DNA PROVEN LINAGE & GENETIC MARKERS Update: We are proud to announce we are working with Dr. Lyons on 2 very special studies to identify the green-eye gene and tarnish gene in a genetic study using our cats! We combine science, the art of breeding, and the fun of showmanship to bring the best cats & kittens to you! We are proudly a contributor & participate in The Lyon Laboratory Feline Genome Project at the University of Missouri - Columbia, UC-Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and the CFA CatDNAtest.org projects & research.
What sets a reputable cat breeder apart from a backyard breeder, pet store, cat mills, or the amature? - many things! One of the most important is DNA testing. With DNA testing we can eliminate genetic disease, prove parentage & bloodlines, and verify colors for cats that mask other colors such as white cats. DNA is critical for the health of the future of the breed. Irresponsible Persian cat breeders often fail to or lie about testing for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) and breed cats that carry this genetic marker that shortens the life and dramatically effects the life of a cat. Vet bills for PKD+ cats can easily run in the $10,000 and up range. ALL cats at Lions & Owls are DNA tested and PKD-. Lions & Owls donates samples of all our cats and their pedigrees for research projects. This also protects our cats from an unscrupulous practice of hanging papers. Hanging papers is deceptive practice of fraudulently misrepresenting the cat's true parental lineage. At Lions & Owls Cattery, the cats are out of the lines that we bred and we have DNA to prove it. Don't fall for the "parents of the kitten are DNA tested" or "my lines are tested and so therefore my kittens are negative." Hold your breeder responsible and make them produce a DNA report for your kitten.
ABOUT THE LYON LABORATORY FELINE GENOME PROJECT The Lyons Lab at the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine The Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory of Professor Leslie Lyons is located in the University of Missouri – College of Veterinary Medicine. Research focuses on the genetics of the domestic cat and the development of genetic tools and resources that assist gene mapping in the cat and other companion animals. Feline research is focused on the discovery of mutations that cause inherited diseases and phenotypic traits and in the population dynamics of breed development and domestic cat evolution. The feline research of the Lyons’ laboratory has been funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Office of Research Infrastructure Programs. The laboratory actively seeks competitive and non-competitive funding from a variety of agencies, groups and donors to support genetic studies in feline health and non-health related areas. The Winn Feline Foundation, the Cat Health Network and private donors have been strong and consistent supporters for various cat research projects. Royal Canin cat food proudly feeds our colony of cats with genetic traits. Dr. Lyons’ endowment in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri,provides internal competitive funding and matching funding for external awards. Dr. Lyons Laboratory holds a strong tie with the UC-Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory which assist with research projects and funding that will lead to genetic tests as a commercial service for the cats of owners and breeders. Strong interactions with cat breeders and owners are highly desired and encouraged to help support studies by providing DNA samples from cats, pedigree information and background knowledge of interesting traits and health issues. Important relationships are fostered with all cat registries and associations, such as the CFA, TICA, the GCCF, FiFe, and other organizations worldwide.
The Sanctuary on The Cove Siesta Key Sarasota Florida 34242 USA BY APPOINTMENT ONLY MAIN: 305-988-4266 International +001 305-988-4266 [email protected]