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Monday, February 10th
Orivet Genetic Pet Care, based in Australia and the USA, is a global leader in pet genetic testing. They believe in the uniqueness of every pet and offer DNA tests for dogs and cats. Their goal is to provide custom care, considering your pet's genetics, location, lifestyle, age, and sex. Orivet offers free delivery in the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe.
$119 for test panels tailored to each cat's breed
Orivet's cat DNA tests probably won't work for you if you're not a breeder or you don't already know the breed of your cat. They offer Full Breed Profiles for $119 each, but these are customized to the breed. For example, if your feline companion is a Ragdoll, the test will screen for the diseases that breed is prone to, like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It will also test for Ragdoll traits including coloring, like white gloves or chocolate/cinnamon coats.
Verify parentage for $45
Orivet can help you find out who your cat's parents are for a cost of $45. This test, known as a DNA Profile or DNA Fingerprint, identifies 101 SNPs and can confirm its mother or father. If you order a Full Breed Profile, it will also include a DNA Profile. This test is necessary only once and is recommended by Orivet if your cat is used for breeding.
Test for individual traits and diseases
If you browse all of Orivet's DNA tests for cats, you'll find that they also offer individual screenings (for specific traits or diseases) for $50 a pop. So, if you had reason to believe your cat had Gangliosidosis (a rare disease that can cause vision loss and seizures), you could go to the "DNA Tests” tab and purchase a test for it. Here we also found a general Feline Disease Screen, not specific to a breed, so if you just want to give your moggie a once-over, you can do that too. It costs $89.
Buccal swabs are more uncomfortable than saliva swabs
You'll need to use three included nylon brushes for this test. Gently press two of the brush heads against the inside of your cat's cheek, then pinch the cheek around the brushes and roll them around for about 10 seconds. Repeat this process on the other cheek with a third brush. Then, let the brushes dry and put them back in the original packaging, sealing it with the provided barcode stickers. The main thing you should know is that this is a buccal (cheek cell) swab, not a saliva swab, which can limit contamination from things like your cat's dinner. However, it'll be a bit more uncomfortable for your cat than a simple saliva swab (3 pokey swabs vs. a single Q-tip).
Good delivery timeline promised but not delivered
Even though Orivet boasts a high rating from the Better Business Bureau, some customers have had less than stellar experiences. Once your samples are sent in, they'll let you know they've received them and you can expect your results in 2-5 weeks. But, some customers have reported long waits with little communication from Orivet. For example, one customer didn't hear anything after a month and when they asked, they were told their pet's sample probably got lost in a room full of others. (That's not what we'd call professionalism.) The customer tried again and still got no results, so they asked for their money back. Some other customers didn't get any results or a refund at all. Also, be prepared, getting a response to an email might be challenging.
Expensive return fees
If you find yourself in the same situation as the customer we've described above, you should know that Orivet's refund policy is somewhat perplexing. If you decide to cancel your DNA test after your sample has been logged by Orivet, you're still eligible for a refund, but a $25 administrative and processing fee will be deducted. If you choose to return your test without using it, you may be charged a restocking fee, and returns are only permitted after Orivet has provided written consent. Additionally, Orivet states that if you're unsatisfied with your test results, they will issue a refund "less costs of the test requested," implying there might be an additional fee beyond the cost of the cat DNA kit itself; otherwise, it's unclear what exactly Orivet would be refunding.
Probably won't have what you need
We don't think Orivet has much to offer the average cat parent. Most cats aren't any particular breed, so the majority of the cat DNA tests offered here won't be useful. We're also not thrilled about Orivet's problems with losing tests or the fees they charge for returns. We'd recommend you take a look at one of our higher ranked cat DNA test companies instead.
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.
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:
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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