TIBS Lightning Fund

Magnificent Bengal Cat - Photograph copyright Helmi Flick. I know of no connection between the cat photographed and HCM.
TIBS Lightning Fund - The International Bengal Cat Society is running a fund to specifically address the pressing need to research the root cause of the heart disease, HCM, affecting Bengal Cats.
It is really good to see something tangible being done. The fund was established on 12th Sept. 2007. Well done TIBS. The study will be led by Dr. Kate Meurs of Washington State University under the administration of the WINN feline foundation. Click here to go to the TIBS website to make a donation. It will no doubt be a long journey to isolate the genetic mutation(s) responsible.
I have made several posts on the issue of Bengal cats and HCM. There are a number of comments on these posts indicating an interest, which is pleasing to see as it is probably the most important issue in the Bengal cat breeding fraternity.
The Maine Coon cat breed has a high incidence of the same disease and no doubt the research programme in relation to that breed can be referenced in the proposed research to be undertaken at Washington State University.
Note: the testing is painless and easy (a swab is taken from the mouth), so please don't be fearful in that regard.
TIBS Lightning Fund to Home Page
Comments
Just in case anyone reading this is concerned about medical research, let me assure you that cats participating in these kinds of genetic studies feel no pain. They just need to donate a bit of DNA, either through a cheek swab or a very small blood sample that can be taken during a regular vet check up when the cat is already having its blood drawn.
This is a great blog with great information. Keep up the good work!
Michelle
msecretary@tibcs.com
Regards
PS if I find something better I'll post it.