Echocardiograms performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist are one of the most important health screenings for Maine Coons, as the breed is predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Unlike genetic DNA panels, an echocardiogram evaluates the heart’s structure and function in real time, allowing early detection of abnormalities that may not be inherited through a single known gene. Because HCM can develop later in life, routine echocardiographic screening remains the gold standard for responsible breeding programs committed to reducing risk and protecting future generations.

Transparency in cardiac testing is equally critical. Ethical breeders should be open about when echocardiograms are performed, who conducts them, and what the results indicate—understanding that a normal scan reflects the cat’s heart health at that point in time, not a lifetime guarantee. Open communication builds trust, allows informed decisions, and demonstrates accountability. Breeders who prioritize and disclose cardiac testing show a genuine commitment to the long-term health of their cats and to preserving the integrity of the Maine Coon breed as a whole.