We feel it is vital to do significant testing on a cat when we consider them for inclusion as part of our breeding program.
Any Persian cat we consider for our breeding program must undergo DNA testing. There are a few genetic testing labs such as UC Davis, Basepaws, Orivet, and Wisdom Panel. Testing also includes testing for communicable diseases such as FELV and FIV.
We have chosen Wisdom Panel as our DNA testing service provider. The test is performed by a cheek swab and sent into their lab. This is the least invasive option for DNA testing for a cat with the least amount of stress. Wisdom Panel testing offers great insight into the overall genetics of a cat.
With DNA testing, we know the blood type of our cats, the fact that they are negative for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), negative for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), as well as many other genetic traits.
Wisdom Panel’s Optimal Selection Feline is breed-focused and backed by science to screen for health, traits, blood type, and genetic diversity. They’ve taken the latest scientific research on cat population genetics and developed a simple and easy at–home swab test for the modern breeder to manage cats’ health. Genome-wide testing panel provides advantages over traditional techniques such as pedigree analysis which helps breeders develop proactive, sustainable breeding programs for themselves and their wider breed. Our veterinarian recommends Wisdom Panel. The test includes:
Results for over 40 genetic diseases, with breed relevance noted in reports
Testing for 20+ traits including coat colors, coat types, and body shape
Comprehensive blood typing
Genetic diversity information
Continuously updated research and breed information based on discoveries
Optimal Selection™ DNA service for cats is a genome-wide genetic analysis that gives information on several inherited characteristics.
As a Persian, Chinchilla Persian, and Himalayan cat breeder, we feel it is a top priority to only produce healthy kittens. We feel that certain genetic testing is necessary to produce healthy kittens. We only work with cats that are PKD-negative.
What is PKD and what does it mean to my cat?
PKD is Polycystic Kidney Disease, it is an inherited condition in cats which causes multiple cysts or pockets of fluid to form in the kidneys. These cysts are present at birth. Initially, the cysts are very small. However, the cysts grow over time and eventually disrupt the function of the kidneys and ultimately leads to kidney failure and death.
The number of cysts a cat with Polycystic Kidney Disease will have will vary. The rate at which the cysts enlarge also varies. In most cats, the cysts enlarge slowly over time and you won’t realize your cat is affected until later. It typically doesn’t show up until the cat is at least 6 years of age. This is not to say that younger cats will not develop kidney failure, and in other cats, kidney failure will not develop at all.
Some breeds have a higher rate of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD is the result of a single, autosomal dominant gene abnormality. When you are planning to adopt a kitten, you will want to ensure your breeder is a PKD-negative cattery. It only takes one parent that is affected with PKD for their offspring to inherit the abnormal gene and be affected.
