<p>A key element of any British Shorthair breeding programme is the prevention of hereditary diseases or conditions, meaning those that are passed down from one generation to the next. This is achieved by performing health tests on breeding cats to identify the presence of, or risk of developing, heritable diseases or conditions.</p>
<p>While health testing can never guarantee that a kitten will not present with health conditions, by performing the recommended tests on their breeding cats, responsible breeders have taken steps to decrease the likelihood of this occurring.</p>
<h3>Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PKD is a condition that leads to the growth of cysts on the kidneys, affecting their ability to function properly. Eventually this can lead to kidney failure and premature death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All cats carrying the gene will develop cysts on their kidneys, however the severity and number of these cysts can vary dramatically between individuals. In severe cases, the cysts will grow rapidly and cats will enter kidney failure at a young age, however mostly they will develop slowly, and symptoms will start to become apparent by the age of about seven years. Some cats with cysts will never go on to suffer kidney failure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is no cure for PKD, but medications and therapies are available to manage some symptoms of kidney failure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Genetic testing for PKD is mandatory for British Shorthair cats.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #2563ec;"><strong>Symptoms to look out for: </strong>tiredness, increased thirst and urination, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss, blood in urine (will look pink, red or brown).</span></p>
<h3>Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">ALPS is the abnormal accumulation of white blood cells in the spleen and lymph nodes - an organ and glands that are important for the proper functioning of the immune system.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sadly ALPS is a fatal condition with no cure and kittens will not usually live beyond three months of age. It is currently only known to affect British Shorthair cats and is a mandatory test for those imported from Australia and New Zealand where the prevalence is high.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #2563ec;"><strong>Symptoms to look out for:</strong> enlarged lymph nodes, distended abdomen, anaemia, tiredness, weight loss.</span></p>
<h3>Deafness</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A link has been determined between inherited deafness and the gene responsible for white coats and blue eye colour. However, not all blue-eyed, white cats are deaf and both ears aren't always affected. Scientists believe this could be due to varying gene combinations in the individual cat, or other environmental factors. Therefore the only way to test for this, and the likelihood of passing an affected gene combination onto further offspring, is with a hearing test. A simple, non-invasive Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test can be conducted at specialist centres across the UK.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deaf cats should be kept indoors for their own safety, or supervised when outdoors. BAER tests are mandatory for white British Shorthair cats.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #2563ec;"><strong>Symptoms to look out for:</strong> being easily startled, dizziness or disorientation, no apparent response to loud noises such as the vacuum cleaning.</span></p>
<h3>Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PRA is a group of inherited conditions that cause the gradual loss of a cat&rsquo;s sight, as the retinas in their eyes degenerate over time due to abnormally developed receptor cells.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although blindness is not a life-threatening condition, it does limit their quality of life. These cats should be kept indoors for their own safety, or supervised very closely when in a confined outdoor space. Symptoms will start to appear between two and three months of age.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Genetic testing for PRA is&nbsp; optional for British Shorthair cats as the prevalence is low.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400; color: #2563ec;"><strong>Symptoms to look out for:</strong> difficulty seeing in the dark; bumping into objects, nervousness at night.</span></p>

A key element of any British Shorthair breeding programme is the prevention of hereditary diseases or conditions, meaning those that are passed down from one generation to the next. This is achieved by performing health tests on breeding cats to identify the presence of, or risk of developing, heritable diseases or conditions.

