Uncategorized
September 30th, 2009
|
Have you ever wanted to know more about your rescued cat? Have you thought it could be helpful to know about the health of your cat’s parents so you know what to look out for?
DNA tests are now available for cats that check for various diseases such as Kidney Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Retinal Atrophy. They can also determine if your cat has the Dilute Gene (causes the coat to lighten or darken) or the Albino Gene. Two companies offering these services are www.animalsdna.com and www.catgenes.org. But don’t look for a test to determine your cat’s breed – they’re not out yet. You’ll have to use a breed selector and do your own leg work. Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
I breed and show Maine Coon cats. You mentioned two sites where you can get the DNA results on your cat(s). I would like to add that Dr. Kittleston at Washington State University is THE PIONEER in the ongoing study of HCM. Dr. Kittleston’s group has identified one gene so far that is associated with HCM. I would much rather have my cat(s) tested by the researcher who developed the test rather than from companies who do this for profit. All of the monies collected from the tests are put right back into research to further the studies. In my opinion, this is far more practical and beneficial to our beloved feline friends.