WHY DNA BLOOD TYPING IS IMPORTANT

With the introduction of DNA testing in 2006 we are now able to find the group A/b carriers. These cats do not pose a problem  due to neonatal isoerythrolysis when mated. However mating two A/b carriers can produce B kittens in the litter. If breeding with A/b cats, it is advisable to DNA test any kittens that are to be used for future breeding programs so you know exactly what blood types they are.

There is no problem mating:

 A type males with A type females  or A type females with B type males

or

B males with B females

or

A/b Carrier  with A type  or A/b carrier of either sex

( note A/b carriers breed the same way as A but can produce B kittens.)

TEST RESULTS FOR Ab CARRIERS DNA tested at two different universities

A type Males mated to B type Females

These are the matings where the kittens are at risk. Allowing them to suckle is what causes neonatal isoerythrolysis.

 A/b Carriers mated to B type females may cause the same problem with half the kittens on average, so it is advisable to treat the kittens the same way as those above.

Email note from Leslie Lyons

Blood type, Type B females having Type A kittens is the biggest threat.  The often quoted 16 hrs is not a definitive timeframe, depends on the female and when the gut of the kittens prevent antibody absorption. 

 Link to the DNA Test site http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/