Darwin's Cats is a groundbreaking initiative seeking to enroll 100,000 cats of all kinds—from pedigrees to strays—to create a vast genetic database. Researchers, led by Dr. Elinor Karlsson, are pioneering a unique open data project to examine how genetics influence feline health and behavior. Participants share their cats' traits and backgrounds through surveys, and those in the US can submit fur samples for DNA sequencing. With similar origins to Darwin's Dogs, this project emphasizes inclusivity by focusing on all types of felines beyond traditional breed-specific databases.
"We're aiming to build the world's largest feline genetic database that encompasses cats of all types, providing insights into health and behavior through genetic research."
"Our project is open data; as the dataset expands, we will share findings with other scientists, promoting collaborative research on cat genetics and health."
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