Genetic testing for HCM

[Smellbert]

I am looking for advice from anyone who has had genetic screening for their cat for HCM.

I have been asked to take on a friends cat in sad circumstances. The cat is a young Ragdoll or Ragdoll cross, is a great character and would be a good fit for my family, however a bit of online research suggests this type of cat is at increased risk of a heart condition called HCM. I have had experience of owning a pet with a long term medical issue in the past, and know how stressful & expensive that can be. I would also be concerned about my children becoming attached to a cat with a serious health condition / poor prognosis.

I understand that there is a test available that can determine if a cat has a HCM gene. Can anyone tell me if this test is widely available and an approx cost? Would my local vet be able to arrange it?

I lost one of my Persians to HCM. (Rescued from a kitten farm so no screening done) I'm not sure about genetcic testing. But my cats cardiologist would do a 'breed screen' echo scan of the heart. My girls sister had one to see if she had it. I think it cost £300 but was covered by insurance due to her sister. That may be better than genetic testing. My girl is seen twice a year for a scan as she has thickening of the septum. But it's never got worse so I'm going to stop it soon. It costs £650 per visit to the cardiologist.

If you are in the East Midlands area look up Sarah Smith cardiology.

Also find out if he has a heart murmur. Not all cats with HCM have one, but it can be an indicator.

Langfords do a postal HCM test for around £40. Order the swab, you can do it yourself or ask your vet to, send it off and get a result. Simple!