Cat Genetics

Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of red blood cells. When mutations in the PKLR gene occur, it reduces the functionality of  this enzyme and subsequently affects the ability of red blood cells to survive and function properly. Learn about pyruvate kinase deficiency in cats, symptoms and treatment, and the cat breeds that are known to be at a higher risk for this condition.

Porphyrias is a term for a group of rare metabolic disorders that affect a cat’s ability to produce heme. Heme is an essential part of hemoglobin—a protein found in red blood cells that brings oxygen from a cat’s lungs to other parts of their body. Different types of porphyrias can occur in cats, as well as in humans and other animals. In this blog, we’ll discuss acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) in cats, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated by veterinarians.

Cat eye colors hold a certain mystique that has fascinated humans for centuries. In this exploration, we'll dive into the captivating realm of cat eye colors, understanding their basics, unraveling genetic influences, appreciating the variations across different breeds, debunking myths, and ensuring our feline friends' ocular health.