Every Ethical Breeder’s Worst Nightmare: Ringworm, Heart Murmurs, and URIs Explained
Even the most meticulous, sanitary, and ethically run catteries face challenges that are often misunderstood by the public. Two of the most common—and emotionally charged—issues breeders encounter are ringworm and heart murmurs. These conditions, while manageable and often temporary, can spark fear, confusion, and unfortunately, public backlash.
Let’s break down the facts, dispel the myths, and help families understand why these issues don’t necessarily reflect poorly on a breeder—and why compassion and communication matter more than condemnation.
🦠 Ringworm: The Uninvited Guest
Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm—it’s a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails. It’s incredibly contagious and can be carried by cats, dogs, humans, and even on inanimate objects like bedding or grooming tools.
How Ringworm Enters Even the Cleanest Catteries
- Airborne spores: Ringworm spores can travel through the air and settle on surfaces.
- Asymptomatic carriers: Some cats show no symptoms but still carry the fungus.
- Visitors or new animals: Even a brief visit from a friend or vet can unknowingly introduce spores.
Ethical breeders sanitize regularly, screen for symptoms, and work closely with vets—but ringworm can still sneak in. It’s not a reflection of negligence; it’s a reality of working with living beings.
What Ringworm Looks Like
- Itchy, circular patches of hair loss
- Mild skin irritation
- Sometimes no symptoms at all
It’s not life-threatening, and with proper treatment—usually topical antifungals or oral medication—it resolves completely.
Why Families Shouldn’t Panic
When a breeder discovers ringworm, they often:
- Delay adoption until treatment is complete
- Provide medication and guidance for families
- Disclose the situation honestly, even at risk of backlash
Unfortunately, some families overreact, leaving harsh reviews that exaggerate the situation and damage the breeder’s reputation. This discourages transparency and punishes breeders for doing the right thing.
❤️ Heart Murmurs: Common, Complex, and Often Temporary
A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow. In kittens, murmurs are surprisingly common—and not always a sign of disease.
Why Murmurs Can Appear Suddenly
- Stress and excitement: New environments, travel, and vet visits can temporarily elevate heart activity.
- Growth-related changes: As kittens develop, their cardiovascular system matures.
- Late onset: Some murmurs don’t present until weeks or months after birth.
Even the most thorough vet exams can miss early murmurs, especially if they’re intermittent or stress-induced.
The Gold Standard: Echocardiogram at Six Months
To truly understand a murmur’s cause and severity, a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) is recommended around six months of age. Until then, murmurs may come and go, and don’t necessarily indicate a serious condition.
What Ethical Breeders Do
- Provide genetic health guarantees
- Disclose findings honestly
- Support families with vet guidance and resources
Again, breeders who disclose murmurs risk being unfairly judged—despite doing everything right.
🌬️ Upper Respiratory Issues: Common, Treatable, and Often Environmental
Another concern that occasionally arises is upper respiratory symptoms in kittens. Sneezing, watery eyes, or mild congestion can be alarming—but they’re often temporary and easily resolved.
What Triggers Respiratory Symptoms?
Most respiratory issues are caused by environmental changes, not genetics or poor breeding. Common triggers include:
Air fresheners and scented products: Candles, sprays, and diffusers can irritate sensitive kitten lungs.
Litter dust: Scented or clay-based litters may produce fine particles that cause sneezing or congestion.
Laundry detergents and softeners: Bedding washed in heavily scented products can trigger reactions.
Household plants: While not toxic, some plants release airborne particles that may irritate kittens.
Dust and dander: Moving into a new home often stirs up allergens, especially if cleaning or renovations were recent.
Stress and transition: The excitement of a new environment can temporarily lower a kitten’s immune defenses.
These symptoms are not a reflection of poor breeding—they’re a natural response to change.
Treatment and Recovery
Veterinary support: A quick vet visit can confirm the cause and rule out infection.
Environmental adjustments: Removing irritants and switching to unscented products often resolves symptoms.
Supportive care: Hydration, rest, and gentle cleaning of the eyes or nose help kittens recover quickly.
Why Families Shouldn’t Worry
Upper respiratory symptoms are common in young kittens, especially during transitions. They’re not life-threatening, and they don’t indicate a breeder’s failure. At Bella Maine Coons, we’re always here to guide families through these moments with compassion and clarity.
💬 The Real Problem: Misunderstanding and Overreaction
When families discover ringworm, a heart murmur, or respiratory symptoms, some react with fear and frustration. That’s understandable—but when those emotions turn into public condemnation, it creates a toxic cycle:
Breeders fear being honest
Families miss out on transparency
The industry suffers from misinformation
Negative reviews often stem from misunderstanding, not malice. But their impact is real—and devastating.
🤝 How Families Can Support Ethical Breeders
Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
Ask questions, not accusations: Let the breeder explain the situation.
Accept that some issues are beyond control: Living beings are complex.
Recognize transparency as a strength: Ethical breeders disclose because they care.
Avoid review rampages: One issue doesn’t define a breeder’s entire practice.
Compassion and communication go a long way. Ethical breeders aren’t perfect—but they’re committed, responsible, and doing their best.
🐱 Final Thoughts: Let’s Redefine Accountability
Ringworm, heart murmurs, and respiratory symptoms are part of the reality of breeding. They’re not signs of failure—they’re signs of life. What matters most is how breeders respond: with honesty, care, and solutions.
At Bella Maine Coons, we believe in full disclosure, even when it’s hard. We invite families to ask questions, seek understanding, and join us in creating a more informed, compassionate community.
