Keeping our cats healthy and happy is a top priority among pet parents. Depending on your cat’s breed or mixed breeds, he may be prone to developing certain health issues. Today with our understanding of genetics, and with all the current advances in technology, we can embrace genetic testing to not only find out more about your pet’s breed makeup, but also the specific health conditions that he may be prone to.
In this review, we’re going to discuss why Basepaws cat DNA tests can help you determine what your cat’s risk is for specific health conditions. We like Basepaws because their DNA test kits cover so much from your furbaby’s health, breed, traits, and best of all, the wild cat index. The Basepaws cat DNA test delivers 10,000 times more information than any other cat DNA test around. With this test, you’ll discover variants on your cat’s genetics that you may have missed earlier on. Basepaws gives you both phenotypic and genotypic data allowing you to understand more about your cat.
Basepaws is a cat genetics company founded in 2016 and is known for developing the first kitty DNA test and being a part of the Singularity University’s 2016 Launchpad incubator. Basepaws is also the proud recipient of the TechPlanter SF award. Let’s just say that they’re reputable as a pet genetic testing company with thousands of positive reviews!
Basepaws, as a feline genetic company, hopes to create the largest biobank of pet genetic data by utilizing its proprietary budget-friendly sequencing technology. This biobank will feature the development of animal models for preclinical testing for drug development for both animals and pet parents.
Because of the rising costs of comprehensive veterinary care, many cat parents are purchasing cat DNA testing kits so that they can be proactive in helping their furbabies when faced with potential health conditions. Today Basepaws can estimate your furbabies origins to more than 21 breed types and four breed origins. Basepaws cat DNA testing kits allow for accurate genetic discovery by linking an extensive database with phenotype information. In this blog, we’ll discuss why understanding your cat’s DNA can help you avoid genetic health conditions and stay clear of pet medications that your cat may be sensitive to.
Cat Chromosomes
Your cat has more than 20,000 genes spelled out in a unique genetic code that’s around 2,700,000,000 letters (nucleotide bases) long. When you use a cat DNA test kit from Basepaws, they will use the latest sequencing machines to read and record these letters. Cats have 18 autosomal and have one sex chromosome pair. Basepaws will examine regions on your cat’s autosomal chromosomes to check for similarities between breed groups and individual cats. The results are then quantified to show what percentage of your cat’s DNA is most similar to each respective cat breed or breed group. That said, it’s important to note that if genomic regions show a similarity to a breed or breed group, it does not necessarily mean a pedigree ancestry.
Genetics plays a huge role in your cat’s health and physiology, meaning that your furry best friend may inherit a tendency toward being obese. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health, reach out to your veterinarian so that you both can work on a health plan for your pet, most especially if he’s genetically prone to specific health conditions.
To get the best outcome, targeting health care and prevention early on in your cat’s life will result in the best outcomes. It’s important to note that Basepaws classifies four cat breed groups. These are the following:
. Western (cat breeds from Europe & the Americas)
. Eastern (Asia)
. Hybrid (crosses with wildcats)
. Polycats (unknown combinations via natural breeding)
Polycats are one of the oldest cat breeds, yet all breeds come from unique genetic combinations found in them over time. Basepaws sections of genetic similarity may indicate how much of a genetic influence your cat’s DNA has on physical traits, personality, and even health!
That said, by doing a cat DNA Basepaws test, you’ll be able to get insightful information for several genetic mutations corresponding to genetic diseases. Cat DNA tests allow for the following:
. You can find out if your kitty tests positive for genetic variants associated with any genetic diseases, and you can find out early, allowing for a more proactive approach.
. You can work together with your veterinarian to direct premature monitoring, early diagnosis and format a successful disease management program together.
. Basepaws cat DNA test kits include 17 genetic diseases via their Health Marker Report.
5 Key Facts About Basepaws Breed & Health Cat DNA Testing Kits
- All that’s needed is a simple cat cheek saliva swab in the same way that you would do a dog DNA test.
- Basepaws cat DNA tests are useful because they can screen for genetic diseases like polycystic kidney diseases (PKD) & hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), diabetes, and more.
- The original Basepaws cat DNA test was initially marketed as a Basepaws cat kit.
- There are three different feline DNA testing kits from Basepaws ranging from $89 to $599.
