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Monday, February 10th
Wisdom Panel is a service that offers DNA testing for cats and dogs alike, claiming to identify breeds with up to 1% precision. With over 20 years of research and experience in genotyping millions of pets, they aim to provide a detailed understanding of your cat's breed and health traits.
One health and breed test for $129.99
Wisdom Panel offers one detailed cat DNA test for $129.99, packed with features to give you a well-rounded understanding of your pet's heritage and health. This test goes beyond the basics - your results will include a multi-generational family tree and screening for over 70 breeds and populations. According to Wisdom Panel, that's over 150% more breeds than any other test on the market. The test also examines more than 45 genetic health conditions, which is on the slightly higher end compared to other options available.
Learn your cat's blood type and get vet advice
The test doesn't stop at health; it also explores over 25 physical traits, like coat color and whether your cat has extra toes, and it determines your cat's blood type. One unique thing offered by Wisdom Panel is their vet support: if your cat's results show any "at risk” health issues, their licensed vets are ready to hop on a free call. They'll discuss the findings with you, provide advice, and help you navigate the choices for your cat's care.
No dental health screening
Just a heads up, though - while Wisdom Panel covers a lot, it doesn't include dental health information, which some of its competitors do. So, if dental health is a top priority for you, that might be something to consider.
Buccal swab process may require some cat handling help
When you get your Wisdom Panel kit, you'll find clear instructions inside. You'll need to register your kit online, which is straightforward. However, the process gets a bit tricky after that. Instead of a quick swab for saliva, you'll need to use a small plastic comb to swab the inside of your cat's cheek for 15 seconds, not once, but twice. After swabbing, the combs need to air dry for 5 minutes before you place them in the provided envelope and send them back. While this cheek swabbing method can provide a strong DNA sample, it can be challenging, especially if your cat doesn't cooperate. It's best to have a second person help hold your cat during this process.
Free shipping and results in 3 weeks
Shipping on Wisdom Panel's Complete for Cats DNA test is free. After they receive your cat's DNA, you should receive her results in about 3 weeks.
60 days for refund
If you're not satisfied with your Wisdom Panel product, you've got a solid 60-day refund or replacement policy to lean on. This only applies if you're the original buyer, and you bought it from an authorized seller. If you need to make a claim, and you didn't buy it from Wisdom Panel's website, first reach out to the seller. If that doesn't work, you can contact Wisdom Panel directly at their customer service; just make sure you have details about where and when you bought the product. However, you'll have to cover any postage costs. They also don't tell you what you can do if you're unhappy after you've received the results of the cat DNA test and want your money back.
Not known for trustworthy breed analysis
Wisdom Panel is well-known for its dog DNA tests, and this reputation has influenced how people view their cat DNA tests as well. Some people are unconvinced of the accuracy in their dog breed DNA tests, but that shouldn't be as much of a consideration here since the primary value of a cat DNA test lies in understanding potential health issues rather than pinpointing breed specifics. The veterinary genetics manager at Wisdom Panel promises that their health results are over 99.99 percent accurate, thanks to their use of a highly accurate microarray platform and strict quality-control guidelines that align with those used in human genetics testing.
Mixed but generally positive reviews
So, as long as you're not too concerned about breed identification, Wisdom Panel can offer substantial value in terms of health insights. However, we have to mention that Wisdom Panel currently holds an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau due to failing to address two complaints. On the other hand, the company generally receives "good" or "great" ratings on other review platforms. Generally, it seems like most customers are satisfied with the service they receive. We're comfortable giving Wisdom Panel our second place ranking among 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.
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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