Yes. Marfan syndrome has been documented as inherited in cats: two affected brothers each had two altered copies of the FBN1 gene, one inherited from each parent. This is the first known molecularly characterized feline case, not evidence that the condition is common or that its prevalence in cats is known.
What the feline case showed
A peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports on September 19, 2026, described brothers Gary and Shaggy. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine reported the findings on September 22, 2026.
As kittens, the brothers had noticeably long limbs. Later examinations identified abnormalities in eye structures and enlargement of the aorta. Those findings led veterinarians to consider Marfan syndrome, but they are observations from these cats—not a validated checklist for diagnosing another cat.
How the condition was inherited
Genetic sequencing found a variant in FBN1, the gene that encodes fibrillin-1, a protein found in connective tissues. Each brother had two altered copies of the gene, so one altered copy came from each parent.
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The specific variant partially disrupted how the gene’s instructions were processed, but did not shut the gene down completely. Cornell reported that some normal function remained, which may help explain why the brothers survived into adulthood. This finding applies to the variant in this case; it does not establish that every FBN1 variant has the same effect.
Cornell contrasts the cats’ two altered copies with human Marfan syndrome, which can occur with one altered FBN1 copy. That comparison does not establish how other feline variants are inherited or what outcome they produce.
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What this means for cat owners
The report establishes that feline Marfan syndrome can be inherited. It does not show how often it occurs, whether the same variant is present in other cats, or what a diagnosis would mean for another cat’s health or lifespan. Cornell described the brothers as the first known documented feline case.
The often-cited figure of about 1 in 4,000 refers to people, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2026). It is not an estimate of how common Marfan syndrome is in cats.
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What to do if you notice concerning signs
Long limbs, eye-structure abnormalities, or a heart-related finding such as an enlarged aorta warrant veterinary attention, but none confirms Marfan syndrome on its own. If you notice a concern, discuss it with your veterinarian, who can assess your cat and decide whether specialist evaluation is appropriate.
The reported feline case was evaluated through detailed clinical examinations and genetic sequencing. The available sources do not establish a routine screening protocol, a widely available feline Marfan test, or a standard treatment plan. A report about genetic methods used for feline Ehlers-Danlos syndrome concerns a different disorder and should not be treated as a Marfan testing protocol.
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What remains unknown
- How common Marfan syndrome is in cats.
- Whether other cats share the variant found in the brothers, or how different FBN1 variants might affect cats.
- Whether a routine or broadly available feline test will be offered.
- What prognosis, monitoring, or treatment should be expected for cats beyond this documented case.
Senior author Dr. Jacquelyn Evans, an assistant professor in Biomedical and Translational Sciences and at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, said the findings may help veterinarians recognize similar cases in the future. The case also illustrates the value of collaboration among pet owners, veterinary professionals, and genetic experts.
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Sources
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: report on the first known feline case
- Scientific Reports study, published September 19, 2026
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: human prevalence figure and case details
- 2023 feline Ehlers-Danlos case report
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