Hey guys!

I'm brand brand brand new to the breed and this forum, I've fallen in love with the bengals but want to do all my research before actually getting a kitten, I've been warned about HCM and to ensure the parents have been screened but recently when speaking to a breeder was told there is no need here in Australia as it's not prominent here... I find this hard to believe surely lines are being brought over from over seas and thus carrying this disease also or am I wrong?

I'm in love with the silvers and want to make the right choices when getting a kitten for life!

I read that even when they have had several negative scans that they can still show positive to HCM later on in life is this also correct? Can't believe everything on the internet haha.

When I get a baby it'll be for life I wouldn't even risk getting one if there is a possibility of illness like this that's genetic, I couldn't handle losing my kitty. I'm scared now

The retired breeder Fenstar mentioned is the same breeder I got my boy from - one of her last litters. She definitely screened for HCM - I was given copies of all medical paperwork & breeding lines - & I would expect her to have impressed the importance of screening to PaintedGem, who she has been mentoring. Obviously you will want to confirm this with PaintedGem, but I'd be very surprised if they don't.

Bengal Rescue Australia have some lovely cats available looking for forever homes. Their Facebook page has lots of pics & videos of the cats available - well worth a look :)