What does “Clear” mean?
The animal does not carry the mutation. It will not develop the disease and will not pass it on.
Cat Feline Long Hair (LH)
Unlock the secrets of your feline friend with a Feline Long Hair (LH) DNA test. This innovative genetic test reveals whether your cat carries the long-haired gene, helping you understand their unique coat characteristics. Ideal for breeders and pet owners alike, the Feline LH DNA test ensures you make informed decisions about your cat’s care and breeding. With just a simple cheek swab, you can uncover important information about your cat's lineage and health predispositions. Embrace the beauty of your long-haired cat with confidence, knowing you have the knowledge to provide the best care. Discover the joy of understanding your pet’s genetics today!
Abbreviation : LH
Analysed mutation : FGF5 c.475A>C
Inheritance : Autosomal Recessive
Acronym
LH
Observed frequency
Clinical classification
Coat-Related Traits
Analysed mutation
FGF5 c.475A>C
Mode of inheritance
Autosomal Recessive
Alternate name:
L Locus
Test summary:
The Feline Long Hair (LH) DNA test is a genetic tool used to identify long-haired traits in cats. By analyzing specific genes, it determines whether a cat carries the gene for long fur, helping breeders make informed decisions. This test is particularly valuable for ensuring the quality and predictability of litters. Additionally, it can assist in understanding a cat's ancestry and potential health issues related to coat type. Overall, the Feline LH DNA test enhances the breeding process and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Available from the pack : Standard
This DNA test is included starting from our pack Standard — and is also part of the packs Standard, Advanced, Complete.
View DNA Test Packs →Choose the pack that best fits your breeding or health strategy of your animals.
Introduction to Feline Long Hair (LH)
Feline Long Hair (LH) is a genetic trait in cats characterized by a longer coat of fur compared to short-haired varieties. This trait is governed by specific genes that influence hair length, texture, and overall coat appearance. Understanding the genetics behind this condition is crucial for breeders and cat owners who wish to predict or manage coat characteristics in their feline companions.
The Genetics of Feline Long Hair
The long hair trait in cats is primarily associated with the presence of a dominant gene known as the L gene. When a cat inherits this gene from one or both parents, it expresses the long-haired phenotype. Conversely, if a cat inherits two recessive genes, it will have a short hair coat. This simple Mendelian inheritance pattern provides a foundational understanding of how coat length is passed through generations.
Health Implications
While the Long Hair trait itself is not associated with significant health issues, it can sometimes be linked to other genetic conditions. For example, long-haired cats may require more grooming to prevent matting and hairballs, which can lead to digestive issues if not managed properly. Additionally, some long-haired breeds may be predisposed to certain genetic disorders, although these are not directly caused by the long hair trait itself.
Grooming and Care Considerations
Owners of long-haired cats need to be vigilant about grooming to maintain their pet's coat health. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and mats, which can be uncomfortable for the cat and lead to skin problems. Bathing should also be approached with caution, as over-bathing can strip the coat of essential oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Conclusion
Understanding the genetics of Feline Long Hair is essential for cat owners and breeders alike. By being informed about the implications of this trait, owners can provide better care for their long-haired cats, ensuring they remain healthy and happy. With appropriate grooming and care, long-haired cats can thrive and showcase their beautiful coats.
Breed recognized for the test : Feline Long Hair (LH)
- Abyssinian
- Aegean
- Alpine Lynx
- Altai
- American Bobtail
- American Bobtail Longhair
- American Bobtail Shorthair
- American Burmese
- American Curl
- American Curl Longhair
- American Curl Shorthair
- American Fold Longhair
- American Fold Shorthair
- American Keuda
- American Longhair
- American Lynx
- American Miniature Cat
- American Polydactyl
- American Ringtail
- American Shorthair
- American Straight Long Hair
- American Straight Shorthair
- American Wirehair
- Anatoli
- Aphrodite
- Aphrodite Giant
- Aphrodite's Giant Longhair
- Aphrodite's Giant Shorthair
- Arabian Mau
- Asian
- Asian Leopard Cat
- Asian Longhair
- Asian Semi-longhair
- Asian Shorthair
- Australian Bombay
- Australian Mist
- Aztec
- Balinese
- Bambino
- Bambino Curl
- BamBob
- Bengal
- Bengal Longhair
- Birman
- Bobcat
- Bohemian Rex
- Bombay
- Bramble
- Brazilian Shorthair
- Bristol
- British Ice Longhair
- British Ice Shorthair
- British Longhair
