HCM Screening in Cats Explained: What Responsible Breeders Check
Published 2026-09-05 | Last updated 2026-09-05
Key Takeaways
- HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is a heart condition that can affect cats, including British Shorthair and Ragdoll.
- Responsible breeders screen breeding cats with a cardiac ultrasound to reduce the chance of passing it on.
- HCM screening is different from a general health check and should be documented.
- Ask for screening records for both the kitten's parents, not just promises.
- Screening is one part of a full health transparency process that includes PKD testing and veterinary certification.
HCM screening is one of the most important health checks a responsible breeder can do, yet many families have never heard of it. HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition that can affect certain breeds, and screening breeding cats helps reduce the chance of passing it on. This guide explains what HCM is, how screening works, and what to ask a breeder before you bring a kitten home.
What Is HCM in Cats
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a condition where the heart muscle thickens, which can affect how the heart works over time. It can appear in several breeds, and British Shorthair and Ragdoll are among the breeds where responsible breeders screen for it.
Screening does not guarantee a kitten will never develop a heart condition, but it is a meaningful step that reduces risk and shows the breeder is taking health seriously.
How HCM Screening Works
HCM screening is typically done with a cardiac ultrasound, performed by a veterinarian, which images the heart to look for thickening or other changes. Responsible breeders screen their breeding cats and repeat screening at recommended intervals, because HCM can develop over time.
A single clear scan at a young age is not the same as an ongoing screening program. Ask how often breeding cats are screened and request the records.
HCM Screening and PKD Testing Together
HCM screening is often paired with PKD testing, which checks for polycystic kidney disease, another inherited condition. PKD-clear lines add another layer of reassurance, especially for breeds where PKD is a known concern.
Together, HCM and PKD screening are part of what we mean by health transparency. Read more in our Health and Delivery guide.
- Cardiac ultrasound to image the heart
- Screening repeated at recommended intervals
- PKD testing for kidney health
- Full veterinary health certification and vaccination records
Ready to find your kitten? Ask about a kitten or browse our Kitten Styles.
What to Ask a Breeder About HCM
Ask directly: are your breeding cats HCM screened, how often, and can I see the records? A responsible breeder will answer clearly and show documentation. Vague answers or promises without paperwork are a warning sign.
You can also ask whether the lines are PKD-clear, and request the veterinary health certification and vaccination records that should come with every kitten.
How HCM Screening Fits Your Kitten Search
When you browse Kitten Styles, you are seeing the colors and patterns we offer. Behind every style is the same health screening process, so you can choose the look you love and still expect the same transparency. If a British Shorthair or Ragdoll is your favorite, HCM screening is a question worth asking about.
FAQ
What does HCM screening mean in cats?
HCM screening uses a cardiac ultrasound to check breeding cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can affect breeds like British Shorthair and Ragdoll. Screening helps reduce the chance of passing it on.
Which cat breeds need HCM screening?
British Shorthair and Ragdoll are among the breeds where responsible breeders screen for HCM. Ask your breeder directly whether their breeding cats are screened and how often.
Is HCM screening the same as a health check?
No. HCM screening is a specific cardiac ultrasound that images the heart. A general health check does not include it, so ask for the screening records separately.
Does HCM screening guarantee a healthy kitten?
No screening can guarantee a kitten will never develop a condition, but HCM screening reduces risk and shows the breeder is investing in health. It is one part of a full transparency process.
How often should breeding cats be HCM screened?
Responsible breeders screen breeding cats at recommended intervals, because HCM can develop over time. A single clear scan is not the same as an ongoing program, so ask how often cats are re-screened.
