Wednesday, January 22nd
2025 Cat DNA Test Kit Reviews
Basepaws
- Prices: $99 for Oral Health Test to $499 for Whole Genome Sequencing
- Comprehensive Breed + Health Test available at $159
- Easy result-sharing with vets
- Offers free updates on breed information
- Clear instructions with tests
- Updates on every step of testing
- Returns accepted within 180 days for unopened tests
Basepaws, a company founded in 2017, is a leader in creating affordable, simple-to-use genetic test kits for cats. They aim to build a deep understanding of cat health and breed traits by developing the largest database of feline genomes in the world. They use this growing knowledge to help you connect more closely with your pet and to recognize potential health risks early. They even offer a complete genome sequencing test for a comprehensive view of your cat's genetics.
Breed and health marker analysis for $159
Basepaws offers three different cat DNA tests:
- Breed + Health Test ($159): This all-inclusive test includes oral health assessments and evaluates 114 health and trait markers, with 45 of these specifically focused on health conditions - a competitive number in the market. It also covers breed identification.
- Oral Health Test ($99): This test excludes any information about breed or health markers unrelated to oral health. Basepaws recommends you test a cat's oral health 2-3 times a year because oral conditions can be good predictors for other health risks. (They don't appear to offer discounts for multiple tests, though. Woulda been nice.)
- Whole Genome Sequencing ($499): If you want to be kept in the loop about the latest research and what that means for your cat, you should consider this test. The most extensive option, this test decodes 100% of your cat's DNA and includes everything in the Breed + Health test, plus support from Basepaw's very own genetics specialists. You'll get lifetime updates on health and traits as feline research advances.
Easily share with your vet
All tests allow you to share results with your vet with just one click, and you can download a sample report for each type of test to see what information you'll receive. For the Breed and Health test, Basepaws provides free updates on your cat's breed information as new breeds are added to their database, with notifications sent directly to you at no extra cost. While breed updates might not be crucial - since most cats are "moggies" (a term used for mixed-breed cats that aren't of a specific breed lineage) - they can still offer interesting insights, although they are generally not very precise.
Results in 4-6 weeks
The Basepaws kit is simple to use. It comes with clear instructions right on the box. Inside, you'll find a swab that looks like a big Q-tip and a small test tube filled with a liquid for sending the swab back. You just swab the inside of your cat's cheek for five seconds, put the swab in the test tube, close it, and send it back to Basepaws. Most cats don't seem to mind the swabbing very much. After sending the kits, all you have to do is wait for your results. And don't worry about shipping costs; they've got it covered both ways.
Free shipping and results in 4-6 weeks
Once you send your cat's DNA samples to Basepaws, they'll keep you updated every step of the way. They'll notify you when they get your samples, when they're looking at them, and when your results are ready to check out on their website. This whole process is supposed to take about four to six weeks. In the past, though, customers have experienced strange delays, with Basepaws hanging onto the sample until the end of the 4-6 week period, then telling the customer the swab didn't contain sufficient DNA and needs to be redone. (To our ears, that sounds like a convenient excuse for a lost test.) Some customers had to wait months to finally get their reports. Others have had no issues at all, so it could just come down to your luck.
Returns only valid for unopened tests
If you need to return your Basepaws test kit, make sure it's within 180 days of buying it and that it's still in its original, unopened plastic wrap. If you've opened it, they can't take it back because they can't resell used kits. If you've taken it out of the shipping bag, you'll need to pay for the return shipping. Once they get it back and check it's still sealed, they'll give you a full refund. If you bought the wrong test, just email them at hello@basepaws.com. They might let you pay the difference in price and use the same kit for the test you meant to get. For example, if you got an Oral Test by mistake but wanted a DNA test, you'd just pay the extra amount, and they'd update your kit's processing to the right type.
Basepaws uses unsafe SafeOpt
While we were researching Basepaws for this review, we received a promotional email from them "via SafeOpt”, despite never having given them our email address. SafeOpt is a tool used by ecommerce sites to send unsolicited emails to potential customers like you. It is currently facing a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of California's wiretapping law, with brands like Everyman Jack and Peet's also implicated. We find this practice really creepy, and we have to call it out when we see it. Basepaws does not respect your privacy, and this under-the-table attempt to edge out their competitors could be enough to make you decide to go with one of those competitors instead.
Points for including oral health in comprehensive test
Basepaws is generally well-liked by customers, despite earning a "B-" from the Better Business Bureau. However, you might experience some frustration because sometimes tests have to be redone after a six-week wait. While Basepaws isn't our top choice due to these issues and slightly higher prices than the company in our first place spot, it's a decent option if you're interested in getting information about your cat's dental health alongside other results.
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.
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