Research overview: inbreeding and genetic diversity in cat breeds

Closed breeding populations and selection for type can erode genetic diversity, and this overview surveys research on inbreeding and diversity across cat breeds. It examines studies measuring heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficients and effective population size, finding that some breeds, especially those from few founders or with popular sires, show reduced diversity and elevated inbreeding, raising risks of inherited disease and reduced fitness. The survey discusses how this compares with the broad diversity of random-bred cats, the role of outcrossing and managed breeding in maintaining health, and the tools, including genetic testing, used to monitor and preserve diversity. It situates these concerns within the recent, shallow history of cat breeds, presenting maintenance of genetic diversity as an important goal for safeguarding the long-term health of purebred cat populations.