As cat owners, we all want to know more about our furry companions. Basepaws, a company that offers a variety of products to give insight into a cat’s genetics, offers an at-home DNA testing kit that screens a cat’s DNA for similarities with over 21 different cat breed types and for genetic markers that could indicate predispositions to 43 different genetic health conditions. The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test also reveals probable traits such as coat color, coat length, patterns, and oral health status. In this review, we will provide a detailed overview of the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test.
Price and Ordering
The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test is priced at $159.00 on the company’s website, but coupon codes are frequently advertised on the website for discounts. If you have multiple cats, purchasing two kits comes at a discounted price. Once a kit is ordered, an email confirmation will be sent. The kit will arrive in the mail, along with detailed instructions on sample collection, a sterile cheek swab with stabilizing liquid, and a biohazard specimen bag. Prepaid packaging for return shipping is included for US orders only.
The Sample Collection Process
To collect the DNA sample, Basepaws recommends avoiding swabbing within 30 minutes of eating or drinking to ensure a clean mouth that is clear from any food or water. The swab should touch the tongue, teeth, and inner cheeks by rubbing along the inner cheek pockets for at least 5 seconds. It’s important to calm the cat down before beginning the swabbing process. If the cat is uncooperative, wrapping them in a blanket to form a burrito and having another person hold them securely may make the process easier. After swabbing, the swab is placed into the test tube with the stabilizing liquid and secured closed. The tube is then placed into the sealable biohazard specimen bag and placed back into the box, which has the prepaid postage sticker.
Results
The genetic report for cats is divided into five different categories: Western, Eastern, Persian, Exotic, and Polycat. Most cats will belong most dominantly to one category, and within each group, the percentage of genetic similarity to each cat breed will be shown. The Polycat category does not include any breeds but rather the result of many generations of mixed breeding between different types of cats, making their origin and ancestry challenging to narrow down.
The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test also checks for 115 genetic markers associated with 43 different diseases. The results will list predispositions to various conditions, including metabolic disorders, eye disorders, musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disorders, renal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, skin disorders, blood type and transfusion risk, and susceptibility to viral infection. It’s important to note that the test is not diagnostic and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. However, it will look for genetic health markers associated with these genetic disorders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA test is an easy process from start to finish and provides useful information about the genetics of an individual cat. The kit screens a cat’s DNA for similarities with over 21 different cat breed types and for genetic markers that could indicate predispositions to 43 different genetic health conditions. The kit also provides insight into probable traits such as coat color, coat length, patterns, and oral health status. It is a bit pricey, but coupon codes are frequently advertised on the website, and purchasing two kits come at a discounted price. The turnaround time is about 4-6 weeks, and results are delivered via email and uploaded to the Basepaws account. Overall, we give the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
