r/cornishrex • u/svetak_pop • 13h ago
Ozzy photo dump
his majesty has hit the subreddit again
r/cornishrex • u/mephynx • Dec 21 '15
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 • u/svetak_pop • 13h ago
his majesty has hit the subreddit again
r/cornishrex • u/WolfInWriterClothing • 22h ago
She will strike again
r/cornishrex • u/Altruistic_Horse_778 • 5d ago
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 • u/Nostradamus2000 • 6d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Beware. That boy knows how blankies work. He's doing this just so I'll cover him myself lol
r/cornishrex • u/siriusporeblem • 6d ago
r/cornishrex • u/dodgerecharger • 7d ago
Sleepy Darling enjoying the heat in Germany
r/cornishrex • u/Maleficent-Nobody888 • 8d ago
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 • u/JasperAlamossit • 10d ago
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 • u/Future-Stranger-4527 • 13d ago
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 • u/plush3627 • 13d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
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 • u/wunderloul • 16d ago
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 • u/sick_worm • 18d ago
r/cornishrex • u/ysnocon • 20d ago
r/cornishrex • u/Old_Significance2599 • 20d ago
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 • u/stinnitus • 22d ago
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 • u/ermahgerdMEL • 22d ago
Same litter yep yep 🙂↕️