Before we decided to keep Wonder for our breeding program, we had the DNA test done to make sure he does not carry the MyBPC gene. Then Dr. Lori Siemens, certified veterinary cardiologist, performed echocardiography with Doppler color-flow imaging to check his heart, and a vet x-rayed his hips to make sure he does not have hip dysplasia, another possibly-inherited disease.
Even when he passed these stringent evaluations, we wouldn't use Wonder in a breeding program if he weren't an outstanding example of the breed. We demonstrated that by taking him to cat shows to compete with other Maine Coon cats, where he earned the points to give him the titles shown at left.
And even though he has lots of ribbons, titles and awards, it's his gentle charm and intelligence, the goofy, sweet personality that people expect in a Maine Coon cat, that makes him an excellent candidate for fathering kittens.
Wonder's personality comes through in all his kittens, and he loves his kittens. When his babies are born, he waits outside the door. When they're old enough for him to be with them, he lets them climb all over him. He hides in a tube and paws them as they jump in at him.
He's as patient as their mother. He cleans them and lies happily as they sleep next to him. It's amazing to see. |