CSI: Cat City!

In late August, UW freshmen participating in the Early Fall Start program came to PAWS Cat City to solve a murder!

This class was called CSI: Seattle and the mock murder is based on an actual case where DNA analysis showed that fur on the accused's jacket was genetically linked to the victim's cat and that evidence helped secure the conviction.

Genome Sciences professor Celeste Berg brought the students here to collect loose fur (trace evidence) from our adoptable cats and kittens. They will isolate DNA at the root of the fur and compare 3 markers to learn about genetic diversity and see how a cat's DNA is unique enough to link fur to a specific cat.

If you want to learn more, here is a link to an article on domestic cat genome sequencing. To learn more about our wonderful cats (who have been cleared of all charges!), please see our Petfinder listings.

Also, PAWSwalk is this Saturday, September 11. You can help PAWS continue to be an educational hub for people and a refuge for animals in need by joining us for the event!