Feline DNA tests can help identify your cat’s ancestry and their underlying risk for hereditary health issues. This is important for cats and owners, as well as breeders. Getting your cat DNA tested is as easy as 1-2-3.
Simply look for your preferred feline DNA testing center around your area or online, and they’ll tell you what to do next.
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Where to get a Cat DNA test online
BasePaws Pets DNA test
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What is cat DNA testing?
There’s a lot of information stored within a pet’s genetic code or DNA, and genetic testing is a straightforward way of finding out more about your furry friends.
You’ll start by collecting a tiny sample of your pet’s DNA-containing cells (usually from the saliva on their cheeks). Then the sample can be run through several tests individually or as part of an entire profile. This will provide vital details about your pet’s genetic make-up.
Although the process may sound exotic, genetic testing has been utilized in cats, dogs, and other pets for more than 20 years. It’s a short process and is very easy to do. With the recent technological advancements, genetic testing for pets has become relatively affordable, making it a common test many veterinarians use to detect diseases and prevent them early on.
Choosing a cat DNA testing center
Although it can be tempting to go for a laboratory offering the cheapest DNA testing rates first, it’s not always the best choice you can make. That’s because they might release inaccurate information, which could potentially harm your pet in the long run.
There are plenty of well-established DNA testing laboratories operating worldwide, and it’s better to pay a premium than to risk it.
You can find out about a laboratory’s reputation and history by looking them up online or asking them for certifications, how long they’ve been in the industry, their experience with testing different animals, and if they demonstrate proficiency with genetic testing and DNA identification. Reputable laboratories usually offer all these, so it’s best to do research and ask questions first.
Other ways you can get a good idea of how reputable a laboratory is, include seeing the quality of their customer service, willingness to counsel, and knowledge about general animal breeding. They should always be willing to provide additional information, assistance, receive good or negative feedback, and help you interpret tests.
Domestic cat genetic – figure out how much of a wild cat you have. If it has polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, genetic mutations in general, or just what type of breeds your cat is.
It is easy to order a test here.
Different genetic tests
Once you’ve gathered and submitted your pet’s sample to the company’s lab, they can perform several tests on that single sample, either individually or as a part of a whole profile.
One genetic test is the DNA mixed-breed ancestry profile, which helps pet owners determine what purebreds contributed to their pet’s mix if they have a mixed breed.
Next is the full genetic attribute profile. This gives the most detailed reports, evaluating several medical conditions and physical or personality traits. This test can be run on purebreds, mix-breeds, and hybrids.
Finally, the specific breed profile test can help evaluate one breed’s common conditions while an individual genetic test determines a single medical problem.
Thanks to the advancements in technology, running a complete profile or genetic test is relatively inexpensive. That’s why most veterinarians suggest pet owners run complete genetic testing for their animal companions. It helps them detect and prevent medical issues straight away as a pet doesn’t need to get ill or show symptoms before getting treatment.
It is fast and easy to get your cat tested online. By analyzing your cat’s DNA and genetic markers, Basepaws takes a look at the genes that are linked to certain diseases. Check the prices here.
Collecting DNA samples from your cat
Genetic or DNA tests can be performed using samples that contain cells with a nucleus that houses the DNA. These tests require you to collect a small sample of your pet’s cells. You can easily get by swabbing a clean nylon brush or cotton bud inside your pet’s buccal cavity (cheeks) to collect the nuclei-rich cells from that area.
Meanwhile, some veterinarians will require a blood sample from your pet as it makes sure that they can get a significant amount of DNA. Vets are the ones who usually get this sample and will get it by needle pricking, which may slightly hurt your furry friend for a moment, but the overall process is safe and won’t hurt your companion.
Several companies offering cat owners to buy collection kits through the internet and collect the samples themselves at home.
After getting the sample, no matter the method, it will get submitted to a laboratory for DNA analysis. After a couple of weeks, expect to receive a detailed report by physical mail or email regarding your cat’s DNA analysis.
Common questions about feline DNA tests
How long does cat DNA tests take?
Once you have collected and submitted your cat’s DNA samples, the testing laboratory will run the test. You just have to wait for the DNA test results to be available within the 30 days after you’ve submitted the samples. You will receive an email with a DNA certificate of results, which will be distributed to the owner only.
How do I get a DNA test kit for my cat?
DNA test kits can be ordered online or can be acquired directly from the feline DNA testing laboratory you chose. The first step is to find the DNA testing center you prefer online, then complete the information form for your cat, print the form, and send the payment for the test kit and DNA testing fee. The DNA center will then send you a package with the DNA test kits with instructions.
What can’t we learn from a feline DNA test?
It’s a common misconception that feline DNA tests can tell the exact breed of a cat. However, the truth is that this test is not a hundred percent guaranteed way to determine the specific cat breed of a feline.
A cat DNA test will give you a list of at least four cat breeds to which your cat is most genetically related. It will also inform you about any potential genetic health problems your cat could suffer from.
Are cat DNA tests accurate?
When you chose a known and trusted company to figure out your cats breed and/or if the cat has any diseases, you can for sure trust the results that you get back. The result will usually be really accurate.
Wrapping up
A DNA test is just one click away in the online world today. Your change of figuring out your cat’s genetic traits. Just search for a reputable testing laboratory, sign up, and order a DNA testing kit. Get the DNA samples from your cat and mail the samples to the testing center. After that, you can sit back, relax, and wait for the laboratory results via email or mail containing the DNA certificate of your cat.