What are common health conditions in British Shorthair?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are in fact a number of things you will need to think about before looking for a cat, and further measures you need to prepare yourself for in order to look after your cat in a responsible way.</span></p>
<h3>The right fit</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Carefully consider whether your home and lifestyle are likely to provide a cat with everything they will need to live a full and happy life. It is true that most cats are more independent than dogs, however a significant amount of effort is still required to meet the needs of your feline friend. Do your sums to make sure you are able to afford the ongoing costs of being a responsible owner.</span></p>
<p><a href="../../learning-center/is-a-maine-coon-the-right-breed-of-cat-for-me"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is a Maine Coon the right breed of cat for me?</span></a></p>
<p><a href="../../learning-center/should-i-consider-rehoming-a-rescue-cat"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Should I consider rehoming a rescue cat?</span></a></p>
<p><a href="../../learning-center/how-do-i-prepare-my-home-for-a-new-arrival"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How do I prepare my home for a new arrival?</span></a></p>
<h3>Microchipping</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Microchipping ensures the best chance of reunion if a cat is lost or stolen. There are government plans for microchipping of cats to become compulsory by law, as it is with dogs. For now, it is still left at the discretion of owners, however we strongly advise arranging this if your breeder hasn&rsquo;t already done so. There is a significant amount of resource required on the part of shelters and charities in rehoming animals that come into their care who are not microchipped and cannot be reunited with their owners.</span></p>
<h3>Insurance</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trips to the vet can often be expensive and unexpected. Insurance may seem like an annoying ongoing cost, however you don&rsquo;t want to be faced with a bill that can run into the thousands of pounds. Uninsured animals are at risk of being put down if they have a serious illness and their owners are unable to pay for treatment. Owners can also become reluctant to take their cat to the vet for fear of how much it will cost, increasing their pet&rsquo;s risk of becoming seriously unwell. Some breeders will provide 4-5 weeks of free insurance when you collect your kitten, however you will need to remember to renew the policy or look for your own insurance once that time is up.</span></p>
<h3>Worming and flea treatments</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You will need to protect your cat against common parasites they can pick up from the environment or other cats on a regular basis - usually with a monthly administered treatment depending on the type of parasite. Many vets will offer discounted plans to help you cover the cost of this, plus you will receive email or text reminders to pick up the next set of treatments from the practice. Worming and flea treatments can be administered in a number of ways depending on the brand; as a spot-on, a tablet, a paste or an injection. Some are only available with a prescription, so book an appointment with your vet to discuss.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3>Vaccinations</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All kittens on Pet Path will have received their first set of vaccinations before you collect them. Once they reach their first birthday, they will require a booster. Your chosen veterinary practice will be able to advise how often your kitten requires boosters going forward after that. Keep hold of the vaccination record the breeder has given you, as this will be important for your vet to see. If they don&rsquo;t stock the same brand of vaccines, your kitten will need to start the course again with the new brand at the point they would normally receive their boosters.</span></p>
<h3>Neutering</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Neutering is the medical sterilsation of an animal, meaning they cannot go on to produce offspring. It is a widely recommended practice in cats not intended for breeding to reduce the risk of certain health conditions and for behaviour management, as well as to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If your kitten is not intended for breeding, it is important to arrange neutering at 4-6 months of age if your breeder hasn&rsquo;t already done so. Most breeders who do not arrange neutering of their kittens before rehoming will ask you to sign a Kitten Contract to formalise your commitment to neutering the kitten when they are a little older.</span></p>
<h3>Kittens are a long term commitment</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you first bring your kitten home you will be obsessed with their every move, and your motivation to provide them with everything they need will be high. As you get used to them being around it is so important to maintain the effort you put in at the beginning. Your kitten will need lots of stimulation from multiple play sessions a day, regular weighing to ensure they&rsquo;re growing properly or not becoming overweight, cleaning of their litter tray multiple times a day, and the opportunity to explore outside&hellip; yes, even for indoor cats. Carefully think about whether you have the time and resources to dedicate to a cat long term.</span></p>

Cats have a reputation for being easier to look after than dogs, leading some to believe there is very little they need to consider before deciding to get a cat.

What does it mean to be a responsible cat owner?

