SCHAUMBURG, IL--(Marketwired - August 13, 2013) - Partners of the Cat Health Network (CHN) today released final results of several major research projects that investigated genetic predispositions to disease in cats.

CHN officials reported that, among many significant accomplishments, scientists have

Other studies revealed that, despite scientists' hypotheses, genes involved in white coat color were not also associated with deafness in white cats and that no significant genetic indicator predetermined a cat's response to catnip. For a complete summary of findings, contact Allen Byrne at abyrne@morrisanimalfoundation.org.

These findings will help advance feline medicine and offer veterinarians new ways to improve the health and welfare of cats, said Dr. Roy Smith, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AFP) and liaison to the CHN.

"The CHN funds research efforts that help accelerate advancements in addressing the many problems we face in feline medicine," Dr. Smith said.

Founded in 2011 in response to cats lagging behind dogs in visits to the veterinarian, CHN comprises the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Morris Animal Foundation, Winn Feline Foundation (WFF) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AFP). Together, the partners are committed to making a substantial difference in the health and welfare of domestic cats by funding targeted health studies.

This research money is critical to advancing feline medicine, said Dr. Wayne Jensen, Morris Animal Foundation's chief scientific officer. "The cat is the most underfunded domestic animal in research," he noted.

Research funded by CHN focuses on feline cancer, chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, feline lower urinary tract disease, and pain management. Scientists used gene chips containing feline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-variations from the common feline DNA sequence that can be used as markers to track down genes responsible for genetic diseases-to conduct their investigations.

The research conclusions will continue to fill in gaps in knowledge about the cat genome, said Dr. Vicki L. Thayer, president of WFF. "The results from these studies show that genetic mutations do cause many diseases or enhance susceptibility, and tests can now be developed to identify carriers," said Dr. Thayer.

CHN is an initiative of the Animal Health Network, a collaboration of like-minded groups working together toward scientific study of feline, canine and equine health.

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Cat Health Network Announces Discovery of New Feline Gene Mutations, Other Advances in Disease Treatment

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