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Summary
Genetic studies in Britain reveal that hairless kittens inherit their trait through a single, recessive gene. Research suggests at least two distinct mutations cause hairlessness in cats, affecting whisker development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Animal Biology
- Feline Studies
Background:
- Since 1978, ten cases of naturally born hairless kittens have been documented in Britain.
- Previous research suggested a monogenic, recessive inheritance pattern for feline hairlessness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mode of inheritance for hairless kittens in Britain.
- To review existing literature on feline hairlessness mutations and propose gene symbols.
Main Methods:
- Pedigree analysis of documented hairless kitten births.
- Literature review of feline hairlessness genetics.
Main Results:
- Pedigree data support a monogenic, recessive inheritance hypothesis.
- Evidence suggests at least two separate genetic mutations cause hairlessness.
- One mutation results in normal whiskers, while another causes attenuated whiskers.
Conclusions:
- The inheritance of hairlessness in these British kittens is consistent with a monogenic, recessive trait.
- Two distinct genetic mutations likely underlie feline hairlessness, differentiated by whisker phenotype.
- Proposed gene symbols for these mutations are 'hi' (normal whiskers) and 'hr' (attenuated whiskers).