Health and Genetics
HCM Screening in Cats Explained
Published September 20, 2026 | Last updated October 5, 2026
Key Takeaways
- HCM, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition that can affect several breeds.
- Responsible breeders screen breeding cats with echocardiography before placing kittens.
- HCM screening does not guarantee a kitten will never develop any condition.
- Ask for the screening story before you reserve, especially for British Shorthair and Ragdoll.
- Screening is one part of a broader commitment to health transparency.
What Is HCM in Cats
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a heart condition in which the heart muscle thickens, which can affect how the heart works over time. HCM can occur in several breeds and is one of the most discussed conditions in cat breeding.
Because HCM can have a genetic component, responsible breeders screen their breeding cats and select away from affected lines. Screening is not a guarantee, but it is a meaningful step a breeder can take.
How Breeders Screen for HCM
HCM screening uses echocardiography, an ultrasound of the heart, performed by a veterinarian. The scan measures the heart walls and looks for thickening that can indicate the condition.
Responsible breeders screen breeding cats before they are used in a breeding program and repeat screening at intervals, because HCM can develop over time. Ask your breeder how often their cats are screened.
Which Breeds Are Most Often Screened
HCM screening is especially relevant for breeds such as the British Shorthair, British Longhair, Ragdoll, and Maine Coon. If you are considering one of these breeds, ask about HCM screening directly.
Our British Shorthair and Ragdoll breeding cats are HCM screened, and our lines are PKD-clear. Read more about how health and delivery work across all the breeds we place.
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Ask About a KittenWhat HCM Screening Does and Does Not Tell You
HCM screening tells you about the breeding cat's heart at the time of the scan. It is a strong signal that a breeder is selecting away from the condition, but no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never develop any health issue.
That honesty is part of health transparency. A breeder who claims a guarantee is overstepping what screening can promise.
Questions to Ask Before You Reserve
Use these questions to confirm a breeder's screening practices:
- Are your breeding cats HCM screened, and how often?
- Are your lines PKD-clear?
- What veterinary health certification comes with each kitten?
- Can you share the vaccination records before placement?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does HCM screening test for in cats?
- HCM screening uses a heart ultrasound to look for thickening of the heart muscle that can indicate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is performed by a veterinarian on breeding cats.
- Does HCM screening guarantee a healthy kitten?
- No. Screening is a strong signal that a breeder selects away from the condition, but no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never develop any health issue.
- Which breeds should be HCM screened?
- HCM screening is especially relevant for British Shorthair, British Longhair, Ragdoll, and Maine Coon. Ask about screening before reserving one of these breeds.
- How often should breeding cats be screened for HCM?
- Responsible breeders screen before breeding and repeat at intervals, because HCM can develop over time. Ask your breeder about their screening schedule.
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