Cornell researchers identify first molecular case of Marfan syndrome in cats
Cornell University researchers have documented the first molecular characterization of Marfan syndrome in domestic cats. The study, published in Scientific Reports on September 19, 2026, details the condition in two sibling cats, Gary and Shaggy, who exhibited connective tissue abnormalities. The team identified a specific variant in the FBN1 gene, which codes for fibrillin-1, a key component of connective tissues. This discovery provides a foundation for improved veterinary diagnostics and potential genetic testing for the rare disorder in felines.
