Thread: Heart Murmurs in Maine Coons

I don't have any experience of heart murmurs, though Grade 1 is the least severe of the condition. Here is a link which may give you more information, though not specific to MCs. I have been told that they can improve as the kitten grows, and even the more severe murmurs don't necessarily cause major problems for the cat. There is a lot of information on the net, so a bit of surfing would give you more information, then you can speak to your vet if you have any queries.

10 Causes of Feline Heart Murmur - VetInfo

A grade one murmur is pretty slight, and could be just a result of your kitten being stressed at the vets, and a rapid heartrate. At 4 months some kittens do have a barely detectable murmur, which disappears by 6 months or so, up to a grade 3 I would not be unduly worried, *at this age*, however, it should be checked again in a month or two, and of course, keep an eye out for symptoms [unlikely] of tiredness after a little exertion, shortness of breath etc;

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a recognised defect in MCs. 34% of the UK Maine Coon population is said to have it. Sorry don't know figures for anywhere else.

A murmur can be a sign of HCM although not necessarily so but I'd make sure that the baby is thoroughly and specifically checked at least annually.

I have HCM, as far as I know I am still alive and kicking.