<p>Owning a Maine Coon can be an extremely rewarding experience, bringing love and companionship into your life. Cats can make you laugh, comfort you when you&rsquo;re sick or upset, and are there for you no matter what. According to one Australian study, cat owners claim to feel more happy, more confident, and able to sleep, focus, and face problems better in their lives more effectively.</p>
<h4>Why is it important to check breeders?</h4>
<p>When the source of your new kitten has such a big impact on their health, behaviour, and wellbeing, finding the right one should not be left to chance. The growth of unregulated marketplaces has resulted in an alarming number of irresponsible breeders selling Maine Coon kittens online, prioritising profit ahead of the welfare of their cats. The sale of such kittens is associated with many health issues and often results in the emotional and financial suffering of their owners.</p>
<h4>How do I use this guide?</h4>
<p>Responsible cat ownership starts with finding a breeder that puts the health and welfare of their cats and kittens first. To help you do this, this practical guide explains how to evaluate key elements of a Maine Coon breeding programme.</p>
<h2>What to check</h2>
<p>When finding a Maine Coon kitten, there are four main checks that should be performed. These checks ensure that a breeder is prioritising the health and wellbeing of their cats, and helps avoid issues with your kitten after taking ownership.</p>
<p>As a minimum, you should check that the kitten:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is registered as a pedigree</li>
<li>Has parents that are health tested</li>
<li>Was raised in a safe and enriching environment</li>
<li>Goes home with important documentation</li>
</ul>
<h2>Registration</h2>
<p>A cat is only considered to be a Maine Coon if it has been registered with a governing body such as as the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) or The International Cat Association (TICA) who have reviewed it&rsquo;s family tree. These bodies require a certain number of generations of purebred Maine Coon to be present.</p>
<h4>Why is checking registration important?</h4>
<p>It is common for irresponsible breeders to falsely claim a kitten is registered as a certain breed to attract buyers and charge a higher price. While cats of any kind are wonderful animals, when looking for a Maine Coon you should always check their registration details to ensure they are the breed advertised. Some irresponsible breeders may also incorrectly claim registration paperwork is not required for kittens who are not being entered into another breeding programme.</p>
<h4>How do I check registration and pedigree?</h4>
<p>A responsible breeder will always be happy to show you the registration paperwork of their adult cats, so don&rsquo;t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for this upfront. Any breeder who is reluctant or slow to provide you with a copy of this paperwork should be avoided. Be careful of breeders sending you photographs of paperwork where details are cropped off.</p>
<p>Cats are most commonly registered with either the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) or The International Cat Association (TICA) in the UK. Registration cards for breeding adult cats will include the following information:</p>
<ul>
<li>The breeder&rsquo;s name and address</li>
<li>The breeder&rsquo;s prefix or cattery name</li>
<li>The cats' registered name</li>
<li>The cats' registration number</li>
<li>The cats' date of birth and date of registration</li>
<li>The cats' breeding status, listed as "Active"</li>
<li>The cats' colour</li>
<li>The cats' microchip number</li>
</ul>
<h4>Our trusted breeders</h4>
<p>Our screening team verifies that breeders' cats are registered with a governing body that certifies their pedigree. To protect against forgeries, details provided are also cross-referenced against other documentation and microchip numbers collected during our in-person visit.</p>
<h2>Health testing</h2>
<p>A key element of any cat breeding programme is the prevention of hereditary diseases or conditions, meaning those that are passed down from one generation to the next. This is achieved by performing health tests on breeding cats to identify the presence of, or risk of developing, heritable diseases or conditions.</p>
<h4>Why is health testing important?</h4>
<p>While health testing can never guarantee that a kitten will not present with health conditions, by performing the recommended tests on their breeding cats, responsible breeders have taken steps to decrease the likelihood of this occurring. Health testing is also an expensive process so it is a strong signal that the breeder is prioritising the health and wellbeing of their cats and kittens.</p>
<h4>What health testing should be done on Maine Coon?</h4>
<p>For each breed, there are recommended health tests based on the diseases or conditions common in that breed. Pet Path have worked with leading feline health testing laboratory, Langford Vets, to identify the health tests recommended for Maine Coon, based on the prevalence of the condition.</p>
<p>The following conditions have a higher prevalence in the Maine Coon population, so should be health tested against:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Gene Test)</li>
<li>Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Gene Test)</li>
<li>Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (Gene Test)</li>
<li>Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Blood Test)</li>
</ul>
<p>Breeders may also perform the following additional tests, that are more comprehensive or protect against conditions lower in prevalence:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Echocardiogram)</li>
<li>Hip Displasia (Physical Examination Examination)</li>
<li>Patella Luxation (Physical Examination)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)</h5>
