Cat Genetic Projects – MU Lyons’ Feline Genetics Laboratory

The Lyons’ Feline Genetics laboratory at MU pursues a plethora of genetic projects for the domestic cat, and some wild felids too! We attempt to find funding for each project, but often sample collection is a minimal cost and is a major prerequisite to initiate a formal study in the first place. Below is a list of projects. We tend to focus on the projects that obtain the most enthusiasm and cooperation from breeders and cat owners and also have funding. The squeaky wheel gets the attention – but you do have to play to win – by providing samples, health records, photographs and encouraging participation.

ALL PARTICIPATION IS CONFIDENTIAL.

We will not tell others, even your friends, if you are participating. We never identify specific cats in projects, unless you want to be acknowledged.

Anyone can participate!

Healthy cats or cats without the trait of interest are very important and are important controls for all studies – we generally never turn away any cat and any interested participant! Often we need help in other ways – such as spreading the news of the project and helping to understand your breed! Please examine the projects below and hopefully there will be a study appropriate for your cat’s participation! New recommendations of studies are always welcome!

Please note – all collected samples will be made available to other investigators upon request. There are many cat genetic projects and little funding, thus we strongly promote collaborations and or supporting other investigators with studies that our samples may assist!

Funding makes projects move forward to finding their genetic cause! Any support is appreciated. We apply to funding opportunities constantly, especially the EveryCat Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Donations to MU directly are greatly appreciated!

To participate in cat research, please see the list of active research projects above of follow this link: How to Participate.

The Lyons’ laboratory is always interested in new cat projects or supporting other researchers in their genetic research endeavors for cats.  Please contact the laboratory if you think you have a new and interesting genetic presentation in your cat!

To provide targeted funding via support and donations for feline genetics, please contact Dr. Lyons or the College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of Advancement.