Do you ever feel that your cat may know more than it says? It’s possible that you might be right. Research suggests that our feline companions could be surprising evidence in cases of crime.
In particular, the fur of a cat can hold enough DNA that someone who was in their immediate vicinity may have shed to provide evidence of a short-term meeting. Even though cats cannot be questioned, this could mean they may still be able help identify the perpetrators.
This is the first study to look at how pets can help with DNA transfer. There’s still much to do. But it represents a positive step towards the future collection of more comprehensive forensic evidence – which, obviously, would be really helpful police investigations.
“Collections of human DNA are essential in crime scene investigations. But there is a shortage of data on companion animals, such as cats or dogs, in relation to human genetic transfer.” says forensic scientist Heidi MonkmanFlinders University in Australia
“These companion dogs can be extremely useful in assessing the activities and presence of household members or recent visitors.”
Recent years have seen DNA analysis technology become so advanced that even the smallest traces can be useful in crime scene investigations. Our DNA is everywhere, even though we are messy people. Even a brief contact with an object could transfer genetic material. So-called Touch DNAWhile it is not sufficient to identify a suspect on its own, it can be used to supplement other evidence or to help in the identification process. rule people out.
Touch DNA can be obtained from any surface without the need for touch. It can be transmitted by skin cells and hairs that have been emitted from another body. That is why household pets could play a part.
Monkman and Mariya Goray, her Flinders University colleague, joined forces with Roland van Oorschot, a forensic scientist from the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia, to extract traceable human DNA from pet cats.
The study involved 20 cats from 15 households. The researchers collected DNA samples from the majority of human participants. One minor child was not included in the sample. The cat swabs as well as the DNA samples from humans were processed.
A questionnaire was also completed by the household members on the cats’ daily behaviors and habits. These included the frequency with which the cat was touched and by whom.
In 80 percent of cat swab samples, detectable levels of DNA could be found. There was no significant difference in the DNA levels of all cats. This includes the time since the last contact by a human and the length of the cat’s hair.
The team was able generate DNA profiles The study included 70 percent of the cats It could be easily interpreted to link the cat to a person. The majority of DNA was found in the cat’s household. However, six felines had unidentified human DNA.
Two of those cats were very fond of the child’s bed, and this could have led to some of the mystery results. Unidentified DNA remains on four cats. It is not known where the cats got their unidentified DNA. None of the households had been visited for more than two consecutive days prior to the swabs.
A two-cat, two person household was one case that was especially interesting. One cat, a hairless and sphynx-like cat, had the DNA of a third person. The DNA of the unknown third human was not carried by the other cat, a short-haired Ragdoll. Both cats interacted Equally With the other humans in their household.
One possible source could be direct transmission of DNA from a person, such as through patting or brushing on a contaminated surface. It is possible that the DNA has been there since the last contact the cat had with a visitor.
“The method of transferring this DNA to the cat and its persistence on them are unknown.” The researchers write.
Further research is needed on the transfer of human genetic material to and from cats as well as the persistence of human genetic material on cats. This will help determine what factors may be influencing the different levels of DNA on cats such behavioral patterns and shedder status.
Or maybe that’s just what the cat wants you to think…
The research has been published in Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series.