<p>Cats affected by this condition will develop a thickening of the muscle in the walls of the heart, which impairs its ability to fill with blood and pump effectively. A cat suffering from HCM will have a significantly shortened lifespan, and sudden death is also known to occur.</p>
<h5>Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)</h5>
<p>Over time SMA will impair a cat&rsquo;s ability to walk and jump as the neurons in their spinal cord deteriorate. It is a non-life threatening condition, but due to weakness and unsteadiness on their feet, these cats are physically disabled and should be kept indoors for their own safety, or supervised when outdoors.</p>
<h5>Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef)</h5>
<p>PKDef will mean cats are deficient in an important enzyme found inside their red blood cells, reducing their survival in the circulation. Fewer red blood cells (anaemia) reduces the amount of oxygen that is carried around the body. When anaemia is mild, or develops over time, cats may cope and fluctuate between seeming normal and periods of reduced appetite, tiredness and weakness.</p>
<h5>Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)</h5>
<p>Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common and consequential infectious diseases of cats around the world. In infected cats, FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections.</p>
<h4>How do I check health testing?</h4>
<p>Responsible breeders will be able to show health testing documentation for their cats. For genetic testing, this documentation will be provided by the laboratory and should contain a unique identifier code. To avoid forged paperwork, you may also choose to verify the unique identifier directly with the laboratory. For physical examinations, tests should be recorded on the cat's medical history provided by a veterinary practice.</p>
<h2>Environment</h2>
<p>The environment that breeding cats and kittens live in is a critical factor in their physical, mental, and emotional health. Responsible breeders provide opportunities for their Maine Coon to engage in activities such as scratching and climbing, frequent interaction with humans, and comfortable hiding and sleeping areas. Housing areas are regularly cleaned and maintained in a way that ensures the health and well-being of cats and kittens.</p>
<h4>Why is checking the environment important?</h4>
<p>Providing an environment that facilitates normal feline behaviour improves both the physical and mental health of cats. Exposing kittens to new experiences, sights, sounds, and people, also creates less fearful and more outgoing cats as they grow to adulthood. This process, known as socialisation, occurs because a kitten&rsquo;s brain has its greatest capacity for learning and memory between the ages of 4 and 14 weeks. Responsible breeders understand this and provide their Maine Coon kittens with lots of positive experiences to help them grow up to be sociable and self-assured.</p>
<h4>How do I check the environment?</h4>
<p>Before taking ownership of a Maine Coon kitten you should always visit the premises of the breeder to view the litter. At a minimum, breeding cats and kittens should be provided an environment that is generally clean, dry, odour-free, parasite-free and well maintained. There should be opportunities for cats to engage in natural feline behaviour, including scratching, climbing, toys should be in good condition and there needs to be appropriate areas for the cats to sleep and rest.</p>
<p>During the visit, the breeder should also give you the opportunity to see and handle all of the kittens in the litter, rather than just the kitten you&rsquo;re thinking of buying. The kittens should appear happy, healthy and inquisitive.</p>
<p>All breeders in the Pet Path community have been visited by a member of our screening team, who ensures that cats are provided with a clean, comfortable, safe, stimulating, and enriching environment so their breeding cats and kittens will thrive.</p>
<h2>Kitten documentation</h2>
<p>Responsible breeders do their best to ensure a smooth transition to their new home by providing all the information and resources necessary for new owners to be successful, responsible guardians for their new kittens.</p>
<h4>Registration paperwork</h4>
<p>You should be provided with registration paperwork showing that your kitten is registered as a pedigree cat. This documentation will be from a governing body, most commonly the Governing Council of Cat Fancy (GCCF) or The International Cat Association (TICA).</p>
<h4>Vaccination paperwork</h4>
<p>You should be provided with a vaccination record card, stamped by a veterinary practice. Keep hold of this vaccination record card, as this will be important for your vet to see to continue the vaccination program. The brand of vaccine used, the infections your cat is now protected against, as well as their weight and microchip number will be recorded on this card.</p>
<h4>Insurance documentation</h4>
<p>While not necessary, breeders may provide you with free insurance for your new kitten, usually lasting around 4-5 weeks.</p>
<h4>Kitten contract</h4>
<p>If a breeder is not neutering their kittens before they're rehomed they may have a contract drawn up, to request your formal commitment to arrange neutering when the kitten is a little older. These contracts will include other responsibilities of both you and the breeder, and you will need to sign your agreement to the terms stated before leaving with your kitten.</p>
<h4>Items familiar to the kitten</h4>
<p>The best breeders will provide you with items that your kitten is familiar with to take home, such as blankets and toys. Kittens have only ever known life at the breeder and so bringing as many items as possible impregnated with the familiar scent will help them adjust to their new home.</p>

