Best Cat DNA Tests for Determining Your Cat’s Breed

If you’ve ever wondered about your cat’s heritage or wanted to know exactly which breeds make up your feline friend, a cat DNA test can be a fun and informative way to uncover their genetic background. Cat DNA tests can identify your cat’s breed, health risks, and other important traits, offering insights into their personality and care needs. In this article, we’ll explore the best cat DNA tests for determining your cat’s breed, helping you make an informed choice when selecting a test.

Why Use a Cat DNA Test?

Understanding your cat’s breed can provide valuable information about their temperament, health risks, and behavior. It can also help:

  • Identify Breed-Specific Traits: Some cats are more active, vocal, or independent based on their breed. Knowing your cat’s breed can help you better understand their behavior.

  • Track Genetic Health Risks: Certain breeds are prone to specific genetic conditions, such as heart disease or kidney issues. A DNA test can alert you to potential risks.

  • Reveal Unknown Origins: If you’ve adopted a cat and are unsure of their background, a DNA test can confirm their breed mix and offer insights into their ancestry.

Now, let’s dive into some of the best cat DNA tests on the market!

1. Wisdom Panel for Cats

Wisdom Panel is one of the most popular and trusted DNA testing companies for pets. Their comprehensive testing offers in-depth insights into your cat’s genetic background, including breed identification, ancestry, and health predispositions.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: Wisdom Panel tests for over 70 different cat breeds, offering an accurate breakdown of your cat’s genetic makeup.

  • Health Screening: The test also screens for common genetic conditions, allowing you to monitor your cat’s health.

  • Ancestry Report: Provides an overview of your cat’s ancestry, including any genetic traits passed down from their lineage.

  • Results Time: 2-3 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

Wisdom Panel offers a detailed and accurate breed report, helping you identify even rare or mixed-breed cats. It also provides useful health information, giving you a fuller picture of your cat’s genetics.

2. Basepaws Cat DNA Test

Basepaws is a DNA testing service that specializes in cats, providing a breakdown of breed information along with health insights. It’s known for being user-friendly and highly accurate.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: Basepaws identifies over 50 cat breeds, including rare and exotic breeds.

  • Health Report: Basepaws tests for genetic health risks like kidney disease, heart disease, and other breed-specific conditions.

  • Trait Analysis: Offers information on your cat’s physical traits, such as coat type, eye color, and more.

  • Results Time: 4-6 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

Basepaws provides one of the most detailed breed reports, including the percentage breakdown of each breed in your cat’s lineage. If you’re curious about their ancestry, Basepaws offers a comprehensive analysis.

3. 23andMe for Cats (Merial)

Merial’s 23andMe for Cats is another highly recommended option for cat owners who want to learn more about their feline’s breed. While 23andMe is commonly associated with human DNA testing, Merial has adapted this technology for cats, providing insights into both breed identification and health risks.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: 23andMe for Cats tests for a variety of popular cat breeds, giving you an accurate representation of your cat’s breed mix.

  • Health Screenings: The test screens for a range of inherited health conditions and genetic markers.

  • Trait Insights: Identifies coat color, patterns, and other unique physical traits.

  • Results Time: 3-4 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

The test is easy to use and provides solid results, especially if you’re looking for specific health information in addition to breed identification. The health screenings give you valuable insights into your cat’s genetic predispositions.

4. Optimal Selection for Cats by Embark

Embark is best known for their dog DNA testing, but they have expanded their offerings to include cats. The Optimal Selection test from Embark is a highly accurate test that provides a comprehensive genetic report.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: Tests for over 40 cat breeds and gives a percentage breakdown of your cat’s breed composition.

  • Health and Genetic Traits: Embark screens for over 25 genetic diseases, as well as physical traits like coat length, size, and coloring.

  • Ancestry Report: Helps you understand your cat’s genetic lineage and history.

  • Results Time: 2-4 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

Embark provides a detailed breed report that includes rare and common breeds alike. In addition to breed identification, you’ll also get an in-depth understanding of your cat’s genetic health.

5. MyCatDNA Test by DNA My Dog

While DNA My Dog is primarily known for their dog DNA tests, they also offer a specialized test for cats called MyCatDNA. It’s a budget-friendly option for cat owners interested in basic breed identification.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: Tests for a variety of popular breeds, including mixed breeds and hybrids.

  • Trait Insights: Offers information on your cat’s physical traits such as coat type, pattern, and color.

  • User-Friendly: The test is simple to administer with easy-to-understand results.

  • Results Time: 3-5 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

MyCatDNA is one of the most affordable options for those who want a simple breed test without the added complexity of health screenings. If you’re just interested in knowing your cat’s breed mix, this test will give you the basics.

6. Feline Genetics Breed Test by PetDna

PetDna offers a specialized cat DNA test that focuses on breed identification. It’s a straightforward option for owners who are more interested in their cat’s breed background than health risks.

Key Features:

  • Breed Identification: Tests for over 40 recognized cat breeds.

  • Results Time: 2-3 weeks for results.

Why It’s Great for Breed Identification:

PetDna’s breed test is simple and direct, making it a great option for those who are primarily interested in learning about their cat’s breed. It’s affordable and provides clear results.

Conclusion: Which Cat DNA Test Is Best for You?

Choosing the right cat DNA test depends on your needs and what you’re hoping to learn about your feline companion. If you want a detailed health and breed report, Wisdom Panel and Basepaws are top contenders. For a quick and affordable breed breakdown, MyCatDNA is a budget-friendly option. If you want both ancestry and health insights, Embark and 23andMe for Cats are great choices.

No matter which test you choose, a DNA test is a fun and informative way to learn more about your cat and help you provide the best care possible.

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