NEWS

The club is looking for members who are active breeders and/or showing their cats to become committee members.
If you are interested please contact the Secretary or Chairman for a chat.
Many thanks.


PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)

This condition was first identified in Abyssinian cats more than thirty years ago. Then in 2009 a study of many different breeds showed the gene mutation responsible was far more widespread than originally believed.

A cat with one copy of the faulty gene (heterozygous or carrier) is not affected but a cat with two copies (homozygous or affected) will go blind gradually over time. Some cats will be blind by the time they are three and some will be spared until relatively old age. The oldest we know of was thirteen but generally the age at which loss of sight is complete will be between these two extremes.

The bad news

From the genetic testing so far carried out, it seems this gene is worryingly common in the Siamese and Oriental breeds in this country.

The good news

If all breeders test their breeding cats and always mate affected and carrier cats to negative mates, no more cats will be born destined for the dark.

If you belong to a breed club that has a 20% discount on DNA testing at Langford ( see our MEMBERSHIP page on this site ) the cost of ensuring you are breeding responsibly is not all that great.

Facts worth noting

Vets in general practice are unable to diagnose the condition since the Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR) remains even when sight is gone.

 (Although the first two pictures look normal these two cats are blind)

                                                             
                                                     

There have been four stages identified in the progression of the disease. The older the cat when it reaches stage one, the slower the destruction of the retinas.

The change in the appearance of the eye is far less marked in Siamese even in poor light. It will be more noticeable in dilute Orientals’ eyes than in the dense colours.

                                                               

 For further information about the condition, help in managing breeding or just to discuss ways of coping with the problem,

please see our WELFARE page for details of how to contact our Welfare Officer

Latest Research in Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) relating to Siamese & Oriental Cats

The most recent information can be found here.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1463-5224.2009.00710.x/full

The realisation that the disease is by no means confined to the Abyssinian breed came when this study was published.
http://www.ssvo.se/rdAc%20followup%20in%20other%20breeds%20Vet%20J%202.pdf

There is also a reference to Siamese cats with the genetic mutation in this paper.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3090773/

See the DNA testing page for the easy way to avoid this condition in the cats you breed.

 

 

First Imperial Grand Premier Fawn Point Siamese

Many congratulations to Beckstar Sacramento and his owner Sam Brown on his new title

Fizz

 

Fawn Point Siamese

Fawn Point Siamese were granted Championship Status at the June 2013 Meeting of GCCF Council with effect from 26th October 2013. Some specialist breed shows including that of the TPS&PBCC were granted special dispensation to include breed classes at Championship Status prior to this date. As a result on the 5th October 2013 at the TPS&PBCC Show the very first GCCF title was awarded to a Fawn Point Siamese cat.

Many congratulations go to Lisa Jackson-Lee's entire male Champion Nightqueen Roulette (24r)

Roulette

Congratulations to Gr Ch Nightqueen Roulette made up at the Humberside Show 2014

Sam Brown's Fawn Point Siamese Neuter male has become the first of the breed to gain the title of  Premier at the Trans Pennine Oriental& Siamese Cat Club Show 2013 and has followed this up by quickly gaining his second and higher title at the Kernow Show 2014

Many congratulations to Gr Pr Beckstar Sacramento (24r / SIA p) on becoming the first Fawn Point Siamese to attain Grand status.