Felis catus Genome sequencing

A recessively inherited developmental abnormality was recognized in a feline colony. Affected cats have perinatal generalized tremors and are ataxic as they begin to ambulate. The animals partially compensate for motor abnormalities by 6 months of age, but develop aggression and sensory abnormalities (fly swatting and stargazing) at approximately 1.5 years of age. At necropsy, affected cats exhibit gross abnormalities including generalized microcephaly, reduced brain weight (~50% reduction in brain weight), and striking cerebral cortex gyrification deficits. These abnormalities are also apparent by MRI, including drastically decreased size of key cortical regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex.