For millennia, cats have lived alongside humans. Their independent and mysterious nature is still fascinating today. However, despite their presence in homes, many questions remain unanswered. Their behavior intrigues, as is the evolution of their DNA. A vast scientific study is working to unravel these mysteries. She explores their health and their evolving history in depth.
Unlike existing bases, often centered on specific breeds or veterinary applications, this initiative adopts a broader approach. Elinor Karlsson, scientific director of Darwin's Ark and researcher at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, specifies that the study includes all cats. Those of race, crossed felines and even those living in freedom are taken into account.
The project is based on a model of participatory science and requests the help of cat owners around the world. The latter must fill out detailed questionnaires on the animal. These forms relate to its physical characteristics, its behavior, its environment and its state of health.
To go further, researchers wish to sequence the DNA of 5,000 cats from the first year. Participants residing in the United States can order a special kit for collecting a sample of hair. This method, developed by the scientific team, makes it possible to extract high quality DNA without requiring the presence of the roots of the hair, simply thanks to the brushing of the coat.
Secrets buried in cat genetics
Foulin DNA has clues that could revolutionize understanding of cat behavior and health. The study seeks in particular to establish correlations between genetics of cats and personality traits, such as independence, sociability or propensity for curiosity. According to Karlsson, this research could also shed light on certain neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, by studying how certain genes influence feline behavior.
This genetic exploration is not limited to behavior. It also aims to better understand the origin of hereditary feline diseases. According to The Guardian, the data collected will help identify changes related to current pathologies in domestic cats. These discoveries could lead to major veterinary advances. By comparing DNA of cats to information provided by their owners, scientists hope to detect genetic predispositions. This approach would then facilitate the prevention and improvement of treatments, thus offering better health prospects for felines.
In -depth analysis of DNA data may also reveal how certain physical characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation. Among study subjects, researchers are particularly interested in polydactyles cats, these felines with a number of fingers greater than normal. Karlsson indicates that the team seeks to understand the geographic distribution of this anomaly and its genetic origin.
Towards a better knowledge of the origins of domestic cats
One of the other major challenges of the study concerns the evolution and domestication of the cat. By analyzing a wide range of individuals from different regions of the world, researchers hope to retrace genetic lines and better understand how the different races have formed. This approach could make it possible to identify similarities with ancient cat populations and to reconstruct the migrations of the species over the centuries.
In parallel, the Darwin's Cats project highlights the importance of citizen science in research. International Cat Care, organization dedicated to feline well-being, welcomes this collaborative approach which allows owners of cats to play an active role in the progress of scientific knowledge. Jeffrey Schoenebeck, researcher at the Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh, also sees in this initiative a precious opportunity to better understand not only domestic cats, but also the mechanisms of animal domestication as a whole.
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