Geneticists have successfully identified a number of mutations that cause diseases in some pedigreed breeds of cats. These same diseases may also be found in non-pedigreed cats, making them an important feline health concern.
Once a mutation is identified and proven to cause disease in a particular breed, a screening test may be developed. Breeders are then able to work toward reducing the prevalence of the undesirable mutation and improving the health of the breed.
Make your donation online to one of these funds:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
It is important for the success of any research project that a coordinated effort between breeders and researchers is organized. For details on how to establish a breed related fund, see the Guidelines for Breed Related Studies (PDF).