A groundbreaking genetic study called Darwin’s Cats is seeking to unravel the mysteries behind feline health and behavior by enrolling 100,000 cats, with plans to sequence the DNA of 5,000 of them within a year. Spearheaded by Dr. Elinor Karlsson, the chief scientist at Darwin’s Ark, the project aims to create the world’s most extensive feline genetic database, encompassing a wide range of cats from pedigrees to mixed breeds.

Unlike previous databases that often focus on specific cat breeds, Darwin’s Cats is unique in its inclusive approach, welcoming pet cats, strays, and mixed breeds from diverse backgrounds. The project encourages cat owners to share their pets’ idiosyncrasies and even submit fur samples for analysis to explore how genetics influence various traits.

Drawing inspiration from the success of a similar initiative, Darwin’s Dogs, the researchers behind Darwin’s Cats are eager to unlock the genetic underpinnings of feline characteristics, behaviors, and diseases. By combining genetic data with detailed surveys completed by cat owners worldwide, the team hopes to gain insights into the genetic factors shaping cats’ appearance, behavior, and health conditions.

The project, which commenced in 2024, has already attracted over 3,000 enrolled cats, with participants from around the globe contributing valuable information about their cats’ physical traits, behaviors, and living environments. While DNA kits for submitting fur samples are currently only available to residents in the US, the project operates on an open data policy, ensuring that findings are shared with the scientific community as the database expands.

Dr. Karlsson and her team have devised innovative methods to extract high-quality DNA from loose fur, simplifying the sample collection process for cat owners. This approach not only facilitates genetic analysis but also opens up possibilities for understanding complex traits and diseases in cats, potentially offering insights into human neurodevelopmental conditions.

The project’s broader goals include exploring the genetic diversity of different cat breeds and tracing the ancestry of modern cats, with a particular interest in unique traits like polydactylism. Collaborators like International Cat Care (iCatCare) and experts such as Dr. Jeffrey Schoenebeck from the University of Edinburgh have lauded the initiative for its potential to enhance our understanding of companion animals and the dynamics of feline domestication.

Darwin’s Cats represents a pioneering effort in the field of feline genetics, harnessing the collective knowledge and contributions of cat owners worldwide to unlock the genetic blueprints that shape our beloved feline companions.