The best cat DNA tests on the market today

Filling the gaps in our family trees has been of interest for a long time, not simply because it connects us with family we didn’t know existed, but also because we get to learn more about our history. If you’re a cat parent, you might also be interested in tracking down your furry feline's ancestry, but it may not be for the same reasons. Some people do a cat DNA test to find out breed information, details of genetic traits, and the risk of potential health problems. In order to scratch that investigative itch, we take a look at the best cat DNA testing kits on the market today.

What is a DNA test for cats?

Much like human DNA tests, cat DNA tests are used to trace your kitty’s ancestry. While it’s unlikely you will be able to reunite your furry feline with its long-lost grandmother, the tests can be used to find out more about their origins and genetic traits. However, unlike dog DNA tests, DNA testing for cats is still relatively new to the world of science. This is because tracing the ancestry of our furry felines is a lot harder - domestic cats have only been bred for the past 150 years, and many rare cat breeds have only emerged in the past 50 years. This makes it difficult to draw conclusive evidence based on DNA (although we still want to know more!). 

How do cat DNA tests work?

The process of collecting your furry feline’s DNA varies slightly depending on which test you choose to go for, so we’ve highlighted the process for each of the tests below. First of all, order the cat DNA test kit online, and you will receive detailed instructions in the pack. You will take either a saliva sample or a sample from the cheek cells, and then send it back to the company for testing. It will be matched with thousands of other DNA samples on the company’s database, and you will receive a report of their findings between two and six weeks later.

What can a cat DNA test tell you?

The information you receive will depend on which type of cat DNA test you choose. Some tell you a bit about your furry feline’s origins, including which cat breeds they share genetic similarities with, but in most cases, DNA tests for cats offer health information. Genetic mutations known as health markers can be used to predict whether your kitty has a chance of developing problems such as polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, as the scientific understanding of cat DNA is constantly evolving, these tests do not act as a diagnosis. That being said, they can be useful indicators of how to take care of your furry feline.

Should you DNA test your cat?

At the moment, cat DNA tests do little more than satisfy our own curiosity. However, by doing a DNA test for cats, you will be contributing to an ever-growing pool of evidence on cat genetics. There’s really no reason you should give your cat a DNA test, but also no reason you shouldn’t!

The best cat DNA tests

Basepaws 

Basepaws is the most popular cat DNA test (and also the most advanced, according to their website). They compare your kitty’s results with thousands of other DNA tests on their databases so that you can learn more about your furry feline’s breed and health. They offer three different types of home testing kits:

• The Breed + Health DNA Test ($159)

The closest thing to a cat breed DNA test, an analysis of your kitty’s genome uncovers which of the top 21 pedigree breeds it shares genetic similarities with, alongside 25 genetic traits which are responsible for your furry feline’s appearance. The health results help to indicate whether your kitty is “genetically predisposed to 43 feline diseases” and identify three of the most common dental diseases. 

• The Whole Genome Sequencing Test ($499)

This gives you all the answers about your furry feline’s breed composition, traits, and health. The package includes an hour-long consultation with a vet and genetics advisor, plus unlimited updates which are added to your results as their understanding expands. According to Basepaws, they have up to 10,000 times more data than other DNA testing companies, so if you really want to get to the bottom of why your kitty has the cutest paws, it’s worth the investment. 

• Oral Health Test for Cats ($99) 

Said to be “the first screening tool of its kind”, the Oral Health Test checks for the early signs of dental diseases. This test is included in the Breed + Health DNA Test. 

How to do the cat DNA test

Once you’ve ordered one of the three test kits, register your cat on the company website and link it with the number on the test kit. Then swab the cheek for five seconds, before popping it back into the test tube (making sure not to contaminate it with anything else). Voila! Send it off to the lab and wait around four weeks for the results (note that it can take up to nine weeks to receive the WGS test results).

Wisdom Panel 

World leader in pet genetics, Wisdom Panel has two different DNA tests for cats. Both tests are suitable for pet parents of all types, but the first is aimed specifically at cat breeders. 

• MyCatDNA ($99) (also known as Optimal Selection)

Designed for breeders, this tests for over 40 genetic health diseases, while also identifying blood type and genetic traits. While this isn’t a breed identification kit, it can still be useful for pet parents wanting to find out a little bit more about the health of their kitty. 

• Complete for Cats ($109)

Aimed more at pet parents than the MyCatDNA test, this test identifies blood type and screens for over 70 breeds so you are able to build a “multi-generational family tree” for your kitty. 45 different genetic health conditions are tested for along with over 25 physical traits (including coat type). If the health tests show any concerning results, you can receive a free appointment with one of their licensed vets. 

How to do the cat DNA test

When one of the two test kits arrives, swab the inside of your kitty’s cheek pouch for 15 seconds with the tiny plastic comb. Note that 15 seconds can feel like a long time, and you may need to ask for help from a friend or local vet. Repeat with the second comb, then let both cheek swab samples dry for five minutes. Once dry, send the samples back to Wisdom Panel in an envelope. Expect to wait around two weeks for the results. 

Neogen

• Cat Fanciers Association DNA Test ($45) 

The Cat Fancier’s Association DNA Test offered by Neogen is an affordable DNA test for anyone who wants to know more about their furry feline. The test provides pet parents, breeders and vets with information on inherited health conditions and physical traits. Additional tests can be added to the Basic Panel test and the details of offspring or feline parents that are also registered on the Neogen database can also be compared with your kitty’s DNA. 

Orivet

• Tests for Breeders and Vets ($49 - $119)

This company screens for genetic diseases, traits, and parentage confirmation, but they do not give information on the breed itself (in fact, you will need to know what breed your furry feline is before carrying out the tests). Aimed at breeders and vets, the health tests can be used to provide you with breed-specific care instructions, and if you have a specific health concern, you are able to screen for particular diseases and traits. They are also able to create a feline DNA profile which can be used for verification when breeding. 

After finding out more about your furry feline's ancestry, why not also invest in making their home life a little more comfortable when you're away? Getting an in-house cat sitter means that things don’t have to change for your furry feline even when you can’t be at home.