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It was not long ago when DNA testing was almost unheard of, even for humans. Today, we can get information about our lineage that dates back many more years than previously imagined. So, it should come as no surprise that we can administer DNA tests to our cats nowadays too.
So, how do cat DNA tests work, anyway? What can we learn from performing such tests to our cats? Let’s explore the answers to these questions.
What Is a Cat DNA Test?
A cat DNA test works like ours but with more limitations. Human DNA is routinely kept in databases around the world—not so much for cats, at least till now, when databases are being built. This means more can be compared and learned from working with human DNA.
Whole genome sequencing tests are more complex and expensive than the basic ones that are usually commercialized for cats. When these tests are performed, they read every base pair. Cats have 2.7 billion! This kind of test can reveal rare or previously unknown genomic mutations.
However, most of the commercialized DNA swab tests only do basic DNA tests known as Genotyping. This is faster and cheaper than genome sequencing DNA tests. This test checks specific markers or gene locations for links to breeds, traits, or identified common diseases. This test is limited in scope but makes it economically possible for many pet parents to scan their cat’s ancestry and health predispositions.
The process works by looking at specific markers in your cat’s DNA and then comparing those genomes to all the others that are contained in the database system of the testing company that you are working with.
The only information that can be gleaned is that which is already stored within the testing company’s database. Therefore, if you are working with a company that has only put 1,000 DNA samples from cats in their database, those are the only samples that can be used against your cat’s DNA.
If the breeds that your cat is made up of aren’t in the database, you likely will not get much information from the test results.
If only a limited number of genetic health conditions are looked for and documented in the database, you may not learn about genetic problems that could be passed down to your cat and should be watched for. Luckily, many DNA companies have access to millions of DNA samples to compare your cat’s DNA to, which means you can gain a significant amount of insight into your cat’s overall makeup.
How Do Cat DNA Tests Work?
Typically, cat biological samples for DNA testing are collected at home, although some veterinarians and feline healthcare professionals may collect the samples in their offices. The testing process usually involves using a swab to get a saliva sample from your cat. Then, you put the saliva sample in a plastic sealable pouch and then into a mailable package.
Send the sample to the testing facility. The saliva sample is compared to all the other samples in the testing company’s database to gain important information about your kitty. Once the results are in, you can expect them to be sent to you via snail mail, email, or both.
What Can Be Learned From a Cat DNA Test?
There are a few things that you may be able to learn by performing a DNA test on your cat. First, it can help you understand the genetic history of your cat. You may not be able to tell exactly what breed your cat is or if they would be considered a purebred feline, but you should be able to determine how many different breeds are identified in the DNA and what those breeds are. Other pieces of information that you may be able to glean include:
- Genomic similarities with wild cats
- Any genetic health problem predispositions in your cat’s lineage
- Possible traits and health risks that can be inherited if you breed your cat
- Information that you already know, like their coat color and length
- Some information about behavior traits, although these may not be very accurate
A Quick Recap
Cat DNA tests are fairly new to the market, but they can offer valuable information that lets you get to know more about your cat than just what you can learn by living with them. These tests are relatively affordable and easy to administer and typically come with some kind of guarantee that can give you peace of mind in knowing that the information that you receive is accurate.
- See Also: How Much DNA Do We Share with Cats?
Featured Image Credit: Kzenon, Shutterstock
