Obesity and 4 other factors may influence development of HCM in Maine Coons

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I realise that this is a bit technical which can be boring but I think that it is important that people in the cat fancy which includes cat association administrators and cat breeders get a handle on inherited diseases in Maine Coon cats. Why are they accepted? They spoil an otherwise great cat breed. What about the cat? They are sometimes destined to die young of HCM. It's not nice of humans to bring into the world an animal for sale that will be breathless and dying well before their time.

Beautiful young Maine Coon
Beautiful young Maine Coon. Image in public domain.

Below is a 'translation' from the very technical language of a Maine Coon study into the body size and metabolic differences in Maine Coon cats with and without HCM. It looks at things that it seems to me can be done by the breeder to help lengthen lifespans.

HCM is caused by an inherited gene mutation but it can be exacerbated it seems by the factors mentioned.


Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. This study aimed to investigate potential links between HCM, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose metabolism in Maine Coon cats. The researchers found that Maine Coon cats with HCM were significantly older, heavier, and more obese than cats without HCM. They also had higher levels of glucose, IGF-1, and a measure of insulin resistance called homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). In addition, cats with HCM were from smaller litters and were larger at 6 months and 1 year of age. These findings suggest that early growth and nutrition, larger body size, and obesity may play a role in the development of HCM in Maine Coon cats. Further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings.

On the basis of this study might it help Maine Coons with HCM to:
  1. Keep them at a good BMI! I mean a standard weight and not overweight.
  2. This means looking at nutrition and exercise.
  3. Selective breed for smaller MCs? Not possible I guess but the MC does not have to be huge. The breed standard does not require huge MCs.

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