Frequently asked questions

Prior to breeding, we perform DNA testing on our cats to ensure they are genetically clear for any known testable disease.  The DNA tests for 50+ known health issues that include:

  • HCM – Hypertropic cardiomyopathy (for known genetic mutations)** See below for our echocardiogram testing details
  • PKD – Polycystic kidney disease
  • PK def - Pyruvate kinase deficiency
  • view the full list of tests performed at Optimal Selection

We also perform blood testing for infectious diseases that include:

  • FIV - Feline immunodeficiency virus
  • FeLV - Feline leukemia virus

Echocardiogram screening for HCM

  • Adults in our breeding program are scanned normal for HCM via echocardogram.  Parents of our breeding cats have also been scanned normal for HCM.  These scans are performed routinely.

** Not all genetic mutations for HCM have been identified by DNA and therefore more mutations exist that have no known DNA test for.  It is therefore important that cats in a breeding program have routine echocardiograms heart scans performed in order to ensure the heart is showing normal (and therefore clear of any potential early signs of HCM).  In this breed a DNA test is not sufficient to determine heart health.  Routine echocardiograms of active breeding animals are the gold standard for HCM screening.

When ready to go home, our kittens will already be spayed/neutered, come with their first 2 sets of vaccinations, 2 veterinary examinations, a health certificate, have been microchipped, and dewormed (with a clear fecal PCR report provided).  Each kitten will have been tested negative for FIV/FeLv and will come with a written health guarantee (general health as well as a 2-year genetic guarantee & 5-year guarantee for HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and PKD (Polycystic kidney disease), and an offer for a free 30 day pet health insurance policy with Trupanion.  Each kitten will be registered with the CCA-AFC and come with a copy of their pedigree.

Occasionally there may be retired females or males available to loving pet homes.  They will be already spayed/neutered which is included in the price (price will vary based on the situation but generally will be less than the price of a kitten).  Please email us directly for the application form to be on the wait list for a retired adult.

We do not perform saliva testing on any of our adults or kittens.

Unfortunately, a visit to our home is not recommended as we have older spayed/neutered domestic long hairs cats that live with us and would alter the environment for allergy testing purposes.

For people with mild-moderate allergies who are considering one of our kittens, we can discuss your specific situation after reviewing your allergy questionnaire response.

For people with severe allergies we recommend finding a reputable breeder who performs saliva testing on all of their kittens.

We may allow in person visits to our home from time to time depending on whether or not there are any kittens in the house.  Our priority is always the health of our kittens, and we therefore will restrict any visits during time when we have any pregnant queens, or kittens who are young or not fully vaccinated.

We will actively post photos and videos to our social media accounts for you to view at any time.  We will also be happy to arrange for a vitrual online meeting.

Our kittens will be ready to leave for their new homes between 14 - 15 weeks of age.

If applications are open, you may complete and submit the application form.  We will respond by email with additional information or questions and discuss the process for reserving a kitten.

It's also advisable to follow us on Facebook or Instagram and sign up for our email newsletter to be up to date on new activity.

We no longer send out fur samples unless it is for a specific cat (an older kitten who is available or a retired adult who is available).  Since the Feld1 level will vary from cat to cat, having a generic sample from a random cat in the house will not truly represent what the reaction will be with the kitten that you may be considering.

If your allergies are a significant concern in your decision-making process it is best that you complete the allergy questionnaire and include any specific questions you might have.  We can discuss your situation and expectations at which time I can better advise you on some options to consider.