Darwin's Ark (formerly Darwin's Dogs) expanded to cats in 2023, building the largest open-science genomic database of domestic cat behavioral and health data. Their 2025 analysis of 8,000+ cat genomes mapped genetic variants to 31 specific behavioral and health predispositions. Key findings: Maine Coons carry a 68% higher genetic risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); Siamese and related Oriental breeds carry significantly elevated rates of progressive retinal atrophy mutations; Ragdolls show a genetic variant linked to reduced pain sensitivity (which can mask illness); and Scottish Folds — beyond the known skeletal issues — carry a secondary variant associated with chronic low-grade pain even in cats without visible joint deformity. The study also found that mixed-breed cats show lower rates of almost every single-gene disorder, consistent with heterosis (hybrid vigor).
Know your cat's breed-specific risks and screen proactively. Maine Coon and Ragdoll owners should request echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) starting around age 2, not waiting for symptoms. Scottish Fold owners: the osteochondrodysplasia risk is not just cosmetic — the 2025 data suggest chronic pain is common even in cats that appear normal. Mixed-breed cats are statistically healthier overall, but individual genetic testing (via Darwin's Ark or Basepaws) can still reveal breed ancestry and associated predispositions.