title: Investigation of inherited diseases in cats: genetic and genomic strategies over three decades.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The health of the cat mirrors a complex interaction between its environment (nurture) and its genetics (nature). To date, over 70 genetic mutations (variants) have been defined in the cat; many involve diseases, structural anomalies, coat color and texture, including numerous that are clinically relevant. This trend will continue as more of the feline genome is deciphered. Genetic testing, and eventually whole-genome sequencing, should become routine diagnostic tools in feline healthcare within the foreseeable future.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Cat breeds have dispersed around the world. Thus, feline medicine clinicians should be aware of breeds common to their region and common mutations found within those regional populations. Random-bred populations of domestic cats can also have defined genetic characteristics and mutations, which are equally worthy of understanding by feline medicine clinicians.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews the chronology and evolution of genetic and genomic tools pertinent to feline medicine. Possible strategies for mapping genetic traits and defects, and how these impact on feline health, are also discussed. The focus is on three historical periods: (1) research conducted before the availability of the cat genome; (2) research performed immediately after the availability of sequences of the cat genome; and (3) current research that goes beyond one cat genome and utilizes the genome sequences of many cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data presented are extracted from peer-reviewed publications pertaining to mutation identification, and relevant articles concerning heritable traits and/or diseases. The authors draw upon their personal experience and expertise in feline genetics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, W106 Vet Med Building, 1600 E Rollins St, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA gandolfib@missouri.edu.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gandolfi
authors.affiliation: College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Kuwait University, Safat, 13060, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Hasan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alhaddad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding / Q000379:methods*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D002415:Cats / Q000235:genetics*; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000662:veterinary; D023281:Genomics; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype