Cat Genetics

Many pet parents in the Basepaws community expressed an interest in learning more about what genes reside on each cat chromosome, and about the "Chromosome Map." In this blog, we share all that is currently known about feline chromosomes and genes associated with hereditary conditions and traits.

The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA test digital report now offers a five-star scientific evidence grading system for every genetic health and trait marker result. The genetic markers in our report represent a deep dive into the available feline genetics research, including the very latest findings.

In this post, Basepaws shares important changes to its Cat DNA Test digital report. Learn about recent updates to genetic health markers, such as for the heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and fun information about cat coat genetics.

The breed analysis that you receive from a Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA test offers an exciting glimpse into your cat’s DNA story, yet much of it remains to be told. This includes a definitive story of ancestry, which is difficult to pin down for cats. In today’s post, we’d like to share some insight into why this is, and to explain the concept of genomic similarity that is at the heart of the Basepaws breed analysis.

Too many pet parents have known the heartbreaking loss of a beloved pet to cancer. As part of our commitment to helping all pets live healthier, happier, and longer lives, Basepaws is studying the genetic and oral microbiome factors associated with certain types of cancer. We welcome your participation in this research, which could inform the development of new screening tests for earlier detection of cancer in pets.

Today, we’re decoding one of the mysteries of genetics that relates to your Basepaws DNA report of results. It's called epistasis. When epistasis occurs, the observable expression (phenotype) of a gene—such as one responsible for the color of your kitty's coat—gets modified in some way by a completely different gene that has the ability to mask, suppress, or inhibit how that coat color gene is expressed. Epistasis helps explain why sometimes you may get a “likely to have” result for a genetic trait in your cat’s Basepaws report that doesn’t quite match up with their physical appearance.

From time to time, we update the Basepaws digital report of results for our Breed + Health Cat DNA Test. Today, we’d like to take a moment to share some details about two recent changes to our report—one for a genetic health marker linked to the common cat heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and one for a genetic trait marker associated with the Siamese colorpoint coat pattern.