An animal DNA test provides you with an invaluable window into their genetic composition and allows for insight into why your feline’s appearance and behaviour differ so greatly from its peers.
As with at-home dog DNA tests, cat DNA tests start with collecting a DNA sample from either your cat’s mouth or some hair from its coat. A lab receives and interprets this sample according to each manufacturer’s proprietary data for a comprehensive report about your cat based on what they know about her genetic makeup and physical traits that often appear across breeds. It’s fun to explore, with results often providing an approximation of inherited traits, features, or health conditions often linked with similar breeds.
Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, Director of Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory at University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine told The Spruce Pets that no single test can provide perfect data. As with any at-home DNA tests – human or canine alike – any results from at-home DNA testing for your cat should not be used as medical guidance, but can serve as useful insights when discussing them with a veterinarian.
Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test, our top choice, tests for an impressive number of genetic markers to provide insight into your cat’s risk for certain health conditions. However, there may be other cat DNA tests which might better meet your cat-related curiosity.