Category: Genetics

  • Domestic shorthair

    “The phrase ‘domestic cat’ is an oxymoron. George Will A domestic shorthaired cat (DSH) is a cat fancy term used to describe a shorthaired cat that does not have a pedigree or belong to a recognized cat breed. The domestic shorthair should not be confused with the American Shorthair, which is a Cat Fanciers’ Association […]

  • Immunology

    Immunology covers the study of the immune system. In cats, immunology is concerned with such topics as vaccines, immune-mediated diseases (Lupus and EGC), hypersensitivities (atopy) and immune deficiencies (such as FIV). Generally speaking, there are a broad range of diseases and disease process in which immunology is a primary instigator of disease or the primary target for disease. Such […]

  • Maine coon

    Maine coon are the largest breed of domesticated cats. The Maine Coon is very well known for its intelligence and beautiful physical appearance. The Maine Coon cat is also known as the gentle giant due to its distinctive physical characteristics and playfulness. Maine Coon cat is one of the oldest breeds and is believed to be originated […]

  • Genetic diseases of cats

    Sensory disorders – Dermoids (Epibular) – Coloboma – Heterochromia – odd-colored eyes – Congenital lens anomalies – cataracts – Strabismus – cross-eyed and squints – Staphyloma, exophthalmos, microphthalmos Skin disorders – Long hair – Rex coat – Congenital hypotrichosis – Follicular dysplasia – Hair dysplasia – Pili torti – Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa – Cutaneous asthenia – Urticaria pigmentosa – Genetic abnormalities in melanin pigmentation – Vitiligo – Waardenburg syndrome – Piebaldism – Oculocutaneous albinism – Chediak-Higashi syndrome – Lentigines […]

  • Cleft palate

    “Hair lips” and “cleft palate” are a genetic disorder common to all animals, including the cat. It is caused by failure of closure of the palatal mucoperiosteum during fetal development in utero. The deficit in the hard palate can range in severity from mild to severe. There may be loss of tissue in the hard […]

  • Polydactyly

    Ernest Hemingway made polydactylism of cats famous when he adopted a colony of about 50 cats, half of which were polydactyl[1]. Polydactylism is relatively common in cats, and mostly non-pathogenic, but a correlation exists between extra digits and other genetic abnormalities such as radial agenesis, bilateral radial hypoplasia (hemimelia) and generalised cardiomegaly[2][3][4][5]. Polydactyly in ‘Poly’, a 12 week Ragdoll male […]