Staff Reports
An A to Z Cat Coat Genetics presentation was given to Adair County 4-H Cat Project members by Dr. Leslie Lyons, professor of Feline Genetics & Comparative Medicine, MU School of Veterinary Medicine, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Holiday Inn Express in Kirksville.
Lyons has collected DNA from cats around the world to pinpoint the origins of cats to Egypt in the time of the pharaohs. This 4-H Cat Project guest speaker series was open to the community and was well attended.The presentation included photos, stories and explanations of genetics and comparative medicine in cats.
A question and answer session was held and photos were submitted by those in attendance to compare the genetics behind these household companions.
“We look forward to Dr. Lyons returning for additional presentations in the near future,” said Wende Wagner of PurrMore Cat Grooming LLC and the Adair County 4-H Cat Project leader.
Event support was provided by Hy-Vee and S&S Printing.
The 4-H members also viewed a National Geographic documentary called “Science of Cats.”
Afterwards, Dr. Lyons was invited to dinner at Colton’s where she shared stories of her adventures collecting DNA from cats throughout Egypt, and entering a tomb filled with mummified cats.