Sun O'er Sea's Pet Reservation Process
Part 1:
Sun O'er Sea breeds for health.
The following contextualizes the disorders for which I test:
HCM:
Sun O'er Sea tests for hyper-trophic cardiomyopathy, which leads to an enlargement of the heart wall and causes the muscle to have difficulty pumping blood to and from the cat's body, resulting in a diminished lifespan; Sun O'er Sea uses the best technology available: annual echocardiogram on my breeding kings and queens.
All Sun O'er Sea breeding cats are negative for HCM; hearts are normal and are clear.
PK Deficiency:
Sun O'er Sea tests for pyruvate kinase deficiency, a genetic blood disorder that affects the red blood cells and causes jaundice or anemia; a carrier must be bred to a carrier for PK Deficiency to manifest in a cat.
All Sun O'er Sea breeding cats are negative for PK Deficiency via DNA test.
SMA:
Sun O'er Sea tests for spinal muscular atrophy, which is a rare neuromuscular disorder that results in a disfunction of motor neurons and progressive muscle waste; like PK Deficiency, the condition requires two carriers of the gene for the condition to manifest.
All Sun O'er Sea breeding cats are negative for SMA via DNA test.
Hip Dysplasia:
Sun O'er Sea tests for hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip socket that causes dislocation, via radiographs.
All Sun O'er Sea cats' hips are graded Normal.
Sun O'er Sea breeds for structure.
The following breed standard is the one which I follow:
CFA:
Sun O'er Sea follows CFA Maine Coon Cat breed standard, the American standard for the Maine Coon Cat. We favor balance and sturdy boning with a sweet expression. We strive to maintain the structure inherent in our foundation pair and incorporate outcrosses to keep genetic diversity. All our kittens are sold as pet-only unless to approved breeders or show homes.
All kings, queens, and litters are registered with the Cat Fanciers' Association of America.
Sun O'er Sea breeds for temperament.
Part II:
Sun O'er Sea places on personality & fit.