Genetic testing in domestic cats

Abstract

Varieties of genetic tests are currently available for the domestic cat that support veterinary health care, breed management, species identification, and forensic investigations. Approximately thirty-five genes contain over fifty mutations that cause feline health problems or alterations in the cat's appearance. Specific genes, such as sweet and drug receptors, have been knocked-out of Felidae during evolution and can be used along with mtDNA markers for species identification. Both STR and SNP panels differentiate cat race, breed, and individual identity, as well as gender-specific markers to determine sex of an individual. Cat genetic tests are common offerings for commercial laboratories, allowing both the veterinary clinician and the private owner to obtain DNA test results. This article will review the genetic tests for the domestic cat, and their various applications in different fields of science. Highlighted are genetic tests specific to the individual cat, which are a part of the cat's genome.

Fig. 1

Trends of genetic testing in the domestic cat. DNA-based genetic tests are presented for the cat. Parentage and individual identification (DNA) has not increased as cats do not require testing for registration. One of the most popular tests, PKD, is presented separately to show that the testing requests are decreasing as breeders are eliminating positive cats from breeding programs. Other disease tests and color tests are becoming more popular tests in the cat market. Data from UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.