Responsible cat ownership starts with finding a breeder that puts the health and welfare of their cats and kittens first. To help you do this, this practical guide explains how to evaluate key elements of a Maine Coon breeding programme.

Guide to finding a Maine Coon breeder

Here at AVERYSHORTHAIRS we are dedicated not only to the health of our Cats and Kittens but also to their emotional and social wellbeing. All of our kittens are raised in our Famiy Home, around children and other cats and dogs. We have worked hard to ensure our breeding programme is one that we are extremely proud of but also to ensure your kittens come from parents that are heavily health tested and free from all genetic disorders and our cattery is free of all infectious diseases due to rigorous testing. Our Kittens leave us Happy, Healthy, extremely well socialised and confident.

Our AVERYSHORTHAIRS kittens leave us when they are 13 weeks old & will be registered GCCF Non-Active (pet homes only) sold as neutered & at championship level.

All Our Kittens Leave us with :-
GCCF Registration Certificate
GCCF Generation Pedigree Certificate
GCCF Code of Ethics
Fully Vaccinated at 8 weeks & 12 Weeks
Microchipped
2 Vet health checks 
Precautionary Flea treatments at 8 & 12 weeks
Precautionary Worm treatments at 3,6,9 & 12 weeks
4 weeks free insurance 
Scratch Post Trained
Litter Trained
Royal Canin Kitten Pack 
Purrform Kitten Pack
Personalised Blanket with mum & siblings scents
Favourite toys
Personalised document folder
Kitten care sheet including all information how to care for kitten over the coming weeks.
Kitten Contract
Lifetime of support & Advice
Exclusive access to our VIP Members Group

Health Tested free of the following:
*ALPS -  British Shorthair Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
*PKD1 - Polycystic Kidney Disease
*FIV/FeLV - Feline Immunodeficiancy Virus/Feline Leukemia Virus
*FCoV - Feline Coronavirus

CHAMPION STATUS
our kittens are registered and recognised for showing with GCCF, They have CHAMPION status.

AVERYSHORTHAIRS are Based in a small rural village in Essex, we are a small breeders of British Shorthairs. We pride ourselves on our excellent knowledge and experience of the breed, we are GCCF Registered with our own prefix of AVERYSHORTHAIRS, we are with several shorthair clubs and we also run a group on Facebook for shorthair owners, breeders and enthusiasts.

I am qualified in feline first aid, cattery management, feline psychology & behaviour & breeding health & nutrition. 

Behind the scenes here at AVERYSHORTHAIRS we are a very small, family run breeders and we all have our own parts to play. we are all very involved and hands on with the whole process, from pregnancies, birthing & queening, weaning & litter training, Getting to know our new owners, Chief cuddlers and play time experts. 

We have loved the British shorthair since we first laid eyes on them, so much so we do everything in our power to preserve and enhance the breed and conform to the breed standard of true to type shorthairs.  All of our cats and Kittens are Kept inside our family home and never outside.

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon to find your new family member! 

https://averyshorthairs.co.uk/

Avery Shorthairs

We have the most amazing friends in the world and they all live with us in our home. Without our Maine coons we'd be totally lost! Our beautiful Queens Zaina, Remmy and Sasha are our beloved family pets - a blue tortie stunner, a black smoke beauty and a solid blue bombshell. Winston, our King, is an absolute joy, so affectionate and enjoys cuddles and kisses. We also have a young female, Nina, another blue tortie, who will join our breeding programme when she's old enough.

ExCel Maine Coons

We are professional small TICA registered home based cattery. We fell in love with bengal cats. All our kittens are born and raised in our home. They receive lots of love and attention.
We carefully choose new homes for our kittens making sure the new owners well aware of the breed characteristics and their needs. 


Bengopardbengal

We are small Council licensed indoor cattery. All our cats are our family pets, they are raised in the usual household environment and are used to usual day to day life, all the hustle and bustle, picking up, cuddles and kisses. We raise them on both raw and shop bought cat food, alongside the dry food, hence new pawrents have a choice what to feed their furrbabies. 
We also attend TICA cat shows so if you want to see some of our Queens and Kings  - you are very welcome to visit (it's a great event anyway, any cat lover would love it!).
We like to stay in touch with new parents and are really grateful for any updates. On the other hand, we are always here for new cat owners and are happy to help with anything we can.

*** Cats are like chips - you can't just have one. :) ***

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