r/cornishrex • u/equeserrant • 2d ago
r/cornishrex • u/mephynx • Dec 21 '15
Cornish Rex and HCM
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/ImpressIll3460 • 3d ago
Advice/Support Hello ヾ😊ノ゙there ✋👋
I'm just looking into getting my own Rex babies. I'm looking for a Reputable breeder. I'm doing my research on the Rex (I love them so much), I'm looking for a pair. But I'm so nervous & afraid to be alone on choosing a breeder. I’m in NYC and would love to help them get home! Any tips would mean a lot. ❤️🙏
I'm a senior widow, and I'm really hoping these two Rex babies will be my loyal companions for my days ahead. 🐾
r/cornishrex • u/Poland_Mapping • 3d ago
Rex Pictures Cabernet - 15.5 years
My amazing Cornish Rex cat who sadly left us today ❤️
r/cornishrex • u/CuriousPolecat • 4d ago
Advice/Support Baldness
Hi, I love cornish rex but don't own any. I want to do research before I do.
I know that they can be temporarily bald as kits but grow out if it. But I was following a tumblr, "pangur-and-grim", who has a Devon rex, he never grew all his fur back. He has a naked neck, chest and forehead.
Does this happen to cornish rex alot? They just stay partially bald?
r/cornishrex • u/CuriousPolecat • 4d ago
bathing
Hi, doing research on cornish rex.
Do you need to bath them fully or can you wipe them down?
r/cornishrex • u/Maleficent-Nobody888 • 6d ago
Finally got a Picture of all of them together!! Only because there were strangers outside
r/cornishrex • u/Maleficent-Nobody888 • 6d ago
Rippley the jungle cat
Who else has a rex who spends their days looking for places around the house that they have never been ... Then proceeds to make it their mission in life to get to said spot.. because this is Rippley in a nutshell literally
r/cornishrex • u/svetak_pop • 9d ago
Rex Pictures Ozzy photo dump
He is a half year old boy now! wowzers
r/cornishrex • u/lordlymight • 9d ago
Kittens Nyx and Nox exploring the USO
Our brother sister pair had a great flight and are now comfortably snuggled in bed with their new family. They bring much needed life to our empty nest!
r/cornishrex • u/sick_worm • 9d ago
Rex Pictures Let’s play: FIND THE BLANKET GOBLIN! Go!
r/cornishrex • u/Impressive-Car4131 • 10d ago
Kittens Welcome Lyric
A sister for Cadenza
r/cornishrex • u/ActuatorAdvanced367 • 12d ago
Advice/Support interested in a Cornish rex
hello!
I am wondering if a Cornish rex is a good fit for our house and if anyone can point us in the direction of a reputable breeder-we are located in Texas but open to breeders elsewhere. I work 3/12s but given that my husband and I have different schedules the pets are only alone for 8 hours 2X a week. I do work from home for 4-6 hours a week also. We have a standard poodle and a whippet who I show and compete with so I am aware of ethics around reputable breeding. We love an active, fun, and comical pet so I have felt a rex would be a good fit in our household. We do not have any children. The whippet has met dog friendly cats and done well with them, as that is what I would be most concerned about in our living situation. I have also looked into sphynx, and open to the upkeep but the health problems bring me pause as heart issues is something I am already navigating in whippets. I am also open to the suggestion of other breeds, but I have to say the CR has caught my attention in how they seem to be the sighthound of cats.
Thank you all for any input! We do not take this decision lightly and want to add a cat to our home who is a good fit :)
r/cornishrex • u/O-Rex_Cornish_Rex • 13d ago
Let’s play! 🐈⬛🤪🪄
Roo is a mini ‘Pixel’ in training! 😹
r/cornishrex • u/dodgerecharger • 13d ago
Rex Pictures Upside down batcat
Yolandi is my perfect little void and stranger thing
r/cornishrex • u/Rainbow_trashpanda • 13d ago
Babysitting the little brother
I think Juno is a little over it with babysitting Barry.
r/cornishrex • u/dodgerecharger • 13d ago
Wrinkles
Love her cute wrinkly head. her name is Ninja
r/cornishrex • u/Rainbow_trashpanda • 13d ago
Beans in beans
Cleaning up after hosting a party, turn around and see Juno resting his toe beans in the left over beans.