The 8 Best Cat DNA Test Kits
Where Can You Find the Best Cat DNA Tests?
Have you ever gazed into your cat's eyes and thought, "Who are you really, and how did you master the art of knocking things off tables with such precision?" If so, you're not alone in your curiosity. While it's a fun thought to imagine your cat as a descendant of some grand, exotic lineage, the truth is a bit more domestic.
Most cats are not directly related to purebreds since purebred cats make up less than 5% of the global cat population. Unlike dogs, where many can trace their lineage back to distinct breeds, most cats are descendants of a long line of domestic short, medium, or longhair cats. This doesn't make them any less noble, but it does challenge DNA tests that claim to pinpoint a specific breed heritage.
Thursday, December 5th
2024 Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews
Cat DNA Test
Get to know your feline friend better with the My CatScan DNA test. This easy-to-use at-home kit, made in partnership between Neogen and the Cat Fanciers' Association, lets you discover over 120 traits and diseases in your cat's DNA. Plus, you can get it at a great price with a special discount code. The company values accuracy, offers a generous disputed results policy, and boasts quick turnaround times. We have researched various cat DNA tests, and My CatScan truly stands out, earning our top recommendation.
Wisdom Panel
With over 20 years of experience, Wisdom Panel offers a comprehensive DNA test for your cat at $129.99. The test dives deep into your cat's heritage and health, screening for over 70 breeds and more than 45 genetic health conditions. Unique perks include determining your cat's blood type and offering free vet advice if your cat has "at risk” health issues. The process may need a little extra patience for cheek swabbing, but the free shipping and 3-week turnaround for results make it worth it. Despite a mixed reputation, most customers are satisfied, and we confidently rank Wisdom Panel as our second choice.
Easy DNA
Looking for a one-stop-shop for your family's DNA testing needs, including your furry friends? Easy DNA, a reliable company with a decade in business and an "A+" rating, is a great choice. They offer a variety of cat DNA tests, including those for allergies and breed-specific diseases. However, be aware that their most comprehensive tests are not yet available, and there are reactivation fees if you delay in sending back your samples. Despite these minor drawbacks, we consider Easy DNA a trustworthy option for gaining valuable insights into your pet's health.
Basepaws
Basepaws offers convenient and comprehensive DNA test kits for your cat that you can easily use at home. With a variety of tests available, they help you understand your cat's breed, health, and even dental health. However, be aware that some customers experienced delays in receiving their results. Also, note that the company has been involved in some questionable email marketing practices. Despite these issues, Basepaws ranks reasonably well and could be a good option for deepening your understanding of your cat's health and genetics.
Orivet
Short Orivet Genetic Pet Care offers unique DNA testing services for your cat. They can help you figure out your cat's breed and its specific traits, as well as verify its parentage. However, the testing process can be a bit uncomfortable for your cat and the service has had reported issues with delivery delays and expensive return fees. Despite its potential, Orivet's service has its drawbacks, and we recommend you explore other higher-ranked cat DNA testing companies.
Home DNA
Home DNA offers an affordable cat DNA test for $125 that scans for 40 different diseases and traits, though this is a bit low compared to some others. This test also provides a personalized "Life Plan" for your cat's health. However, be aware that using the kit might be a little uncomfortable for your cat, and the refund policy isn't too clear. Also, their customer service is tied to a competitor with a less-than-stellar reputation. Weighing all these factors, it may be worth considering other options that could provide better value for your money.
Affinity DNA
Affinity DNA offers three unique DNA tests for your cat. They can help you understand potential food or environmental intolerances, check for a common kidney disease, or screen for over 75 genetic variants. The process is simple, using either a cheek swab or hair samples. However, their refund policy is strict, and customer reviews are hard to find. We suggest exploring other options that offer better value and peace of mind.
5Strands
5Strands offers a plethora of tests to help discover your pet's food and environmental intolerances. These tests, which cost anywhere from $66 to almost $300, require a fur sample from your pet. However, their use of "bioresonance technology" has been criticized as pseudoscience. Additionally, their customer service has received negative reviews. In light of these factors, we can't recommend 5Strands as a reliable solution for your cat's DNA testing or general health needs.
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This means that when a cat DNA test throws up a specific breed result, take it with a grain of salt. However, it doesn't mean cat DNA tests are without merit. When it comes to proactively looking after your cat's health, these tests can be incredibly useful.
Cat DNA tests can identify genetic markers associated with diseases, which can be crucial for preventative care and management of potential health issues. For example, some cats are prone to genetic disorders like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, or even sensitivities to common medications. By identifying these markers early, a cat DNA test can be a powerful tool in preventative pet health care.
By understanding your cat's genetic predispositions, you can make the right choices for their diet, exercise, and environment and make better, more informed decisions in collaboration with your vet.
Here are some things to look for when selecting a cat DNA test:
- Comprehensive health screenings. Prioritize tests that offer a detailed assessment of genetic health risks.
- Realistic breed identification claims. Remember that breed results should be viewed with skepticism and are more for amusement than accuracy, given the mixed heritage of most cats.
- Database size. A larger database of genetic traits and diseases improves the accuracy of health screenings. It enables the test to draw from a broader pool of genetic information, which improves the reliability of your cat's results.
- Turnaround time. Some services deliver in a matter of business days, while others could take longer than a month or two. Look for a service that consistently delivers when it says it will.
- Return policy and fees. Make sure you won't incur any fees for late submission of your test kit or for returns. Look for a company with a generous return policy that will work with you if you think your cat's results are wrong.
Getting a handle on these factors can help you pick the best DNA test for your feline friend, offering insights that are both eye-opening and useful. Here at Top Consumer Reviews, we've put Cat DNA Tests under the microscope and ranked the crème de la crème. We hope this review helps you zero in on the ultimate company that caters to both your curiosity and your care for your cat, guaranteeing dependable results paired with top-notch support.
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