Professor Tim Gruffydd-Jones and Angela Hibbert, recently gave up their Sunday to take part in a seminar, and to talk to members of the Birman Cat Club, about recent progress in both diagnosing and treating cat diseases.  

Tim Gruffydd-Jones is a very well known and highly respected expert in Feline Medicine, with qualifications too numerous for me to mention here. Angie Hibbert is a graduate of Bristol University who spent several years in general practice before returning to the University to undertake a residency in feline medicine funded by the Feline Advisory Bureau.  She has completed specialist training and is now undertaking DNA research with Professor Gruffydd-Jones.  

Professor Gruffydd-Jones stated that analysis of DNA can play a very important part in diagnosing prospective problems in the cat population, and that he and his team are very keen to establish a large library of Birman DNA, to help in their research.  

This can only happen with the co-operation and assistance of Birman owners, and it is hoped that as many owners and cats as possible will take part.  This will be a long-term project, but it is anticipated that comparing DNA from many different healthy cats it may help to recognise the genes causing a predisposition to some diseases.  

If in the future, problem genes can be identified, kittens intended for breeding could potentially have a simple swab taken, then depending on the DNA results of the swab the kitten can either go on to become a stud cat a queen or a neuter.  This will be much easier and quicker than having to undertake a series of test matings with a prospective stud boy.  Persian cat breeders have used a similar approach in dealing with polycystic kidney disease and human researchers have saved many lives with the knowledge gained from DNA.  One example is the predisposition to breast cancer found in some families. 

Taking a DNA sample from a cat is quick and painless and all samples will be voluntary and confidential. Results will only be studied by Professor Gruffydd-Jones and his team.  Samples from cats that have made a recovery from a portosystemic shunt (and any of their relations) will be especially valuable, this is Angie Hibbert’s present specialist interest.