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Basepaws Cat DNA Testing Review

9.1

The United States is currently home to over 74.1 million domestic cats, making it the country with the largest domestic cat population. That’s a lot of cats, and yet many of us don’t even know what breed of cat we’re snuggling up with on the sofa.

That’s where Basepaws Cat DNA testing comes in. With a simple cheek swab, you can find out details about your cat’s DNA, including specifics about their breed and health. In this Basepaws review, you'll learn everything you need to know about Basepaws and whether it's the right provider for you

Pros


  • Test kits starting at $149
  • Cat focused
  • Free shipping both ways

Cons


  • 9-12 weeks for results
  • Only 1 dog test option
  • No behavior testing

About Basepaws Cat DNA Tests

Basepaws wants you to know your pet completely, from their breed to their current health status. To help you do so, it offers thorough DNA testing for your cat or dog.

With your results, you can provide your sweet little fuzzy friend with proactive health care based on the health risk detection results. Furthermore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and other physical traits based on their breed makeup.

Unlike most other companies, Basepaws specializes in cat DNA analysis. While the company does offer dog DNA testing, cats are their specialty.

Features and Benefits

Starting at just $149, you can perform cat-focused DNA testing on your feline friend. You’ll also enjoy free shipping for your kit as well as your sample, and can upgrade to total genome sequencing for a lifetime look into your cat’s traits.

  • Starting at $149

  • Cat focused

  • Free shipping both ways

  • Whole genome sequencing is available

  • Tests for resistance to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

  • Easy cheek swab collection

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Reviews: Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Basepaws Cat DNA Test: 9.1

As we were reviewing all the top pet DNA testing companies, it was clear that Basepaws Cat DNA would make the list. While the company offers DNA testing for both cats and dogs, it is one of the few that really focuses on the genetic makeup of our feline friends.

Unlike its competitors, which often offer a single cat DNA test, Basepaws offers various testing options for cats. Furthermore, as felines are their focus, you can know that you’ll receive the most detailed Cat DNA results.

Basepaws DNA Test

Price

Dog or Cat Testing

Standout Feature

Starting at $149

Both

Widest variety of feline tests

Why We Like It

While we love that Basepaws DNA testing focuses on cats, it also made our exclusive list for several other reasons. We love that the kits are affordable, starting at just $149. Furthermore, the testing results exceeded our expectations with detailed information such as:

  • Full breakdown of breed groups

  • Health report including 43 conditions and 64 markers for genetic diseases

  • Blood type

  • Physical trait report including 25 traits and 50 genetic markers

  • Periodontal disease risk rating

  • Tooth resorption risk rating

  • Halitosis risk rating

  • Personalized health recommendations

Another exciting feature of Basepaw's test kits is the ability to easily send the results directly to your veterinarian.

What We Don't Like

The one major downfall of Basepaws Cat DNA testing is the wait time. While many other test kits can provide results in as little as 2-3 weeks, Basepaws can take up to 12 weeks.

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Details

Basepaws provides cat owners with several options for testing their cats, from a simple oral health test to whole-genome sequencing; you’ll find a test that’s right for you.

Basepaws DNA Testing

Breed + Health Dog DNA Test

Breed + Health Cat DNA Test 

Oral Health Test for Cats

Whole Genome Sequencing for Cats

$149

$159

$99

$499

Tests for over 330 breeds

Tests for 21 specific breeds

Test for common dental conditions

Tests for 21 specific breeds

Identify dog ancestry

Tests for 43 genetic feline diseases

Option to share results directly with your vet

25 genetic trait markers

280+ genetic markers for health risks

25 genetic trait markers

Track changes with regular testing

Test for common dental conditions

More than 30 genetic trait markers

Test for common dental conditions

Blood Type

Option to share results directly with your vet

Resistance to FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

Lifetime Updates

Accuracy

While the accuracy of cat DNA testing isn’t as specific as that of dog DNA testing, it does come close. Pet parents of purebred cats can expect to receive a detailed report on their cat and their cat’s breed. However, there is some expected margin of error when testing mixed-breed kitties due to the limited database sizes and relatively short duration of cat domestication.

Turnaround Time

Basepaws cat DNA testing turnaround time is 9-12 weeks. That means that it could take up to 3 months after Basepaws receives your sample for you to receive your results.

Ease of Use

The Basepaws cat DNA testing kit comes with all the necessary materials and instructions to complete the testing on your cat. To collect a sample, you’ll simply rub the soft collecting wand within your pet’s cheek to collect saliva, then place it in the sample tube before returning to Basepaws. If your cat is resistant to the idea, you can gently wrap them in a towel to create a “cat burrito” before swabbing their cheek.

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Customer Reviews

Basepaws has earned a Top Quality Store badge from Google for providing a great shopping experience to its customers. It has also earned numerous 5-star Google reviews that highlight its outstanding customer service, the accuracy of the testing, and customers’ easy and enjoyable experience.

Who Is Basepaws Cat DNA Test Best For?

Basepaws Cat DNA test kits are best for cat parents who want a detailed view of their cat’s breed and genetic health markers. Whether you have a mixed-breed kitty and are curious about their makeup, or have a purebred cat and want additional details about their health, their test kits are perfect.

Did your results reveal that your cat is at risk for a genetic condition? If so, consider purchasing a policy from one of the top pet insurance companies now. Doing so before your pet displays symptoms is imperative for ensuring coverage. Did the test reveal dietary concerns? If you’re looking to switch to a healthier alternative for pet food, check out our review of the best pet food brands for your cat.

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Alternatives

Basepaws stands out for its cat-focused testing, but it may not be the right fit if you’re interested in faster results or dog-specific features. If you’d like to compare options, check out our overview of the best pet DNA companies to see how other providers measure up.

  • Wisdom Panel: Industry leader with the world’s largest pet DNA database and highly accurate breed breakdowns.

  • Embark Veterinary: Wide range of dog testing options, including gut health and personalized supplement recommendations.

  • Paw Print Genetics & Orivet: Trusted names offering affordable DNA tests for both cats and dogs, plus breeder-focused tools.

  • Alpha Dog DNA: New company specializing in dog DNA testing with one of the fastest turnaround times available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a cat DNA test?

Like dog DNA tests, cat DNA tests vary widely in price. In most cases, you can test your cat’s DNA for around $150. You may find some tests that are as much as $500, while others are somewhat more affordable. Visit the Basepaws website to learn more about what you can expect from your test results before making a purchase.

Are cat DNA tests accurate?

Generally speaking, cat DNA tests are less accurate than dog DNA tests. Cats have only been domesticated for approximately 10,000 years, whereas dogs have been domesticated for twice that amount of time. Furthermore, there are significantly more dog breeds than cat breeds. These factors together provide a clearer view and understanding of dog ancestry, and therefore make DNA testing more accurate. As more pet parents test their cats, accuracy is expected to improve.

About Author

Tammy McKinney, RN

Tammy McKinney, RN

Tammy McKinney, RN, is a seasoned registered nurse and accomplished healthcare and personal finance writer. With a background in acute care, long-term care, and hospice & palliative care, Tammy combines her medical expertise with her passion for writing to educate and inform the public on various health and finance-related topics.