Meow A Genetic Concert for Cats

Meow A Genetic Concert for Cats by Dr Kerry Fowler is an important book for cat breeders, owners, judges and veterinarians who are curious about the genetic makeup, DNA testing and diversity of pedigree cat breeds.

Peek inside, and find chapters, tables and a glossary describing what is scientifically known about the genes responsible for the multitude of different coat colours and patterns, hair lengths and compositions, eye colours and structural features that are seen in cats. Enjoy images of a rare russet Burmese kitten whose coat colour dramatically changes during development.

Be challenged by theories about genes such as dilute modifier, O gene, silver inhibitor, wideband and solving the origin of the Ragdoll cat mystery. Understand how to interpret DNA test results for coat colour, pattern and length; what to do when DNA test results do not make sense; the pros and cons of outcrossing cat breeds; the potential effect of diet and environment on gene activity; the quality control role of cat judges and limitations of breed standards.

‘Meow’ has been hailed as ‘MeWow’. This reference book was launched at the Australian Cat Federation Inc. National Show in June 2017. 'Meow' and has been updated in 2020 to include new information on: incomplete dominance and epistasis; gene nomenclature; copy number variant that enriches coat colours in pedigree dogs; copal extension gene; mocha tyrosinase gene; colour-reducing gene in 'white' tigers; genes responsible for widebanding in golden tigers and mice; dwarfism gene locus.

'Meow' has been eagerly embraced by ‘thrilled’ cat fanciers in Australia, Argentina, Austria, China, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ukraine, UK and US. The author, Dr Kerry Fowler MSc PhD has combined her scientific training in genetics and experience judging all cat breeds in Australia and New Zealand to ‘have made a lot of people happy with this wonderful book’ including those who have been ‘over the moon to receive it’.