DNA test could unlock kitty’s genetic secrets

A US company has developed the world’s first at-home DNA test for your feline friend, which can tell you its genetic make-up, and for the first time, potential health issues and nutritional needs.

A US company has developed the world’s first at-home DNA test for your feline friend, which can tell you its genetic make-up, and for the first time, potential health issues and nutritional needs.

DNA testing for dogs has been around for a while but Basepaws is the first to offer the same service for your moggy.

While the DNA test has been available since late 2018, the California start-up announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it would expand the information you receive from the test later this year to include details about potential diseases your cat might be susceptible to and what you should be feeding it.

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While there has been DNA testing for dogs for a while, Basepaws offers DNA testing for your cat.

The company is starting to approach a critical mass. Its growing database will ensure it has the capability to provide the extra information.

Currently the test will allow you to find out the genetic breakdown of your cat, even if it has feral cat genes.

The at-home kit works by sending in some of the cat’s hair plus a swab from its cheek.

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get the results back.

In a national study of pet ownership, Animal Medicines Australia found that 5.7 million households had at least one pet, with Australians owning around 2.7 million cats.

Pet owners in Australia are spending more than ever before taking care of their animals, households forked out $12.2 billion on pet products in 2017, up 42 per cent since 2013.

The at-home kit works by sending in some of the cat’s hair plus a swab from its cheek.

Basepaws founder and CEO Anna Skaya said the kit could help save your kitty’s life, all nine of them.

“DNA research has revealed a vast amount of useful, often lifesaving information for humans. We want to facilitate those same kind of breakthroughs for cats,” she said.

“Our reports connect owners with insights about their cat’s breed. The technology is there to change how we approach our beloved pets’ wellbeing.”

Basepaws sells the cat DNA test for $US95 through its website.

Australian customers can order the kit online and it will be shipped from the US.

This reporter attended the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas courtesy of Samsung.