Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats; the disease process and genetics are believed to be similar to the disease in humans. In Maine Coon and American Shorthair cat breeds, HCM has been confirmed as an autosomal dominant inherited trait. The first genetic mutation (in cardiac myosin binding protein C) responsible for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was discovered in 2005 in Maine Coon cats. A test for this mutation is available. About one third of Maine Coon cats tested for the mutation have been shown to be either heterozygous or homozygous for the mutation, although many of these cats have no clinical signs of the disease. Some Maine Coon cats with clinical evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy test negative for this mutation, strongly suggesting that a second mutation exists in the breed. The cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation identified in Maine Coon cats has not been found in any other breed of cat with HCM but more recently another myosin binding protein C mutation has been identified in Ragdoll cats with HCM. Turkish Angoras also may be susceptible to HCM because of this gene.

While there is no cure for HCM, early detection and regular echocardiograms are key to trying to ward off life-threatening problems. Early signs may include a murmur or even heart failure. Unfortunately, death may occur without any other signs present, making the disease a difficult and often deadly one. While medication is commonly given to cats with HCM that have no clinical signs, no medication has been shown to be helpful at this stage and it has been shown that an ACE inhibitor is not beneficial until heart failure is present (at which time a diuretic is most beneficial). Diltiazem generally produces no demonstrable benefit. Atenolol is commonly administered when systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve is present.

Melissa, my kitty just died of this same disease. We were lucky in that we caught it a year ago and so were able to medicate him to help him over the last year, but he declined SO rapidly over a 2 week period

Yes, you were SO lucky to have caught it a year earlier! And it's interesting how your baby's condition declined rapidly over a 2 week period, because that's what happened to my Tiger. I read that with this condition, dogs tend to show symptoms early on, whereas cats don't tend to show ANY symptoms until the disease is REALLY bad. That's probably why both of our cats declined so rapidly over such a short period of time. I'm curious about what type/breed of cat Stew was. Was he a Maine Coon or an American Shorthair? Once again, I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm feeling exactly as lonely and empty as you are.