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Have you ever wondered where your cat gets her fluffy tail from? Thanks to a cat breed DNA testing, you can learn about her traits 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.
Article Overview
Best Cat DNA Test
We’ve chosen our top picks based on several factors, including company reputation, quality of tests, price, and more. Cat DNA testing is relatively new, so there’s little user feedback online about these companies.
Best For Ancestry: Basepaws Review
Basepaws has three different DNA tests: breed + health, a whole genome test, and as of April 2021, Basepaws now also offers a Dental Health Test.
The breed tests show you the percentage of genetic similarity of all major cat breed groups. The health and whole genome tests also look at 38 genetic health markers representing 16 inheritable diseases. And the dental test analyzes more than 1,000 microbes in cats’ mouths for diseases to help prevent dental conditions.
You collect hair from your feline as well as a mouth swab as a secondary sample. After you mail the DNA samples in, you can expect results in four to six weeks.
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.
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- Breed + Health DNA Test: $129
- Whole Genome DNA Test: $499
- Cat Dental Health Test: Starts at $79
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Collecting DNA Samples (Video)
This cat was a total champ through the sample collection process for the cat DNA test kit. When I did a DNA test for my dog, she wasn’t into having her mouth swabbed at all. And I’m shocked that the cat in the video didn’t lash out at its owner when they collected all that hair!
Best For Health: Wisdom Panel Complete For Cats Review
One of the top dog DNA testing companies, Wisdom Panel recently released their 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, and traits.
If your results show any potential health concerns, you can speak to one of Wisdom Panel’s licensed veterinarians for free. We’ve tested and reviewed Wisdom Panel before for a dog and were pleased with our overall experience. However, the feline version doesn’t test for nearly as many traits and diseases as the canine version.
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Best For Budget: Orivet Cat DNA Health Screen Review
If Wisdom Panel’s test is too expensive for you, Orivet’s test could be a good option if you only want health results. Orivet tests for more than 40 genetic diseases and traits. All you have to do is swab the inside of your cat’s cheek and mail the kit.
You will receive your results back via email within three weeks. You’ll learn about any health risks that may present in your cat, as well as any physical traits in your cat’s genes.
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Best For Breeders: Optimal Selection (By Wisdom Panel) Review
Wisdom Panel’s Optimal Selection cat DNA test is designed for breeders. It’s meant to help breeders develop breeding programs, but if you’re a pet parent, you can still purchase the test (it just may not be as beneficial to you since there are many features specific to breeders).
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.
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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 a dog in your life, you can conduct a dog DNA test for them as well.