GREYHEART TRANSYLVANIAN CATTERY
GREYHEART TRANSYLVANIAN CATTERY
The Story of a Spring Journey: GreyHeart in the USA
Coming soon….
On April 24th (2025), we set off for the United States as part of a new project—an important journey both for our breeding work and the future of the breed. We flew to Chicago and continued by car to Columbia, Missouri.
Columbia is a charming, livable, youthful “small” city, full of students and open, friendly people. It is home to the University of Missouri, where Dr. Leslie Lyons, one of the world’s most renowned feline geneticists, works. We were fortunate to meet her in person two years ago in Zagreb, where she was fascinated by the Transylvanian cats, so she welcomed us warmly again this time. Although we had announced our visit in advance, our personal appearance was still a surprise—we didn’t send the samples by post, but personally delivered the genetic material of 26 individuals from our GreyHeart cattery.
Columbia is located in central Missouri and serves as the seat of Boone County. Founded in 1821, the city now has over 126,000 residents and is a major educational hub, home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and other higher education institutions. Its economy is primarily based on education and healthcare, but the technology and financial sectors are also present.
Columbia has a vibrant cultural scene, with film festivals, a symphony orchestra, galleries, and theaters enriching city life. Notable attractions include Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Shelter Gardens botanical garden, the Museum of Art and Archaeology, and the scenic MKT Trail. The downtown area, known as The District, offers a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Columbia’s location is also favorable—situated between St. Louis and Kansas City, and near the state capital, Jefferson City. The city is growing rapidly and offers diverse opportunities for both residents and visitors.
…and she not only charmed us but also Dr. Lyons and her research team. She became the first Transylvanian cat to set paw in the University of Missouri’s laboratory in person. Her presence was a special occasion: she was immediately put under analysis, and samples were also taken from her. It was an extraordinary moment to witness a living example of a rare and still-developing breed becoming a direct part of scientific research.
Our goal in delivering this significant number of samples was to contribute to the identification of the gene responsible for the Carpathian pattern. Dr. Lyons—who has been involved in the genetic study of several breeds—is currently leading a new genetic project that is being treated as a closely guarded secret. It is especially important for us to support the identification of the gene responsible for the Carpathian pattern with this substantial sample set. We trust that our efforts will not only advance our own breeding goals but also contribute to the scientific understanding of the breed. It was a great honor to gain insight into her work. We learned about the phases of handling and processing genetic samples—from isolation, through filtering and archiving, all the way to sequencing. It was particularly exciting to see how modern technology is used to map feline genetics.
Scientific work, inheritance…
During our conversations, many professional topics came up—from the mysteries of genetic inheritance to the possible formation of rare patterns—yet there was also space for a more relaxed, personal exchange of thoughts. Dr. Lyons remains deeply interested in the Transylvanian breed; she looked at the photos and data we brought with almost childlike enthusiasm.
On April 26th, we continued on to Springfield, where we participated in a CFA cat show—the main destination of our journey, which we had been preparing for quite some time. (You can read about this in our next article.)
During our trip, we often left the highway to ensure that not only official programs but also rural American life would become part of our experience. Wide open landscapes, farms, slow-paced small towns, and friendly people accompanied our way—and the pleasant spring weather only added to the good atmosphere.
This journey was not only an important milestone for the GreyHeart cattery, but also for the future of the Transylvanian breed: the genetic examinations provide a scientific foundation for the long-term sustainability of the breed and the preservation of its natural genetic background.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to gain insight into this truly exciting and significant scientific work. We are deeply thankful for the warm hospitality, the selfless generosity, and the exceptional openness with which we were received. The time we spent together was not only intellectually enriching but also a deeply uplifting personal experience. For us, this encounter marks a true milestone—one we will remember with pride and sincere appreciation.
If you would like to read scientific publications related to feline genetics, visit Dr. Leslie Lyons’ page at the link below!
Grey Heart kennel places great emphasis on avoiding inbreeding to preserve the genetic diversity of Transylvanian cats. To this end, we incorporate external bloodlines into our breeding program. Recently, we welcomed two kittens and their mother, all belonging to the Transylvanian breed. The newcomers are developing beautifully and quickly won the hearts of our family with their friendly nature; their genetic testing is currently in progress.
Mimi-Csapi GreyHeart and her companions are living proof that the heritage of the Transylvanian cats lives on. As breeders, we are committed to the preservation, development, and promotion of this exceptional breed. Both the memories of the past and our current work serve the same purpose: to ensure that this unique cat breed continues to be part of the history and everyday life of the Carpathian Basin for a long time to come.
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