There are all sorts of home DNA tests for humans. Some of them aim to tell you about your ancestry and ethnic origins. Some aim to provide you with valuable health insights by looking for specific genetic markers. And some aim to do both. Now, thanks to the Basepaws Cat DNA Test, you can get a DNA test that does the same things for your furry feline companions.
Why would you want a DNA test for your cat? Well, the part about valuable health insights is a no brainer. But there’s more to it than that. Cats are some of our most beloved and loyal companions. However, they’re also kind of mysterious. Dog experts can get a pretty good idea of what kind of behavior and health issues you can expect just by looking at your pooch. That’s how well-defined dog breeds are. But with cats, there’s basically no way to understand why they are the way just from looking at them. To do that, you’ve got to dig a bit deeper.
That’s where the Basepaws Cat DNA test comes in. It uses some really cool cutting edge science to give you a fun new way to connect with and understand your feline friends.
How The Basepaws Cat DNA Test Works
The collection process for the Basepaws Cat DNA Test works just like the collection process for a human DNA test. After you sign up, Basepaws sends you a sterile cheek swab, a biohazard specimen bag, detailed instructions on sample collection, and prepaid packaging for easy return shipping of your cat's sample. Once Basepaws receives your cat’s sample, they will use state-of-the-art sequencing machines to read and record your cat’s genome.
Of course, you will have to figure out how to get the swab inside your cat’s mouth. Which should be interesting. But you’re a cat person, right? You can figure it out!
Once your cat’s DNA has been sequenced, Basepaws compares your cat’s DNA to DNA from other Basepaws cats, as well as other feline DNA databases from the scientific community. Some sections of your cat’s DNA contain genes that have already been studied and linked to specific physical traits or diseases. Other sections of DNA contain genes the functions of which are still unknown. However, Basepaws is on a mission to unlock these secrets, and every cat they sequence brings them closer to that goal.
Once all the analysis is complete, Basepaws compiles the results into a report on your cat’s unique genetic profile. You can expect to receive this report in just four to six weeks.
The Basepaws Profile
The Basepaws profile consists of three elements: Breed Analysis, Wildcat Index, and Health Markers.
The Breed Analysis tells you which cat breeds are most genetically similar to your cat. Maybe your cat’s genome is similar to a Western Maine Coon? Or an Eastern Burmese? Or an adorable polycat? Basepaws’ feline genomic database can estimate your tabby’s origins to more than 21 breed types and 4 breed regions. This might give you insights into your cat’s behavior and personality traits, or it might help explain why your cat looks the way it does.
The Wildcat Index lets you learn a bit about your kitty’s wild side. Basepaws compares your cat’s DNA to the DNA of tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and cougars, then ranks the results based on genomic similarity. These results are not intended to serve as evidence that your cat is part wildcat, but rather to give you an idea of how your cat fits into the evolutionary story of the domestic cat.
Last, and most importantly, Basepaws’ Health Markers provide crucial insights that can help you keep your cat happy and healthy down the road. The DNA test looks for 38 different genetic markers and provides reports on mutation carrier status and predispositions to 16 different diseases, including polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), retinal degeneration, myotonia. These reports are not diagnoses, but they can provide valuable insights that can help you should your cat show signs of illness in the future.
Unlock Your Cat's Genetic Secrets
The Basepaws Cat DNA Test is a cool way to have fun with modern science, get to know your cat better, and gain valuable health insights that could prolong your furry friend’s life down the road. If all of that sounds like something you’d be interested in, click here to learn more and order yours today.
Futurism fans: To create this content, a non-editorial team worked with an affiliate partner. We may collect a small commission on items purchased through this page. This post does not necessarily reflect the views or the endorsement of the Futurism.com editorial staff.
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