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Have you ever wondered where your cat gets her fluffy tail from? Thanks to cat DNA testing, you can learn about her traits, breed makeup, and possible diseases she may develop throughout her life. Depending on what you want to discover, you may choose to buy one cat DNA kit over another.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
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| Visit Website | ||
Best Cat DNA Test
I’ve chosen these top picks based on several factors, including company reputation, quality of tests, price, customer feedback, and more.
Winner: Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test Review
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Basepaws has three different DNA tests: Breed + Health, a Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) test, and a Dental Health Test.
The Breed + Health test shows you the percentage of genetic similarity to 21 breeds and 4 breed groups and lets you know whether or not your cat is genetically predisposed to 43 feline diseases. Health results indicate whether your cat is at high risk, at risk, a carrier, or clear for each genetic condition. This test kit also screens your cat for signs of dental disease and 25 genetic traits, including blood type.
Their Whole Genome Sequencing test gives you a complete and comprehensive look at your cat’s genetic markers, providing around 10,000 times more data than other cat DNA tests (and includes a 1-hour consultation with a feline genetics coach). You can order their Dental Health Test as a separate test, but it’s included in the Breed + Health Test.
All you have to do is collect a mouth swab for your kitty’s DNA. After you mail in the DNA sample, you can expect results in four to six weeks (six to nine weeks for the WGS test). As the company processes more DNA samples over time, their database grows, and they learn more about all cats, including yours. So, they continuously update your report to reflect everything they learn.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed breed, ancestry, genetic health risks, and signs of dental disease are included in the results | Some customers found the breed identification was inaccurate |
| Percentage breakdown of breed groups | Some complaints that results take over 6 weeks |
| Your report is updated as new DNA markers are added to the Basepaws database | |
| Portion of sales are donated to cat shelters | |
| Free shipping in the U.S. |
Price
- Breed + Health DNA Test: $159.00
- Whole Genome Sequencing DNA Test: $498.99
- Cat Oral Health Test: $99.00
Our Personal Experience With Basepaws
I tested out the Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test on my Calico mix Lola. The whole process was extremely easy, although it took six weeks for her results to come in. Still, the report was incredibly detailed, and I was so happy to learn that she was negative for genetic markers of the 43 diseases they tested for. I also learned that she was at a medium risk for periodontal disease. The breed breakdown is really interesting. While she’s mostly Broadly Western, I was surprised to learn that she has nearly 10% of Maine Coone in her, as well as smaller mixes of Norwegian Forest Cat, Russian Blue, Ragdoll, Oriental, and others.
– Sally Jones, Rescue Mom to 4 Cats and 1 Dog, Writer/Editor for Canine Journal
Collecting DNA Samples (Video)
Runner-Up: Wisdom Panel Complete For Cats Review
One of the top dog DNA testing companies, Wisdom Panel also offers a Complete for Cats DNA test for kitty owners. (They’ve offered a cat DNA test for breeders for several years, so they have a fairly large database.) This comprehensive test developed by geneticists and veterinarians gives you results for your cat’s genetic health, breed makeup, ancestry, traits, and blood type.
If your results show any potential health concerns, you can speak to one of Wisdom Panel’s licensed veterinarians for free. I tested and reviewed Wisdom Panel for a dog and was pleased with my overall experience. However, the feline version doesn’t test for nearly as many traits and diseases as the canine version.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tests for 45+ genetic diseases and 25+ traits | Some complaints that results take a month or longer |
| Screens for 70+ breeds and populations (results show breed breakdown to 1%) | Results aren’t as detailed as Basepaws |
| Includes free phone consultation with licensed vet | |
| Get results within 3 weeks | |
| Charitable partnerships with animal rights groups |
Price
Third Place: Optimal Selection (By Wisdom Panel) Review
Wisdom Panel’s Optimal Selection cat DNA test is designed for both pedigreed and mixed-breed cats. Its primary benefit is to help breeders develop breeding programs, but if you’re a pet parent, you can still discover health and trait information. Just keep in mind that this kit doesn’t include breed identification.
It requires a mouth swab test from your cat to test for diseases, traits, and genetic diversity. Traits tested include blood type, coat colors, coat types, morphology, coat patterns, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most affordable cat DNA test we’ve reviewed | Doesn’t include breed identification or ancestry |
| Tests for 45+ genetic diseases and 25+ traits | We can’t find enough customer feedback on this test to gauge reliability, customer service, etc. |
| Results in approximately 2-3 weeks | |
| Phone and email customer service for any questions |
Price
Be Sure To Consult With Your Vet
You shouldn’t make any major medical decisions solely based on at-home DNA test results. If the test finds that your cat has a genetic mutation and is at a higher risk for developing a certain disease, it doesn’t mean that she will. We strongly recommend sharing the health results you receive from your cat’s DNA test with your veterinarian.
Have You Considered Cat Insurance?
If you want to learn more about your cat through feline DNA testing to give her the best care possible, you may want to consider cat insurance. And if you have dogs in your life, you can conduct a dog DNA test for them as well.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog and cat owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups (and cats) but for all of our readers.
