Breeding Recommendations, CMS
Congenital myasthenic syndrome in Devon Rex and Sphynx
Interpretation of the test results:
- A Normal, clear, or N/N (-/-) Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) genetic test result means that the cat does not have the known gene variant causing the disease.
- A Carrier, N/CMS (+/-) Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) genetic test result means that the cat has one copy of the gene variant. The cat will not have the disease, but may pass the gene variant to their offspring.
- An Affected, CMS/CMS (+/+) Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) genetic test result means that the cat has two copies of the gene variant. The cat will develop Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS).
For breeders, the following is advised:
a) Cats with a normal result (-/-) can be used for breeding.
b) Carriers (+/-) can be used for breeding, but only when partnered to cats that are normal (-/-) for CMS.*
c) an affected (+/+) cat may NOT be used for breeding.
* Here is a 50% chance that offspring will also be carriers. All buyers of carrier kittens and kittens of unknown CMS status should be informed about the disease and the risks of using the kitten for breeding. These heterozygous carriers will never get any signs of the disorder; so one might think it is irrelevant information for a pet buyer. However, since it isn't uncommon that pet buyers later get the idea to have a litter from their cat and sometimes without contacting its breeder, it is important that also pet buyers fully understand the nature of the disease and the
cms-status of their kitten.