Characterisation of the papillary structure of the nasolabial mirror of cats

The relevance of this study is due to the need for scientifically sound, accurate and non-invasive methods of identification of domestic animals, in particular cats, in veterinary and forensic veterinary practice. Existing methods of identification (chipping, tagging, ournics) have a number of disadvantages – possibility of loss, painful procedure or allergic reactions. This increases the importance of finding alternative solutions. The aim of the work was to morphologically analyse the papillary structure of the nasolabial mirror of cats (Felis catus) and to scientifically substantiate its use as a unique identification trait of an animal. The following methods were applied during the study: taking prints using Trodat 9052 stamp pad and paper, scanning images of prints, digital processing using CorelDraw 2017 and Adobe Photoshop programs, as well as comparative morphological analysis of the obtained data. The nasolabial mirrors of 157 cats were examined, including repeated imprinting in 14 individuals after a certain time interval. It was found that papillary patterns of the nasolabial mirror have three stable morphological properties: individuality (uniqueness of the pattern in each individual), invariability (they are preserved during life) and ability to regenerate (restoration of the pattern in the absence of destruction of the microbial layer of the skin). Additionally, it was found that the obtained prints can serve as objective material for identification of the animal during veterinary examination, registration, forensic examination or in conditions of loss. The results have shown the possibility of developing a biometric system of accounting of pets based on the analysis of papillary structures of the nose. The practical significance of the study lies in the application of the results in veterinary clinics, forensic examination, customs authorities and in the creation of a unified database of domestic animals