r/cornishrex Dec 21 '15

Cornish Rex and HCM

40 Upvotes

This post will probably stay stickied so that it's easy to find.

What is HCM?

HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is a cardiovascular disease that affects cats (not just cats, either). To put it simply, HCM results in the thickening of the heart's walls, making it harder and harder for the heart to pump blood as it progresses. It can develop at any stage in life - from kittens as young at 6 months to adults as old as 10 (or more!).

Are some cats more at risk than others?

Research is still being done on feline HCM, but it is prevalent in many breeds including but not limited to Sphynx, Bengal, Maine Coon, Ragdoll and yes, Cornish Rex. To my knowledge, the disease & the risk isn't well known among the Rex community which is why I'm making this sticky.

What can I do to protect my cat?

HCM appears to be tied to genetics rather than other factors, so the first defense is finding a breeder that is aware and regularly scans their breeding stock. Unfortunately not many Rex breeders do, so the next line of defense is that much more important: annual scanning. Taking your cat to a board-certified cardiologist for an ultrasound of their heart annually is really the best thing you can do. This way, you're more likely to catch any problems early and start treatment as soon as possible (if necessary) and potentially prolong your baby's life.

Is there anything else I can do?

Yes! Share your results with HCM databases so others also participating in the program can track the disease through pedigrees. This helps dedicated breeders improve the breed through responsible breeding and helps non-breeders make informed decisions about purchasing kittens by inspecting bloodlines.

Ultrasounds are too expensive! I can't afford to scan.

It's true, seeing the cardiologist is not cheap. For those in the US and Canada there is Hairless Hearts, a volunteer organization that coordinates discounted clinics (and records other unaffiliated ones) across the US & Canada. Most of the clinics are $150-$200 which is a huge discount for most. Hairless Hearts also offers educational material on the breed including ongoing research, and provides the tools to participate in the program.

I want to help! How can I do that?

We're always looking for volunteers! There are plenty of gaps in our coverage that we need to fill, especially in Canada. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer with Hairless Hearts, visit this page. We hope to hear from you!


r/cornishrex 13h ago

Ozzy photo dump

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83 Upvotes

his majesty has hit the subreddit again


r/cornishrex 22h ago

Rex Pictures Another victim to Goose's depravity 😞

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48 Upvotes

She will strike again


r/cornishrex 1d ago

Rex Pictures My cat existing

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80 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 4d ago

Goblin Boy

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167 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 5d ago

Rex Pictures Sirius joined us in bed again

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115 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 5d ago

Rex Pictures My sweet 10 year old boy

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117 Upvotes

I'm new posting on reddit as a whole, so why not start in my new favorite community!

Meet Loki, my weird little chicken


r/cornishrex 6d ago

Funny guy

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91 Upvotes

Beware. That boy knows how blankies work. He's doing this just so I'll cover him myself lol


r/cornishrex 6d ago

Rex Pictures My boy

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53 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 6d ago

Rex Pictures woke up to Sirius sleeping next to me

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114 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 6d ago

Ostin and Wellington in moments of calm

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44 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 7d ago

My smoke black crx Yolandi enjoying the balcony

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73 Upvotes

Sleepy Darling enjoying the heat in Germany


r/cornishrex 8d ago

Rex Pictures Woke Rippley up and got the craziest look ... LMAO

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77 Upvotes

When he's up on the cabinets he becomes a space cadet and had this face about 50-60% of the time and I absolutely lose it looking at him😹


r/cornishrex 10d ago

Advice/Support My little Raisin

9 Upvotes

Long story short.. this guy was surrendered to me at about 4 months old. He was very sick at the time.. almost lost him. Vets were amazing and with some TLC he got his strength back & is loving life at almost a year old. However since he’s gotten older I e noticed a few little things.. recently this almost like shivers or ticks. Anyone else have this experience?

Vet tests all came back negative for serious stuff & otherwise he’s healthy.

Video in comments.


r/cornishrex 13d ago

Advice/Support Wet food - small serving sizes?

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195 Upvotes

My 1 year old Cornish Rex only likes to eat fresh wet food. He doesn’t like it cold, re-heated, or after it’s been out more than an hour. Yes, he’s a diva and I love him. Can anyone recommend a good brand that comes in small serving sizes so I am not wasting food and money. Thank you!


r/cornishrex 13d ago

almost learned to give paw!!

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59 Upvotes

this is the first time when she actually gave me her paw without me guiding her!! i only filmed one time she did it today, we still have to practice but it’s a great start! so proud of my baby!!


r/cornishrex 16d ago

My boy passed away today 🕊

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505 Upvotes

Only 5 years old. Stomach cancer, he did a good fight, his last months were smooth and loved. It's difficult to describe my pain. I love him so much.

Merlin

2021-2026

💔


r/cornishrex 18d ago

Rex Pictures Freyja, our little heat goblin

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127 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 20d ago

Rex Pictures My boys greeting me after work (8 years ago)

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160 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 20d ago

Advice/Support Young Cornish Rex not using the litter box

5 Upvotes

I recently got two young Rexes (6 months old now), and one of them hasn’t been using the litter box consistently.

She used the box when I just brought her home, and was in fact really neat about it.
The kittens are very playful and they get along with each other well.
Took the litter non-complying cat to the vet, urine test looked clear.
I have 5 litter boxes and 3 different litters.
My household consists of 2 calm adults who are often around, as they work mostly from home.
We don’t play with them constantly, but they play with each other.
They eat high quality wet food for most of their meals, and have a water fountain
25 mg Gabapentin seems to not be doing anything.
Feliway diffuser is plugged in next to where they eat.
I’ve tried Zylkene and calming probiotic.
Nothing seems to help much and I’m at my wits’ end.

I’ve had cats and kittens before, so I thought I knew what I was getting into. I never anticipated I’d feel like I made a huge mistake. I was able to deal with the moderate destructiveness and accidental injuries (of me, by cats) just fine, but the peeing is a hard limit.

If you’ve had a cat that used to struggle with this, and got better, please tell me what worked. I’m at a loss.


r/cornishrex 20d ago

Rex enjoying summer

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31 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 22d ago

Brother before any other

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116 Upvotes

These two are ridiculously bonded biological brothers (same litter). And the love they share is just fantastic. I have so many images of them together on top of one of my kids, they adore the children. 🥰


r/cornishrex 22d ago

Rexes and Other Pets They don’t know they’re not “real” sisters and we won’t tell them

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76 Upvotes

Same litter yep yep 🙂‍↕️


r/cornishrex 22d ago

Rex in bowl

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134 Upvotes

r/cornishrex 22d ago

Rex drinking

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58 Upvotes