular Atrophy — progressive muscle wasting | Fatal in affected kittens; carriers can be identified and bred safely | N/N, N/P, P/P |
| PKD | Polycystic Kidney Disease — cysts in kidneys | Progressive kidney failure; dominant inheritance — one copy causes disease | N/N (clear) or N/P (affected) |
| Blood Type | Type A, B, or AB | Neonatal isoerythrolysis risk if dam is Type B and sire is Type A | A/A, A/b, b/b |
| PK Deficiency | Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency — red blood cell disorder | Chronic anemia in affected cats | N/N, N/P, P/P |
What DNA Testing Doesn't Tell You
Here's the critical point most people miss: DNA testing is not a complete health screen. The MyBPC3 test detects one mutation associated with HCM, but HCM is polygenic — caused by multiple genes, most of which we haven't identified yet. A cat can test N/N for MyBPC3 and still develop HCM. This is exactly why annual echocardiograms remain the gold standard. DNA testing supplements cardiac screening. It does not replace it.
When a breeder tells you their cats are "genetically tested for HCM," ask what that means specifically. If they only did the DNA test and never echocardiogram, they're doing the minimum — and the minimum isn't enough.
How to Read Results
N/N (Normal/Normal): Clear — no copies of the mutation. Lowest risk.
N/P (Normal/Positive): Carrier — one copy of the mutation. For recessive conditions (SMA, PKD), carriers are healthy but can produce affected kittens if bred with another carrier. For MyBPC3, carriers may have slightly elevated HCM risk.
P/P (Positive/Positive): Affected or high-risk — two copies of the mutation. For SMA, this means the kitten will develop the disease. For MyBPC3, this indicates significantly elevated HCM risk.
What Chatlerie Tests
🧬 Our Complete Genetic Panel
- MyBPC3 (HCM mutation) — all breeding cats
- SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) — all breeding cats
- PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) — all breeding cats
- PK Deficiency — all breeding cats
- Blood type — all breeding cats
- Color genetics — for pedigree accuracy
- PLUS annual echocardiograms by board-certified cardiologist
"DNA tested" without specifying which tests is like "health checked" without specifying what was checked. Ask for the panel. Ask for the results. A transparent breeder will share them without hesitation — I publish mine in every kitten's health packet.