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Genetics and Health: Part 1 — What “Purebred” Really Means
For everyone who buys a purebred kitten, the first and most important question is always about health — and especially: 👉 Do the parents have any genetic diseases? At first glance, genetics might seem simple: you take a DNA test, look at the results, and everything becomes clear. But when it comes to heredity, things get much more complicated. Around this topic swirl many myths, confusions, and marketing tricks that often lead to unnecessary stress for both breeders and owne
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Svetlana Jacobson
Oct 283 min read


🫶 Murr-Murr and HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
All of my breeding cats are genetically tested clear for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy).This means your kitten does not carry the HCM mutation and cannot have a genetic heart condition related to it. However, it’s quite common for veterinarians during a routine check-up to say: “I hear a heart murmur… let’s do an ultrasound, just in case.” This happens often — many owners immediately panic, spend hundreds of dollars on testing, and later discover that their cat’s heart is
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Svetlana Jacobson
Oct 201 min read


Genetic Testing and the Health of Maine Coon Bones and Eyes
There are currently about 50 recognized genetic markers in cats that can be tested through certified laboratories such as Wisdom Panel and Optimal Selection.All of my breeding cats have clear results on all available panels, and I can provide the test reports for both parents upon request. However, it’s important to understand that👉 there are no DNA tests for hip dysplasia, other joint disorders, or entropion (inward-turning eyelids). A genetic test is performed using a chee
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Svetlana Jacobson
Oct 203 min read


Why I Do Not Do PCR Testing on Healthy Kittens
People sometimes ask why I don’t do PCR testing before kittens leave my cattery. Let me explain clearly. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Sep 122 min read


About feeding cats and kittens
I have always known about the benefits of raw feeding. After all, cats are predators. Their fangs are designed to tear meat, and in...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Sep 53 min read


The Hidden Dangers of Modern Veterinary Care — Lessons From Freya
Analysis of the Freya Situation First, I want to apologize to the many veterinarians who truly love animals, constantly improve their...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Sep 24 min read


🐾 When your cat pees where they shouldn’t
A client recently asked me what to do when her cat started peeing on the dog’s bed. I’m sharing it here in case it helps someone else. 👉...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Aug 252 min read


🐾 Why 8–10 Weeks Is the Ideal Age for a Kitten to Go Home. A thorough explanation from a breeder who studies physiology, not myths.
There’s ongoing debate about when it’s best for a kitten to leave the breeder and join its new family. Unfortunately, many opinions are...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 253 min read


🐾 Kitten Owner’s Quick Reference Guide
🔹 Developmental Stages by Age Immune System Until 6 weeks of age, a kitten is protected by maternal antibodies received through...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 252 min read


Breeder’s School
Today I’ve been working on the topic “Infectious diseases during pregnancy in cats” — part of the Breeder’s School I’m building. The...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 161 min read


What supplements should Maine Coons take?
What supplements should Maine Coons take? This is one of those questions that seems simple, but the real answer is: it depends. Just like...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 102 min read


🫀 The Maine Coon Heart — How to Truly Keep It Healthy
A genetic test is not a magic guarantee. The real responsibility for your cat’s heart health lies with us. HCM (Hypertrophic...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 72 min read


Heart Murmur and HCM in Cats: What You Should Know
I’m often asked by clients about heart murmurs, especially those looking to buy a Maine Coon kitten. Many of them share heartbreaking...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 53 min read


The Most Common Cause of Diarrhea in Cats
A client reached out to me about a kitten she got from me over a year ago. His name is Raja. Since he was little, he's had chronic...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 53 min read


How to name your kitten?
🌺 You can name your kitten anything you like — as long as it fits within 23 characters, including spaces. You can give just one name,...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jul 21 min read


“How Big Are the Parents?” — Why That’s the Wrong Question
One of the most common questions we get from future kitten owners is: “How big are the parents?” It’s a fair question — after all,...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jun 271 min read


What Really Matters When Choosing a Kitten.
If a close friend asked me how to choose the right kitten, I would advise looking for a breeder who is honest, knowledgeable, and truly...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jun 251 min read


🧬 The Maine Coon Heart: It’s Not Just Genetics — It’s Diet, Muscle Tone, and Awareness
Very often, the first message I receive from people looking to buy a kitten from me starts with: “We had a Maine Coon, but he died from...
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jun 203 min read


Let’s talk about litter boxes and litters.
This may not be the most glamorous topic — but it’s one of the most important parts of keeping your cat healthy (and your home clean)....
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Svetlana Jacobson
Jun 22 min read


What does soft stool mean in cats?
Soft or pasty stool isn’t just a “quirk” — it’s often a signal of deeper imbalances: 🔸 Enzyme deficiency 🔸 Overloaded pancreas 🔸 Bile...
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Svetlana Jacobson
May 261 min read
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