Hereditary Conditions

Selective breeding from small gene pools enhances desired characteristics, such as coat color or texture, but can also unwittingly concentrate potentially damaging genetic material.

Hereditary health problems, while still uncommon, are increasing in frequency in pedigree cats. These include:

1.Hip dysplasia in Maine Coons
2.Patellar luxation in Devon Rexes
3.Deafness in blue-eyed white cats
4.Cataracts in Himalayans
5.Progressive retinal atrophy in Abyssmians

Concentrating the Problem
Hip dysplasia is not unique to Maine Coons; it occurs in the general feline population, but it does have a higher than normal incidence in this breed.