How Cat Breed Tests Help You Better Understand Your Pet

In the modern world, pets have long ceased to be just “cats” or “dogs.” Each animal has its own unique characteristics, character, habits, and sometimes even innate predispositions to certain diseases. More and more cat owners are trying to learn as much as possible about their pets. This is where special breed determination kits come to the rescue cat breed test kits. In this article, we will tell you in detail what it is, how it works, and what benefits it brings to owners of furry pets.

Why is it Important to Know the Breed of Your Cat?

At first glance, it may seem that the breed is just a formality. Many cats, especially those picked up from the street or taken from a shelter, have mixed origins. However, knowledge of breed characteristics allows owners to:

• Better understand the behavior of the pet;
• Correctly select a diet;
• Take into account the risks of hereditary diseases;
• Choose the right physical activity program;
• Correctly plan grooming for the coat and claws.

For example, representatives of the Maine Coon or Ragdoll breeds are prone to certain cardiovascular problems. British Shorthair cats are more likely to have joint issues, while Siamese cats are more likely to have respiratory disorders. Knowing the breed allows you to identify and control possible health risks in advance.

What is a Cat Breed Test Kit?

A cat breed test kit is a home genetic kit that allows you to determine what breed your cat belongs to. The technology is simple: the owner receives a kit for collecting biomaterial (usually saliva), collects a sample according to the instructions and sends it to the laboratory. After some time, the user receives a detailed report on the animal’s breed, genetic characteristics, predisposition to diseases and other characteristics.

Modern genetic tests analyze tens and hundreds of markers in cat DNA, which allows you to identify both purebred animals and complex mixed lines.

How the testing procedure works

Most manufacturers of cat breed test kits have simplified the process as much as possible:

1. Receiving the kit. You can order the test online. For example, through websites specializing in pet products, such as Basepaws or PetSitUSA.
2. Collecting a sample. The kit includes a cotton swab or brush for collecting saliva. The cat mustn’t eat for at least 30 minutes before collecting.
3. Sending the material. The finished sample is placed in a special sterile container and sent to the lab.
4. Analysis and waiting. Processing usually takes from 2 to 6 weeks.
5. Receiving the result. The report is provided electronically: the percentage of breed affiliation, a list of potential genetic diseases, and care recommendations are indicated.

What do the results show?

The cat breed test kit report is usually divided into several parts:

• Breed composition. For example: 40% Maine Coon, 30% British Shorthair, 20% Abyssinian, and 10% “domestic shorthair”.
• Genetic health. The presence of mutations associated with the risk of diseases is checked: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, retinal diseases, etc.
• Behavior characteristics. Some tests provide approximate data on temperament: a tendency to playfulness, sociability, and anxiety.
• Care and nutrition. Based on DNA, recommendations can be given on diet, grooming, and exercise needs.

Who should get tested

A genetic test will be useful for almost any cat owner, but especially in the following cases:

• If the pet was taken from a shelter, and its origin is unknown;
• When planning breeding;
• For disease prevention;
• For a more accurate selection of food and vitamin supplements;
• When observing strange or unusual behavior that may be of a breed nature.

Even cat owners without breeding documents will be able to better understand their pet and provide it with better care.

Price of the Issue

The cost of tests varies from $80 to $150, depending on the level of analysis detail. More expensive kits include advanced disease testing, specialist consultations, and lifetime update of the report as the database is replenished.

Conclusion

DNA analysis technologies have made a huge step forward and are now available to any owner of domestic cats. Cat breed test kit allows you to not only satisfy your curiosity about the breed of your pet, but also become a real tool for caring for the health and well-being of your pet for many years.