We’re becoming much more curious about our ancestry, our DNA, thanks to scientific advances. This is why AncestryDNA and 23andMe have become so popular. For cat owners, this curiosity extends beyond our cats to our furry companions and they attempt to for cat DNA Test: Where does my big orange tabby cat come from?
Numerous organizations offer affordable DNA testing for felines, which can be used to identify inherited traits and other health conditions in cats. This allows for better parent selection and quicker diagnosis and treatment.
Even though cat DNA tests are relatively new on the market, much more than canine DNA test, there is a range of products that might be able offer some insight into our feline friends’ genetic history.
Neogen’s GeneSeek Operations laboratory is the largest animal genetic testing lab in the world.
The best DNA test for Cats
Continue reading to learn much more about the best cat DNA testing, how they work and what they can tell you about your cat.
There are very few companies that offer home-based cat DNA testing. Basepaws is the most popular. It allows you to choose between two test options: a breed- and health DNA test or a whole-genome sequencing test.
Orivet is a health-focused option. optimal selection by wisdom Panel is a breeder-focused option.
These are the top three DNA tests for cats.
Tests for sperm count : An updated parentage panel has been added to the basic CFA Panel test and is processed for each sample that arrives at our laboratory. The new panel will analyze 150 markers to establish a distinct “fingerprint for your cat.”
To confirm the pedigree relationship between queen, sire, and offspring, it is possible to compare markers between parents and offspring. online ordering allows you to purchase parentage tables.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy : Spinal Muscular Atrophy: now available. due to the nature and severity of the genetic mutation, this test is separate from the basic CFA Panel Test.
Cat parents have an opportunity to have their cat’s DNA evaluated at a cost they can afford.
After DNA samples have been submitted for testing, results will be emailed to you. Usually, results are available within 30 days after sample submission. The owner will have access to your cat’s test results.
Order DNA Test
Online ordering of DNA tests is possible. You can fill out the information form for your cat’s DNA, and then print it to attach with your payment.
DNA Collection
It is very easy to collect DNA for testing. All feline submissions are easily obtained with buccal (cheek-swab). You can test cats at any age. To collect saliva, open the cat’s eyes and gently rub the inside of his cheeks with the cotton swab.
EDTA (purple-top) tubes can also accept blood samples from a veterinarian. For testing, you will need at least 1mL blood.
Basepaws
Basepaws’ cat DNA test compares your cat’s DNA sequence with sequences from other Basepaws cats, and cats in the larger scientific community. This testing will reveal information about your cat’s breed, connections to other breeds, health markers and how genetically similar they are to wild cats.
Basepaws was recognized by Anna Skay in 2018. In 2019, the company was featured in the ABC’s Shark tank where Skay accepted an offer to invest. The company has seen an amazing growth in the past few years.
Basepaws is currently involved in numerous research studies that promote feline health, wellness, and their genetic testing are highly rated by Amazon.
Basepaws provides two options for cat DNA testing: the Breed + health DNA test ($149) or the whole Genome Sequencing test ($599).
What’s the difference? The whole Genome Sequencing test, as the name suggests, gives you access your cat’s entire genetic information. Basepaws claims that this test can offer up to 10,000 much more data than other DNA tests.
The whole Genome Sequencing test provides limitless updates, as Basepaws adds health and trait markers in their report. This is an option that is not available with the Breed + health test.
Basepaws has recently launched a third product: the cat dental health test (79). Although it is different than conventional cat DNA tests. This test examines the oral microbiome profile to identify if your cat has any major dental problems.
The many popular cat DNA test on the market is the Basepaws. However, the whole Genome Sequencing test is very expensive so you may want to consider the Breed + health test.
Orivet
The Orivet cat DNA test is not as health-focused as the Basepaws test. The test does not give information about the breed of your cat. It is only for domestic shorthair cats and domestic longhair cats.
The Orivet cat DNA screen & Life plan test (84.45) checks your cat for genetic conditions and physical traits. The test will identify your cat’s blood type. Orviet will give you a health risk assessment based on your cat’s genetics, age, gender, weight, and other factors. The information can be used to create a wellness program for your cat.
Orivet, a genetic testing agency, provides a variety of genetic services to veterinarians, breeders, and pet owners. Its mission is to promote the health and well-being of animals (cats or dogs), with breed-specific care.
Orivet also provides the cat DNA health screen & Life Plan. These products are much more particular and can be used to screen for your cat’s DNA.To individual cat breeds, diseases or identifying parentage.
