At the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, genome research may help improve the health of cats.

"Continued collaboration with geneticists and veterinarians could lead to the rapid discovery of undiagnosed genetic conditions in cats," said Dr. Leslie Lyons, a professor of Comparative Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The university is studying rare feline genetic disorders. The college is involved in developing complete feline DNA sequencing to identify anomalies causing disease. This should allow clinicians to develop an effective course of treatment to improve a cat's health.

"The goal of genetic testing is to identify disease early," Lyons said, "so that effective and proactive treatment can be administered."

This research at the university has identified a gene associated with progressive retinal blindness in the African black-footed cat and a gene in the silver tabby producing a fatal disorder. These gene identifications may help to diagnose other cats and allow them to receive appropriate treatment, Lyons said.

But in the meantime, local veterinarians say feline health starts in the home.

If you want your cat to be safe, make it a house cat, according to veterinarians. Then do simple things to ensure your feline isn't becoming sick, including vaccinations for rabies, leukemia and feline respiratory diseases.

Simple things such as brushing your cat daily will decrease the number of hair balls. Experts also suggest regular litter box changes, regular feeding times and portion control to keep a cat healthy.

Avoid feeding table scraps even when a feline begs for bones, fresh eggs, dough and dairy products like milk or yogurt, said Dr. Mark Gutzmer, veterinarian and an owner of All Creatures Animal Hospital. These things may harm a cat's digestive health, he said. And cats have a tendency to become overweight, so they shouldn't have any scraps, the doctor said.

Owners should observe their feline pets and specifically check out their fur coat, skin, eyes, mouth and teeth, if they will let you, Gutzmer said.

A cat's pelt should have shinny hair with the skin being free of flakes. Eyes should be bright and clear without mucus or other substances around the edges of the eye. Cats should have bright pink gums and when looking at their back teeth.

Two other factors for observing cat health would be activity and digestion.

"A healthy young cat should be playful and active throughout a good portion of the day," said Kyle Ripperger, a veterinarian with East Hills Veterinary Clinic.

House cats, once they're comfortable with their surroundings, tend to develop a routine and owners should be familiar with it, Ripperger said.

"They kinda do the same things all the time," Ripperger said.

Any change in that routine could be significant, both doctors said.

Always let your veterinarian know of changes in a cat's behavior, such as a lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, sitting for long times in a litter box and the appearance of what seems to be depression.

Weight loss is a clue something is going on, both doctors said.

Even drinking excess water can be a sign something isn't right, Ripperger said.

And both doctors say to always bring your pet in for a yearly checkup. This may allow the doctors to get ahead of any symptoms you haven't noticed.

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New research, plus basic care, could help cats - News-Press Now