Wednesday, January 22nd
2025 Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews
Affinity DNA
- Offers three cat DNA tests ranging from $60 to $150
- 15 years of experience in the DNA testing field
- Simple swab process for PKD and Genetic Disease tests
- Cat Intolerance test requires only a few hair samples
- Fast results for the Cat Intolerance Test (3-5 days)
Affinity DNA, with 15 years in the DNA testing field, seems more like a distributor rather than a manufacturer of their own tests. They have their USA home base in El Paso, Texas, but they operate globally. They offer a range of tests for both humans and animals, including three different DNA tests specifically for cats.
Cat allergy test for $89
If your cat is showing symptoms like digestive issues or rashes, it might be due to an intolerance to something in their food or environment. The Cat Intolerance Test, priced at $89, can help you find out. This test checks for intolerance to 49 environmental and 143 food items, including meats and their derivatives, corn products, and pollen. You'll get the results in just 3-5 days.
Test your cat for PKD for $60
The PKD DNA Test for Cats, priced at $60, can help diagnose Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD is a genetic disorder common in Persian cats and related breeds, causing fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts can grow over time, potentially leading to kidney failure. Each cat's experience with PKD can vary, with some showing signs of kidney disease later in life, while others may not develop symptoms at all. Since PKD is passed down from parent to kitten, if one parent has PKD, their kittens can inherit the disease too. The PKD test can be done on Persians, Himalayans, Exotics, and their crosses, and is suitable for cats of all ages. You'll get the results in 12 business days.
CatCheck Genetic Disease Test for $150
The CatCheck Test, although a bit pricey at $150, is a great tool to detect possible genetic disorders in your cat. It's important to know that this isn't a diagnostic test, but it does screen for over 75 different genetic variants. However, it doesn't cover all known genes associated with cat diseases. If your cat gets unusual results, definitely discuss them with your vet. But remember, even if the results are normal, your cat could still carry other inherited diseases not covered by this test. If your cat is showing symptoms, make sure to get them checked by a vet. The test report is pretty simple: a black and white PDF that explains the results and includes a chart showing whether your cat is clear, a carrier, at risk, or has no result for various coat colors, diseases, and traits. Results for this test come in 6-7 weeks, which is a longer wait than with some cat DNA test companies.
PKD test and Genetic Disease test utilize simple swab process
Three different tests are available, each with a simple collection process. For the PKD and the Genetic Disease tests, you'll use a swab to take a sample from your cat's inner cheek. You'll receive a kit with instructions for collecting and sending back the samples. If testing a nursing kitten for PKD, it's recommended to separate it from its mother for 30-45 minutes before swabbing to avoid contamination with the mother's DNA.
Cat Intolerance test requires hair samples
If you're interested in the Cat Intolerance Test, you'll need to provide a few hair samples from your cat. The kit you'll receive after ordering the test will include everything you need, along with instructions. Make sure to include the hair root in the samples if possible. If your cat's hair is longer than 1 inch, 5-6 strands will be enough. You can take the samples from any part of your cat's body. This test is meant for cats who are at least 6 months old.
Send samples back within 3 months or pay a fee
AffinityDNA's refund policy is straightforward, but strict. If you decide to cancel before they send you your cat DNA test kit, you'll get a full refund. But if you cancel after they've sent the kit, but before you send back your samples, you'll be charged a postage and administration fee ($40 if you're in the USA). Once they receive your samples, no refund is available. You also have three months from when you order to send your samples back. If you don't, your account will be closed. To reopen it and process any late samples, there's a reactivation fee ($65 for Americans). After a year, reopening your account is not possible.
Pass on Affinity DNA
It's hard to find customer reviews for this company that don't come from testimonials on the website itself. These are positive, but we don't know enough about this company to say whether that's meaningful. We also couldn't find a Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot listing for them. We wouldn't recommend this company's tests when there are others that cost less and can give you more peace of mind.
More Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews
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.
Cat DNA Test Kit FAQ
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.
Compare Cat DNA Test Kits
Select any 2 Cat DNA Test Kits to compare them head to head
Trending Cat DNA Testing News
Related Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews
Since you're interested in Cat DNA Test Kits, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
