The role of genetics in feline behavior

In this video, Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, discusses how genetics shape feline behavior, drawing on 3 breeds as examples. Tupler emphasizes that although environment and training play important roles, genetics can shape how behaviors are expressed, meaning some breed-related traits, such as activity level, vocalization, or physical capabilities, are inherent and not fully modifiable. Understanding these factors, Tupler explains, is key to helping clients make informed decisions and to setting realistic expectations in clinical practice.

Below is the video transcript, lightly edited for clarity.

Tupler: When we think about genetics, it's the same thing with humans. There is truth to nurture versus nature, but you still have things that will also affect it.

A good example is purebred cats. I like to use Munchkins as a really good example, since we just chatted about a cat's normal behavior of jumping up on a counter. With Munchkins, we've genetically altered them to basically have very stunted limbs. Obviously, they have a higher risk for getting arthritis and joint diseases, like hip and knee issues and shoulders, so it's harder for them to freely jump on a counter. What does that do behaviorally and genetically to a cat? Normally, they are used to having the ability to do this behavior, but we didn't change anything mentally for them; we just changed them physically.

When we start thinking about genetics, they can have a medical genetic component, or maybe they can't perform their normal species-specific behavior. You can also have cats like Bengals, which as veterinarians—I mean, they're beautiful cats, we love to work with them—but they are a more energetic, active breed. They are more like the working-class breed of cats. If you were to compare them to a dog, you’d think more like Collies, where they need to have jobs. They need to have something to do and constant enrichment. All cats should have that, but with Bengals in particular, they need more of a steady job or things to do, or else they're going to get themselves into trouble. That is why many of them get surrendered at shelters—they're just too much for a lot of people to handle. People think, "I got a cat because he's going to chill and sleep on the couch," but in reality, the genetics of a Bengal are a little different than a normal cat.

Finally, the last one I always like to use is the Siamese. People don't think about it, but Siamese are really vocal. They talk a lot, which is cool if that's what you want genetically. But if you have six roommates in the house, or you live in a small apartment where you might have neighbors, that may not be as cool for them at 4:00 AM when your cat is talking to you all the time.

Genetics do play a role. Obviously, you can do some modifications to help, but sometimes genetics will override those modifications. We have to make sure people understand the difference, because sometimes you can't fix every single genetic change that an animal has.