Why It's HIP to Get Your Pet Scanned by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

Carolyn Rollins
Jul 17
2 min read

OFA Hip Evaluations for Maine Coon Cats: What You Should Know

If you’re a Maine Coon owner or breeder, you’ve probably heard about hip dysplasia—it’s a condition these big, lovable cats can be prone to. One of the best tools we have to catch and manage it is through OFA hip evaluations.

What’s the OFA?

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) keeps a database that tracks inherited health issues in animals. For Maine Coons, hip dysplasia is a key concern, and the OFA helps by offering standardized hip evaluations. They also certify other conditions, like heart and knee problems, but hips are a big focus in this breed.

How the Hip Evaluation Works:

X-rays (Radiographs): A vet takes specific hip X-rays of your cat, usually under sedation to get a clear image.
Expert Review: The X-rays are sent to veterinary radiologists who check for signs of hip dysplasia or arthritis.
Grades: Hips are rated as Excellent, Good, Fair (normal), or Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe (dysplastic).
Public Results: If your cat’s hips are rated normal, the results can be made public in the OFA database. Dysplastic grades can stay private unless you choose to share them.

Why It Matters for Maine Coons:

Early Warning: Hip dysplasia can develop slowly, and cats are great at hiding pain. An OFA eval can catch it early—even before your cat shows signs.
Smart Breeding: For breeders, OFA results help make better choices to avoid passing on bad hips to kittens.
Better Quality of Life: Knowing your cat’s hip health means you can manage issues early—through weight control, supplements, or other treatments—to keep your Maine Coon active and comfy.

OFA vs. PennHIP:

There’s another method called PennHIP, which measures how loose the hip joints are. It’s super detailed and often used in high-risk breeds. OFA is the more traditional approach and still widely trusted—especially when you want consistent, trackable results over time.

In a nutshell:Getting your Maine Coon’s hips evaluated by OFA is a smart move—whether you're a breeder wanting to improve the health of your lines or a pet owner who just wants the best for their floofy friend.