Fun facts about cats

Why? The dominant W gene that makes a coat white is also linked to blue eyes and deafness; iCatCare says white cats with two blue eyes are 3–5 times more likely to be congenitally deaf than white cats without blue eyes ^[1]. Hearing can be checked with a non-invasive BAER test ^[1]. The Khao Manee is always white, and CFA notes the risk in the breed ^[2].

Why? The 2004 study behind that estimate also found the PKD1 mutation responsible, which made a DNA test possible ^[1]. CFA says testing and removing affected cats from breeding have since brought the disease well under control ^[2].

Why? The fold comes from a dominant variant of the TRPV4 gene ^[1]. iCatCare explains that it makes cartilage and bone develop abnormally, which can lead to severe, painful arthritis ^[2].

Why? It can disrupt how the end of the spine and spinal cord develop, causing "Manx syndrome", with problems affecting the hind legs, bladder and bowel ^[1][2]. Signs usually appear before four months of age, and there is no cure, only supportive care ^[1][2].

Why? Burmese hypokalaemia is a recessive disease caused by a WNK4 gene mutation identified in 2012 ^[1]. That discovery made a DNA test possible, so breeders can avoid pairing two carriers ^[1].

Why? In 2015 researchers described PRA-b in Bengals, a progressive retinal degeneration that begins in young cats and is inherited recessively ^[1]. Because it is recessive, a kitten is affected only if it inherits the variant from both parents ^[1].

Why? A UK study of almost 8,000 cats found that cats that weren't neutered, and cats that were too thin or overweight, had shorter lives ^[1]. These are things owners can influence, whatever the breed ^[1].