- Basepaws DNA testing type includes variant analysis across 18 chromosomes with results in at 4-6 weeks.
The Difference Between Dog & Cat DNA Tests
You’re probably wondering as to the difference between both the cat and the dog DNA testing kits. Compared to dog breeds, cat breeds don’t seem to have as much funding for genetic research.
Today, we know that physical features and genetic disease predispositions can be determined via genetic cat DNA testing kits. Unfortunately, one can’t test for temperament in cats, and while breeding in dogs was enforced through creating domestic companions with sound characters, cat breed temperaments are hard to figure out.
DNA testing for felines helps breeders make accurate decisions when it comes down to breeding to avoid inbreeding. With the use of a cat DNA testing kit, you can find out the following:
. Find out more about your cat’s genetic makeup, especially if your cat is a rescue mystery.
. Find out your cat’s hybrid status, including the percentage of wild cat DNA that your cat has. (not the ancestral history or origin of your kitty)
. Find you more about your cat’s health risks by getting insight into potentially inherited health risks.
3 Basepaws Genetic Testing Kit Options
If you want to get to know your feline friend a little better, you have three genetic Basepaws testing kits to choose from. The first is the Breed & Health DNA test, then the Whole Genome Sequencing kit, and finally the Basepaws Cat Kit.
Basepaws is one of the most trusted feline DNA tests because not only was it the first feline DNA test made, but Basepaws also launched a DNA amplicon sequencing-based health marker panel for both purebred and mixed breed cats. This tests for 38 plus mutations that are manually curated, representing 16 genetic disorders.
The three genetic testing kit options for felines feature varying price points. You’ll find that all the lower-tier groups’ services are included in the higher tier groups.
What’s great about all three Basepaws DNA kits is that their technology is agile and allows testing for diverse types of mutations like the following:
. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms(SNPs)
. Inversions
. Duplications
. Deletions
. Insertions with the variable sequence length
When the research progresses, Basepaws will be updating their health market panel to include the latest outcomes in cat health genetics.
The Way Cat DNA Test Kits Work
With feline genetics being at the core of optimal health, it’s essential that as cat parents, we understand everything about our feline friends, most especially what they may be genetically predisposed to regarding health issues.
By opting for feline DNA testing, you’re helping to advance your cat’s health. It’s important to understand that the combination of environmental influences, genetics, and lifestyle all play an essential role in your feline’s life.
Basepaws cat DNA kits are beneficial in analyzing your cat’s genes and building a database of feline genetic data that will help make new connections and discoveries in cat health.
The Basepaws Cat DNA Test Kit includes the wildcat index, 18 cat breeds, and 38 genetic markers precisely as seen on Shark Tank. This cat DNA test screens for common feline diseases and is the only genetic screening company that uses the same genetic approach to analyze human DNA.
Basepaws developed this genetic testing kit with the cat DNA kit, including a comparison of 4 main breed groups, 21 individual breeds, a chromosome map, and best of all, the Wild Cat Index. When you receive your report, you’ll get the following:
.39 gene mutations that correspond to 17 feline conditions and diseases that include 17 feline conditions and illnesses. This has PKD and HCM.
. All you need to do is a fast cheek swab for 5 seconds and then send your sample back to the U.S based Basepaws laboratory. Return shipping is included with each DNA kit in the U.S.
. It’s important to note that this animal DNA kit is not a breed identifier. It will not identify your cat’s pedigree. It reports your cat’s breed composition by looking at the genomic similarities to specific cat breeds.
How to Read Basepaws Results?
The report you receive will contain a few exciting sections and information on interpreting your cat’s DNA test results. Here’s the take on what the Basepaws DNA test results will show you:
. The report will feature the top 3 pedigreed cat breeds that are genetically similar to your cat.
. Features top 3 wild cat evolutionary relatives
. Crafted with a chromosome map that shows you your cat’s entire genome so that you can see which sections of your cat’s DNA relate to the four main breed groups.
. The report calculates the percentage of genomic similarity of your cat to each breed group.
. Demonstrates health and wellness data to help you optimize future veterinary care
If you don’t have any genetic information and no knowledge, there’s nothing you can do but hope that your cat won’t succumb to a genetic health issue. With cat DNA testing, you’ll get results that will allow you to move forward and be proactive in your cat’s health.
