Every breeding cat in our program undergoes rigorous genetic and medical screening prior to being selected to pass our name on to their offspring.
We utilize the Wisdom Optimal Selection pannel and Felome Genetic testing to screen for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and more than 70 disease variants, over 55 color and feature variations, genetic blood group and drug sensitivity.
In addition to this, all of the cats in our program complete an echocardiogram by a board certified cardiologist. They must have a normal result to proceed on in our program.
All of our cats also have x-rays taken to check for hip dysplasia. These radiographs are then certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). In order to proceed in our breeding program, their hips must be classified as excellent, good or fair. Anything less than this is not acceptable and we do not want to risk the possibility of passing these traits onto any offspring.
We also take the blue eye controversy very seriously. The Dominant Blue Eye (DBE) gene can lead to serious health issues including deafness. To ensure that we only have recessive blue eye genes in our breeding program, we also conduct genetic testing for FOUR genes associated with DBE. Our blue-eyed cats also complete BEAR (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing to check for congenital deafness.
We take all of these extra steps to ensure your kitten inherits nothing but vitality. Our health protocols are the foundation of our legacy. Chappell Creek is a name you can trust!