The Orivet test may be less expensive than the Basepaws, but it will not offer information about your cat’s breeding history.
Wisdom Panel: optimal Selection
Optimal selection by wisdom Panel is a similar test to the Orivet. It’s primarily marketed to breeders. The optimal selection Feline cat DNA test (999.99) is available for both pedigree and mixed-breed cats. It screens for genetic diseases as well as physical traits such as coat color and type.
The test assesses the genetic diversity of the cat being evaluated and also offers information about the cat’s blood type. The optimal selection test is not able to offer information about a cat’s breed or background, as does the Orivet test.
Wisdom Panel’s breeder-specific division, optimal Selection, provides a variety of DNA tests for dogs. wisdom Panel does offer DNA testing for cats but they do not offer them. However, optimal selection offers breeder-focused testing.
Even though the optimal selection Feline test was created for breeders, it can still offer important health information as well as interesting data about your cat’s physical traits and blood type. This test is much more expensive than the Orivet, but it’s less expensive than the Breed + health Basepaws.
If you are mainly interested in your cat’s breed composition, the Basepaws test will be the best choice.
What is the process of DNA testing for Cats?
It doesn’t matter what test you choose, testing your cat’s genetic code is easy. You can purchase the test online from Amazon, Chewy or another online retailer.
After your DNA test kit arrives you will use the offered swab to collect a sample from your cat’s DNA. Swabbing their inside cheek for a few seconds is all it takes. Then, protected the cheek swab to your cat’s DNA and send it back to the company.
Basepaws will take the sample and send it to their Los Angeles laboratory. They’ll then extract your cat’s genetic information. They’ll sequence the DNA and then compile a report for you that includes information about your cat’s gene profile.
The laboratory will typically offer the results of the basepaws test within four to six week.
Basepaws, Orivet and optimal selection allow you to log in to your account, view your results, and create your own password. Every company offers updates when they have new information or research.
Your cat’s breed and DNA test for Cats
Most cat DNA tests available on the market don’t offer information about the cat’s breed or ancestry, unlike canine DNA tests.
Basepaws, as we have discussed, is one of only a few companies that can offer this ability. Basepaws will offer information on your cat’s genetic health and other relevant details.
Analysis of breeds : This shows your cat’s chromosome pair with regions of genetic similarity to other breed groups.
Wild cat index : This chart shows your cat’s genetic similarity to wild cats
Feline breeds : This page offers much more information on the various breeds of cats that make up your cat’s heritage as well as their personalities
It is challenging to identify if a cat has a Siamese or Burmese .
Cats, on the other hand, have a much more complicated ancestry than dogs. They have been bred to carry out particular tasks for thousands upon thousands of years.
The majority of cat breeds are under 100 years old, and the ones that have been bred were selected based on their looks. It is challenging to identify the breed of a cat’s genetic makeup if there isn’t any recognized and clear ancestry.
This is not to say you can’t learn from Basepaws, or any test that offers breed information. It’s just not ideal science.
Your Cat’s DNA and Health
We’ve already discussed that cat DNA testing is much more likely to focus on health, especially for breeders. It’s important to fully understand what DNA testing can reveal about your cat’s health.
These DNA tests are used to discover certain health markers that may be associated with feline diseases. These genetic mutations can result in certain diseases. The test will tell you if your cat has any of them.
These tests are searching for common genetic diseases such as polycystic renal disease (PKD), typically found in Persian cats, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [HCM], which is frequently seen in Ragdolls.
These tests do not diagnose your cat of a disease. They also don’t show that they won’t develop any of these diseases.
These DNA tests, just like in humans, can also be used to avoid problems, especially ifyou are planning on breeding your cat. These DNA tests can be used to help plan for your cat’s health. However, you ought to always speak with your veterinarian about your results.
Do you need to test your Cat’s genetic DNA?
The technology for cat DNA testing is still in its infancy and is continually improving. If you are wondering if it is worth it to test your cat’s DNA, here’s the answer. For answers, you might look online.
While some cat DNA tests are expensive, the majority of online reviews are positive. Basepaws was also featured in several publications, including Wired and Glamour. The writers shared their experiences with the tests.
Even though you may not be able identify the exact breeds of your cat’s ancestry with 100% certainty, you will learn much more about feline DNA and get some interesting information about your furry friend. Isn’t that the essence of being a cat parent?