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5Strands Review

Monday, February 10th

2025 Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews

5Strands Review 2 Star Rating

5Strands

2 Star Rating
  • Pricing ranges from $66 to nearly $300 for various tests
  • Founded in 2017 with a focus on gut health and food intolerances
  • Offers nine different tests for both cats and dogs
  • Tests are based on hair samples from the pet - no swabbing needed
  • Results are typically available one week after receipt of the sample
  • Return policy allows refunds within 30 days of purchase for unused kits

5Strands was started in 2017 by a motivated mom who wanted to shake up the healthcare system. The company made its name in the gluten-free world, attending trade shows and spreading the word about gut health and food intolerances. They claim to provide health assessments that have helped solve tricky health problems, including for the 5Strands team itself. The company's chief technical director, Elaine Byers, says their hair-based food intolerance tests give you a chance to take control of your own health, but they can't function as a diagnostic tool.

Test costs add up fast

5Strands offers nine products for both cats and dogs, with prices ranging from $66 to almost $300. They include:

  • Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test ($212)
  • Pet Food and Environmental Intolerance Test ($148)
  • Pet Food Intolerance Test ($88)
  • Pet Raw Food and Environmental Intolerance Test ($158)
  • Pet Raw Food Intolerance Test ($98)
  • Pet Vitamins and Minerals Imbalance Test ($66)
  • Pet Environmental Intolerance Test ($78)
  • Comprehensive Review Gut Check ($269.99)
  • Basic Gut Check ($134.99)

Some of these tests seem redundant to us. If the idea of trying out the cheaper, less inclusive tests until you find the source of your cat's allergies makes your wallet cringe, you might think about opting for the comprehensive $212 test, which tests for over 460 items.

Hair sample required

You'll start by logging into the 5Strands website and clicking on "Register Kit". You'll need to use the unique ID code that comes with your kit. Next, you'll need to collect some fur from your cat and put it into the provided bag. After that, you'll put the bag back into the kit and mail it back. Finally, about a week after they get your kit, you'll receive your results.

Pseudoscience will be no help to your cat

But is 5Strands' method, called "bioresonance technology," legit? They describe it as "a safe, non-invasive form of assessment for energetic alignments in the human body.” Then they throw out the term "quantum mechanics” and talk about how all matter emits waves, and it seems like they want us to believe you can diagnose an allergy by comparing the waves of an allergen to the waves a cat emits. If that sounds dubious to you, you're not alone. It seems to us like they're using complicated terms like "quantum mechanics" just to sound impressive.

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Vets take issue

According to most vets, even blood tests are not useful in identifying allergies - in cats, dogs, or humans. One veterinarian commented, "Hair and saliva tests are wildly inaccurate for food allergy and did not show any difference from random chance. They also had poor repeatability between individual tests. They're marketed direct to consumers largely because they're a scam - and that's not a claim I make lightly.” That's a pretty strong condemnation. The gold standard food allergy test is the elimination diet trial. So, you may need to prepare to put Fluffy on a strict diet to finally solve the mystery of her haunted stomach. (Sorry, Fluffy. It's for your own good.)

30 days for a refund

Reading this review after you already bought a 5Strands test? Here's what we know about their return policy. If you change your mind after buying a test kit, but haven't used it, you can get your money back within 30 days of purchase. You'll need to send it back to get a full refund. If you've used the test kit, followed the recommended 6-week diet plan, and are still not satisfied, you can ask for a refund by emailing them. They'll need proof that your cat followed the diet plan, but they don't tell you what that would constitute.

A company with entitlement issues

5Strands has an "A” from the Better Business Bureau, but no Trustpilot reviews at all. It wasn't hard to find unhappy reviews, though, like from one customer whose cat was found to be intolerant to an essential nutrient, taurine, which is necessary for a cat's survival. There was plenty of derision to be found for the "bioresonance” testing method, which is not scientifically validated. To put the final nail in this coffin, one customer reported that 5Strands' customer service was "appalling”: when the customer left an honest review, the company complained that it was "damaging to their small company” - with no offer to resolve the customer's concerns, just an entitlement to an undeserved good review. From what we've seen, 5Strands doesn't deserve our positive review, either - or your business.

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.

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Cat DNA Test Kit FAQ

The vast majority of companion cats are not pedigreed, so much of their genetic makeup remains a mystery unless it is tested. With a cat DNA test you'll learn their breed, breed group connections, personality traits, and potential health problems they may experience down the road. You'll gain greater insight into why your cat behaves the way it does and how to keep it happy and thriving.
Besides having a greater appreciation for where your cat comes from, one of the most significant benefits of a cat DNA test is screening for mutation carrier status and predisposition for diseases. Dental disease in particular is a reality for many cats, so understanding their oral and physical health will give you the chance to be proactive in their overall physical care. The results from the DNA test can be shared with your veterinarian so they know what diseases to look out for, when to create preventative plans, and discuss treatment options when necessary.
Not exactly. You'll always get basic information like your cat's breed from a DNA test, but not all companies look for the same genetic markers. Some might examine 115 markers, while another test will be slightly more extensive and look at 150. Some tests will give additional insight into parentage or other really specific health conditions like spinal muscular atrophy. You'll want to pick a company that offers the best value and tests for genetic conditions you have concerns about.
Collecting a DNA sample from your cat is one of the easiest parts of the whole process. Each kit comes with specific instructions, but typically you'll use a swab to swipe around the cheeks, gums, and teeth of your cat for about ten seconds. Then you'll carefully preserve the sample with the materials provided by the company and mail it back in to be analyzed.
On average, 4-6 weeks seems to be the typical amount of time it takes for you to get your results. However, some companies are a lot faster and claim that they will get your cat's DNA test information to you in as little as 10 days. Be sure to pay attention to the turnaround time listed by the company so you know what to expect.
Most companies will alert you by email once your results are available. You'll either get a comprehensive report in your inbox or a link to an online portal that deep dives into the information about your cat's breed, health markers, oral health condition, and more. If you have additional questions about what you learn, there are usually representatives from the company available to explain the report to you.
Customers should expect to pay anywhere from $45 for a very basic genetic panel to $150 for a comprehensive test that goes over a lot of genetic markers and comes with a thorough report. Each company's pricing is slightly different since not all tests are exactly the same and some include more than others. If you have more than one cat you're testing, most companies offer discounts when you purchase additional kits.
Many companies will give a statistic as to how accurate their test kits are. However, if you receive results that don't seem to match up with your cat, you should be able to contact the company and get your money back. Keep an eye out for a good satisfaction guarantee from the company you buy from. It also helps to review feedback from other customers who have purchased cat DNA tests from the company to make sure they have good things to say about the accuracy, value, and timeliness of the reports.
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Continued from above...

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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