In both cats and humans, determining genetic health conditions via genetic DNA testing will allow you to tweak nutritional care and obtain genetic counseling with a health marker report.
Thanks to reliable cat DNA testing, cat parents can quickly learn about their cat’s breed, health, traits, and habits. All it takes it’s a bit of DNA, which you collect at home. The only problem is that it may be a tad difficult swabbing the inside of your cat’s cheek.
Nutrition, environment, and genetics play an essential role in your cat’s health. By testing genetics, you can get more information about your cat’s breed, ancestry, health, as well as any potential hereditary diseases. This review will be reviewing the Basepaws Breed and Health Cat DNA Test at $129.
CAT Genome Sequencing Project Research
Cats and people have shared homes for over 9000 years. Research from Washington University, St. Louis, explains that one way we can understand feline domestication’s genetics is by understanding what parts of the genome are altered in response to living together with humans.
The study adds that “Cats, unlike dogs, are really only semi -domesticated,” said senior author Wes Warren, Ph.D., associate professor of genetics at The Genome Institute at Washington University.
“They only recently split off from wild cats, and some even still breed with their wild relatives. So we were surprised to find DNA evidence of their domestication.” In this study, the researchers compared the genes of wild cats to domesticated cats and looked for specific regions of the domestic cat genome that differed a lot.
Past cat genome studies found that behaviors like memory, fear, and reward-seeking behaviors were important in the domestication process. That said, they found that cats that would have usually preferred staying out in the wild had an incentive to stay with humans and become domesticated.
This was funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which began in 2007. The project’s initial goal was to study hereditary diseases in domestic cats, which are similar in some cases to those that afflict humans, including neurological disorders and infectious and metabolic diseases.
The study explains that “to better understand characteristics of domestication, the researchers sequenced the genomes of select purebred domestic cats. Hallmarks of their domestication include features such as hair color, texture and patterns, as well as facial structure and how docile a cat is. Cats are bred for many of these types of characteristics. In fact, most modern breeds are the result of humans breeding cats for their favorite hair patterns.”
The researchers concluded in this study that “Even though the genomes of domestic cats have changed little since their split from wild cats, the new work shows that it is still possible to see evidence of the species’ more recent domestication.
“Using advanced genome sequencing technology, we were able to shed light on the genetic signatures of cats’ unique biology and survival skills.” “And we were able to significantly jump start our knowledge about the evolution of cat domestication.”
Breed Information & Wild Cat Index
When you receive your Basepaws review, you’ll get information about your cat’s heritage and ancestry. This is done by comparing your cat’s genetic information to other cat breeds. All-in-all, the Basepaws Wild Cat Index is crafted to give you a breakdown of your cat’s genetic DNA by comparing your cat’s genetic information to other domesticated cat breeds like the Maine Coon and American Shorthair. The Basepaws Wild Cat Index shows you how your cat ranks in similarity to other wild cats.
Wild Cat Index Report Interpretation
The Basepaws breeds and wild cats report features the feral cats that have been compared to your furry best friend and are listed in the order of best match. To best understand how this works, Basepaws explains that if your cat has a higher than 50% percentage match to the wild cat, your cat shares more DNA to the particular wildcat than the average domesticated cat. If your cat has a higher than 50% ranking, Basepaws adds that unexpected inheritance and hybrids are reasons for this. Here’s the take with the Wild Cat Index and high percentage rankings:
Random Inheritance
If you receive a report that shows your cat has a high percentage of a wild cat, this is because your cat may be closely related to a particular wild cat. Most domesticated cats will show -95.6 similarity of their DNA with lions or a parallel close to this with a few variations. Some cats will have a higher percentage, while others will have a lower rate and inherit less.
This is due to the random chance of inheritance where a kitten will inherit half of its DNA from each parent, yet the halves it gets results from unexpected combinations of their DNA. It’s because of this randomness that one ancestor will pass more or less of their DNA than other ancestors to their kittens.
Hybrids
Different cats will mate and produce to create hybrid kittens like the Bengals and the Savannah cat breed. If there is a very high match, this could result from one of the cat’s ancestors being a hybrid or a wildcat. Basepaws adds that the Savannah cat breed has a very high ranking in the Wild Cat Index for Servals. This is because the Serval is a recent ancestor to the Savannah. What we liked most about Basepaws DNA kits are the three testing options, of which two are reasonably priced. Here are the main features and pros and cons of this test.