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
- Burmese European
- Burmese Longhair
- Burmilla
- Burmilla Longhair
- Burmilla Shorthair
- California Spangled
- California Toyger
- Californian Rex
- Canadian Feral Cat
- Canadian Sphynx
- Caracal
- Celtic
- Celtic Shorthair
- Ceylon
- Chantilly-Tiffany
- Chartreux
- Chausie
- Chinchilla Longhair
- Chinese Harlequin
- Chinese Li Hua
- Chinese Tank Cat
- Classicat
- Colorpoint Shorthair
- Companion Cat
- Copper
- Cornish Rex
- Cornish Rex Longhair
- Curly Tail Cat
- Cymric
- Cyprus
- Desert Lynx
- Deutsch Langhaar
- Devon Rex
- Domestic Longhair
- Domestic medium-haired
- Domestic Shorthair
- Don Sphynx
- Donskoy
- Dossow
- Dragon Li
- Dwelf
- Egyptian Mau
- Elf
- European
- European Burmese
- European Shorthair
- Exotic
- Exotic Shorthair
- Experimental
- Fishing Cat
- Foldex
- Foreign White
- Foreign White Longhair
- Foreign White Shorthair
- Gao Taem
- Genetta
- Geoffroy's Cat
- German Longhair
- German Rex
- Havana
- Havana Brown
- Hemingway Curl
- Hibernian Lynx
- Highland Fold
- Highland Lynx
- Highland Straight
- Highlander
- Highlander Longhair
- Highlander Shorthair
- Himalayan
- House Cat Longhair
- House Cat Shorthair
- Household Pet
- Household Pet Kitten
- Household Pet Longhair
- Household Pet Shorthair
- Isle of Man Longhair
- Isle of Man Shorthair
- Jaguarette
- Jaguarundi Curl
- Japanese Bobtail
- Japanese Bobtail Longhair
- Japanese Bobtail Shorthair
- Japanese domestic
- Javanese
- Jungala
- Jungle Cat
- Jungle Curl
- Jungle Lynx
- Junglebob
- Kanaani
- Karelian Bobtail
- Karelian Bobtail Longhair
- Khao Manee
- Khaomanee
- Kinkalow
- Korat
- Korean Bobtail
- Korn Ja
- Kurilian Bobtail
- Kurilian Bobtail Longhair
- Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair
- Lambkin
- LaPerm
- LaPerm Longhair
- LaPerm Shorthair
- Lykoi
- Maine Coon
- Maine Coon Polydactyl
- Manx
- Manx Longhair
- Manx Shorthair
- Me-kong Bobtail
- Meerkat
- Mekong Bobtail
- Minskin
- Minuet
- Minuet Longhair
- Mixed Breed
- Mohave Bob
- Mojave Spotted
- Mokave Jag Cat
- Mountain Bob
- Munchkin
- Munchkin Longhair
- Napoleon
- Nebelung
- Neva Masquerade
- Niebelung
- Non Recognized Hairless
- Non Recognized Longhair
- Non Recognized Shorthair
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Ocicat
- Ojos Azules
- Oregon Rex (extinct)
- Oriental
- Oriental Bicolor
- Oriental Longhair
- Oriental Shorthair
- Original Longhair
- Owyhee Bob
- Pantherette
- Persian
- Peterbald
- Pharaoh
- Pixiebob
- Pixiebob Longhair
- Puppykat
- Raas
- Ragamuffin
- Ragdoll
- Ruffle
- Russian
- Russian Black
- Russian Blue
- Russian Tabby
- Russian White
- Rusty Spotted Cat
- Sacred Birman
- Safari
- Sam Sawet
- Sashkin Rex
- Savannah
- Scottish Fold
- Scottish Fold Longhair
- Scottish Longhair
- Scottish Shorthair
- Scottish Straight
- Scottish Straight Longhair
- Selkirk Rex
- Selkirk Rex Longhair
- Selkirk Rex Shorthair
- Selkirk Straight
- Serengeti
- Serrade Petit
- Serval
- Siamese
- Siamese Longhair
- Siberian
- Singapura
- Skookum
- Snowbob
- Snowshoe
- Sokoke
- Somali
- Sphynx
- Suffolk
- Suphalak
- Tennessee Bobtail
- Tennessee Rex
- Thai
- Thai Blue Point
- Thai Lilac
- Thai Lilac Point
- Tiffanie
- Tigrette
- Tonkinese
- Tonkinese Longhair
- Tonkinese Shorthair
- Toybob
- Toyger
- Traditional Siamese
- Transylvanian
- Tundra
- Turkish Angora
- Turkish Van
- Turkish Vankedisi
- Ukrainian Levkoy
- Unknown
- Ural Rex
- Ural Rex Longhair
- Vienna Woods
- Viverral
- York Chocolate
🧬 Interpretation of genotypes LH
Genotype
Status
🟡 L/L
Non-carrier - No effect
🟡 L/l
Carrier - No effect
❌ l/l
Affected - Long Hair
FAQ: understanding the interpretation
Is a “Carrier” serious?
No. The animal is generally healthy but can transmit the mutation to its offspring.
What if an animal is “Affected”?
It carries two mutated copies. Clinical signs are expected depending on the disease. It should not be bred.
Why are there differences between male / female?
Some diseases are sex-linked, so their expression varies depending on the animal’s sex.
Predict Offspring
L/L (Non-carrier)
L/l (Carrier)
l/l (Affected)
DNA Test FAQ
What does this DNA test detect?
This DNA test detects the mutation associated with Feline Long Hair (LH) in order to identify clear, carrier, or at-risk animals.
Why test a breeding animal?
DNA testing helps breeders plan safer matings and reduce the risk of transmitting the mutation to offspring.
What is the inheritance mode of this test?
The inheritance mode reported for this test is Autosomal Recessive.
Which mutation is analysed in this test?
This test analyses the mutation FGF5 c.475A>C.
Is a carrier animal necessarily affected?
Not necessarily. Interpretation depends on the inheritance pattern and the resulting genotype.
References
Drögemüller C, Rüfenacht S, Wichert B, Leeb T. Mutations within the FGF5 gene are associated with hair length in cats. Anim Genet. 2007 Jun;38(3):218-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2007.01590.x. Epub 2007 Apr 13.