Several veterinary genetic laboratories, both academic and commercial, offer multi-test profiles of a few dozen of the most popular genetic screens to more than 50. Several labs have added to their feline genetic screening profile two inherited blood clotting disorders: Factor IX (Christmas Factor) deficiency and Factor XII (Hageman) deficiency.
Why are these important, and what should a breeder do if one of their cats is found to carry one of these traits? Before we answer those questions, a brief discussion of blood clotting mechanisms and current laboratory screening tests of the efficiency of those mechanisms is necessary.
The Miracle of Blood Clotting
We take it for granted. We are playing with Fluffy and his favorite toy, and our hand gets in the way of that paw batting at the toy. We yelp a little, look at the scratch oozing a tiny bit of blood, then wipe it off with the nearest available absorbent form of paper. Already stopped bleeding, we think to ourselves. We shake it off and think to ourselves that Fluffy is overdue for a nail trim.
What we fail to appreciate is that not only does Fluffy need a nail trim, but those claws of his set off a cascade of biochemical reactions that has saved our life, time and again, and we don't even realize it. That process is more formally called hemostasis.¹ Hemostasis is essentially the same process in both humans and felines.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Cat Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Cat Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Life With Patrick
Patrick and Mount Doom
Feline Photographers Part 1
\"Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic.\" - Lillian Jackson Braun
The Cat Fancy Alphabet
\"The Cat Fancy Alphabet\" is a new feature in Cat Talk. It highlights various terms and aspects of the cat fancy, educating fanciers new and old about our hobby.
UP CLOSE AND Purr-sonal
If there is one person, or even just a name, that anyone in CFA (Cat Fancier Association) knows, it would have to be Allene Tartaglia. It might be from her involvement with most aspects of the operations of CFA in her position of executive director. Or perhaps from her deep involvement with both the CFA Annual meeting and/or the International Show. Cat Talk thought it was time to learn more about one of the most key people in CFA.
Vision and Hearing Dysfunctions in Senior Cats
Just as people are challenged by having deficiencies with vision and hearing over time, so are senior cats. In senior cats, pet owners may notice their cats are no longer responding to them in the same way; however, it may be difficult to figure out.
Senior Cats and House Soiling
Why is my cat no longer using its litter box? Cat soiling in the house is one of the most talked about issues for pet owners.
Nutrition for Our Senior Cats
From the time they are born, our kittens receive a tremendous amount of care, with diet being at the core of their growth and development.
Fluffy's Sixteen and STILL Plays Like a Kitten!
Enrichment for Senior Cats
Alternative Arthritis Treatments for Cats
Just like humans, cats can experience arthritis. About 90% of cats over the age of 10 years experience osteoarthritis (OA) in at least one joint.1 It is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints and is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Cats with OA experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with daily activities.
Checklist For What to Look For in Your Club's Next Show Venue
Show Manager To Ring One, Please