An Amazon review added, “I purchased this kit, because I have a 18 lb, green eyed, long haired cat, whom everyone asks me about. “Is she a Maine Coon?” “Is she part Maine Coon?” I had no idea as to her lineage, as I found her struggling for her survival on the street and had no idea who her parents were. I decided this kit might give me some answers, but just for fun, as I love my cat no matter her lineage. She turned out not to be a Maine Coon, but showed similar ancestry to Ragdolls. Believable, as she’s very people friendly and almost acts like a dog. However, the most important part of this test is the health reports. I’ve sent a copy to her veterinarian, so that we can be on the lookout for anything she may be predisposed to and to have the vet give suggestions as to how to avoid certain outcomes. I’m very happy with the test and recommend it to anyone with concerns about their cat’s health or curiosity about their lineage.”
Research
According to Pet Obesity Research, cats that are as little as 2 pounds above your cat’s ideal weight are at risk for developing severe medical conditions. They add that the most common weight-related disorders include the following:
- Type 2 diabetes – a cat with obesity is at least three times more likely to develop than a severe disease as a cat of healthy weight
- Kidney disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- Many forms of cancer – especially intra-abdominal cancers
Common Health Disorders in Cats
A study from the University of Helsinki adds that cats’ most common issues affect their mouth and include dental and oral diseases (28%). They examined dental calculus and gingivitis, which involved cats often at 21% and 8 %. That said, apart from oral issues in cats,when you run a cat DNA test, you can become proactive in your cat’s health by understanding which diseases may become problematic.
Basepaws checks for 17 genetic diseases, which are as follows:
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
- Gangliosidosis
- Factor XII deficiency
- Cystinuria
- Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Mucopolysaccharidosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Mannosidosis
- Niemann-Pick disease
- Myotonia
- Vitamin D-deficiency rickets
- Porphyria
- Retinal degeneration
- Primary hyperoxaluria
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency of erythrocyte
The Helsinki Study
This study also identified a further 60 feline diseases that are particular to feline breeds. Only 6 of these diseases had known genetic mutations. The Helsinki study adds that the Korat cat breed had a prevalence of asthma and that the Ragdoll was prone to urinary tract disease.
The study demonstrated that the British Shorthair was a calmer cat breed and that Bengals and Turkish Vans were more aggressive. Research showed that the cat breeds had diverged morphologically and behaviorally after cat breeds were divided into four groups, with 5726 cats participating in the Helsinki study.
The researchers add that “Dog studies have also found low to moderate heritability in behavior traits. Furthermore, the estimated genetic correlations among several behavior traits have also been high,” via Nature.com.
The study says that cat breeding was historically based on selecting particular cats from locally adapted populations and allowing these “favorable types” to reproduce. The study says that it is because of this that many cats are still genetically close to the landrace cats that they were bred from.
If you look at the Oriental cat breeds like the Siamese, Burmese, and Korat, they were bred from the Asian landrace cats and are genetically distinct from other cat breeds. The researchers add that the Siberian and Norwegian Forest Cat that was first developed in Northern Europe from local landrace cats “still genetically resemble the random-bred populations of their origin.
Some cat breeds, however, have a more extended breeding history. One of the first established cat breeds was the brachycephalic Persian, with a selection for round heads and eyes, long hair, and a short face starting in the late 19th century.
The breed has since been used in the selective breeding of other registered purebred cats, such as Exotic, British Shorthair, Selkirk Rex, and Scottish Fold, and the shared history of these breeds is still seen in genetic clustering.”
The researchers explain that “The breeds with a shared genetic background may resemble each other not only in morphological traits but also in behavior. On the other hand, many similar morphological traits have been favored around the world (for example, long hair, bright colored eyes, short tail, “blue” coat, and white coat) and convergent evolution may lead to similar behavior types in genetically distinct cat breeds.”
Breed Differences in Social Behavior
According to the same Helsinki research paper, the logistic regression analysis detected differences in cat breeds concerning social behavior. The researchers explain this by adding, “British Shorthairs had the highest probability for decreased contact to people whereas Korats had the lowest probability.
Turkish Vans were the most likely to display aggression towards people. In contrast, British Shorthairs (and Persians and Cornish Rex cats had the lowest probability rates for aggression to strangers. The study adds that the Turkish Van cat breed had the highest probability of aggression to other cats, and the Persian were unlikely to be aggressive.
