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Lollo

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Lollo

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The little monsters 3

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The little monsters 3

I agree with the postings so far, but I would like to add my own thoughts (as a breeder)

HONESTY

At least a basic knowledge of lines and potential health probelms in those lines.

PROOF of any relevant health testing results.

Enough space to accomodate breeding cats (I personally wouldn't want to see 10+ breeding cats cramped in a small house or flat. This IMO just spells disaster re. health problems and puts undue stress on the poor breeding cats.

CLEAN catteries with ample space for litters, preferably not 'caged', and room for the kittens to be able to play and receive the maximim amount of human contact possible.

A good and honest breeder who will be 100% responsible for their kittens/cats; not just for 1 or 2 years but for their LIFETIME.

Finally, this poem sums up just how important HCM testing is, and it is dedicated to ALL of our Bengals out there and also to the breeders who choose to sweep these important health issues under the carpet, or who make excuses for the importance for screening for HCM and try to deceive pet owners/breeders


You are in awe of my perfect beauty
You are struck by my satin soft coat
You are mesmerised by my intricate pattern
My whole presence leaves a lump in your throat

On the outside my beauty is obvious
My looks are what make me unique
But inside me is sadly invisible
And that difference may be all too bleak

You took me in to love me
To give me the best possible start
I will always return that love in abundance
But please.......don't forget my small pumping heart.

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Best Wishes,
Maddy

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Miki & My Beloved Bengals http://mybelovedbengals.blogspot.com/

Shiloh, Darcy, Rudy The Roodster & Ozzy...

I totally agree with publishing as then people can make an informed decision - plus all the dates are there for all to see and most of all - its official x

I think that any kitten bought now should be tested for PK defic. before it goes to its new owner. PK defic. is not necessarily a death sentence but it does need managing and for owners to be aware of the diagnosis in any cat that is affected. It is present in approx 1-2% of Bengals. It is a simple one off test that costs about £20-30. It doesn't need a vet just a mouth swab sent to the lab.
www.langfordvets.co.uk/lab_pcr_bengal_pkdef.htm

I agree with all the comments re the need for screening for HCM annually on all breeding cats.

Excellent post Maddy and I love the poem.


Best Wishes

Annie

Elaine do you mean any breeding kitten?

Reason I ask is for eg if a normal was mated to a carrier you would only in worst case scenario get carriers - and this would not have any impact on the kitten unless it was used for breeding (depending on the mate it was put to in the future)

Extract from Fab (for people that HAVENT seen it) :-

"Carrier cats do not show any clinical signs at all. The disease occurs when two carrier cats are mated with each other. This is important because a large number of carrier cats can arise in a population before PK deficiency is even noticed"

Yes, but do you trust the breeder, is the big question, I feel any breeding kitten would be as well to be tested by the breeder who is going to be breeding it, and not trust "normal" results from the vendor.

I mentioned the 1-2% affected because that is the numbers affected not the carriers. The carriers are at around 25% of the breed.
A pet carrier has no risk whatsoever of getting the disease, however if pet owners do not get their kitten tested they may in fact end up with affected kittens from breeders who do not test or who wish to get rid of affected kittens. The pet owner could mouth swab their own chosen kitten and send off the sample themselves, even before they get it home

I realise that ethical breeders will only use carrier to normal matings, however as in the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds, breeders are quite willing to breed affected "beautiful" cats as only 50% of the offspring will be affected with HCM, I therefore feel it is not out with the realms of possibility that breeders will breed affected to carriers or carriers to carriers in the hope of getting normal kittens out of "beautiful" cats and pet out affected kittens to unsuspecting pet owners . There is also the possibility that some breeders will never test their cats for PK defic. at all.