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Health is a major concern of Donegal Cattery. All Donegal breeding cats are DNA PKD (polycystic kidney disease) Negative, tested at UC Davis Genetics Laboratory and/or Texas A&M Research Facility (Catgenes). All breeding cats receive cardiac ultrasounds by the age of two at The Sound Cat in Wilmington, NC (veterinarian: Rosemarie Williams, DVM). Any cats with ultrasounds that indicate signs of HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), a genetic disease which causes an enlarged heart, are retired from the breeding program. Ultrasound is currently the only definitive test for this disease. There is no DNA test currently available for any type of Persians, only for Maine Coons and Ragdolls. In the summer of 2008 it was discovered that my foundation breeding male, Ronan, was passing this disease to his progeny. It is similar to PKD in that it only takes one parent to pass the disease. That is why I chose to volunteer Donegal Cattery as a research colony for this disease in Persians. The DNA samples of Donegal cats (including breeding adults, kittens produced since 2008, and many cats that have been placed throughout the years with the cooperation of their owners) are included in a landmark study for HCM at Texas A&M. The research is being conducted by Dr. Gus Cothran, DVM. If this facility is the first to discover the genetic marker for this disease, I will be the first breeder to know the genetic HCM status of all cats from Donegal Cattery who have been included in the study. I wean kittens at six weeks, separating them from all adults until their immune system is fully developed. For that reason, I won’t let a kitten go until it is at least four months old. Decisions regarding these health issues were based upon a phone consultation with a veterinarian at Cornell University, journal articles provided by my veterinarian, talks given by experts, and endless hours of research and reading. By the time these babies are ready for their new homes they will have received all vaccinations, including rabies. I require that all adoptive parents sign a contract, which provides a generous health guarantee. I can mail or email a sample of the contract, along with photos and pedigrees upon request. Most of my kittens are contracted prior to four months of age. I allow for visitations during their development and send updated photos approximately every two weeks. If you are interested in a pet and wish to inquire about a kitten please submit your request via the “contact us” page on this website. If you are a breeder, please mention that in your request, as I have a different contract for breeders. God, my husband, and my cats are the loves of my life. I treat each and every baby as if it were going to be mine. I am fulfilling my dream of breeding these lovely creatures, and can only hope that they bring as much joy to their adoptive parents as they continually bring to me.
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