Best choice for your cat

Genetic tests for cats – Why are they important?

Domestication of cats occurred in the Near East approximately 9,000 – 10,000 years ago. Cats spread to virtually all parts of the Old World, probably along trade routes between ancient civilizations. In spite of their rapid spread, cats have remained amazingly similar to their wild felid ancestors (Felis silvestris subspp.) in form and function.

The small subset of domestic cats that have undergone intensive artificial selection is the pedigreed (purebred) cats, which were bred to maintain or alter purely aesthetic traits. Of the 41 breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), sixteen “natural breeds” are thought to be regional variants that predate the cat fancy. The remaining breeds were developed over the last 50 years and are usually defined as simple, single-gene variants derived from the natural cats breeds.

Populations lacking genetic diversity often have significant problems and are at greater risk from disease and other changes in their environment. The conclusion is that genetic diversity among cats is desirable for the health and long-term survival of a population. The challenge for cats breeders is to restrict the variability of the genes that make the breed distinctive without sacrificing the variability/diversity that is necessary for good health and long-term survival of the breed. Genetic tests for cats are a very helpful tool in that challenge.