Cornish Rex cats in trait’ aggression to strangers’) had the lowest probability for aggression. Turkish Vans also had the highest likelihood of aggression towards other cats. In contrast, Persian and ‘other’ cats (consisting of cats belonging to any different breed) were unlikely aggressive. Russian Blue cats had the highest probability for shyness towards strangers whereas Burmese cats had the lowest probability.”
The Helsinki study explains that phenotypic correlations were detected in all cat breeds regarding extraversion traits, human-directed aggression, and shyness towards strangers. “All cat breeds showed positive genetic correlations between human-directed aggression traits and between shyness traits.
Furthermore, Ragdolls and Maine Coons showed a positive genetic correlation between contact to people and activity level. Maine Coons also showed a positive genetic correlation between aggression to family members and aggression to other cats, and a negative genetic correlation between contact to people and shyness towards strangers.”
This is the first study to examine behavior heritability in cats, which is different than dog studies that have been done in multiple studies. In the Helsinki study, the researchers looked at the genetic correlation within personality factors and found significant genetic correlations, mainly personality factors. This shows that traits are both phenotypically and genetically associated.
The fun part of the Basepaws cat DNA is that it allows cat parents to find out more about their cat’s ancestral makeup via genetic testing and show you what health issues your cat may be prone to. That said, you can then work together with your vet to combat potential health issues through diet, supplementation, exercise, and so forth.
The Breed & Health DNA Test $149
The most important thing you can do after receiving your report is to check to see if your cat has any of the mutations responsible for 17 common health conditions and diseases. The most serious of these to look out for is polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can be a deadly condition and is found in around 30 to 38% of Persians worldwide. Basepaws your cat’s DNA against their continuously growing database of highly sequenced pedigreed cat DNA.
Key Features
. Fast & straightforward cheek swab test
. Cost-effective for a multi-pet household
. It can help you identify a genetically predisposed condition like polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), retinal degeneration, myotonia, and more.
. A health test looks at 39 markers for genetic mutation carriers and checks to see if there is a predisposition to 17 diseases.
. New health details an added feature
. The test is crafted to allow for free reports as the company expands.
. Reputable genetics company with thousands of positive reviews
Pros
. Includes comparison of 4 main breed groups & 21 individual breeds.
. Features a chromosome map and wild cat index
. Priced right
. The testing kit is simple and easy to use, with a 4- 6-week result timeline.
. The report includes health recommendations
. Free shipping in the U.S
. Kit contains a soft and gentle cotton swab for saliva.
. Offers a one-on-one 20- minute phone call with a Basepaws veterinarian
Cons
. Results may take longer.
How Accurate is Basepaws?
Today, it isn’t easy to find accurate information about your cat’s DNA. We find that dog DNA testing kits are more popular and that our primary focus has been on dog DNA. That said, Basepaws offers not only good value for money but also yields comprehensive test results. Basepaws breaks the results down into chunks allowing you to quickly find the sections that you’re most interested in.
You’ll get your results via your email. What’s great about the health and wellness test results is that each result yields key prices of important information that’s easy to understand. We find that Basepaws is one of the best-rated cat DNA tests priced similarly to human DNA tests. It also explains why there is less information regarding your cat’s ancestry information than dogs or humans.
Questions
How to Take a Sample?
It’s quite simple! All you get to do is take a quick 5-second cheek swab once you receive your kit. Then after you send it back, you get to wait for the results. This is a non-invasive method where you have to follow the simple instructions printed on the inside of your Basepaws cat DNA kit to easily collect your cat’s DNA sample by gently swabbing the inside of their cheek. Here’s the take from Basepaws:
1. Activate your CatKit online. This is the MOST IMPORTANT STEP!
2. Collect a DNA sample with a cheek swab. It only takes 5 seconds!
3. Mail us your sample via USPS or international shipping.
4. Receive your report in 4-6 weeks from when we receive your sample.
How to Read Basepaws Results?
Each report consists of 35+ detailed pages that describe each feline illness. The information will show you if your feline is a carrier, and if so, whether he is at risk or high risk. The health marker report includes breed families, disease markers, health recommendations, and the Wild Cat Index. You also get to speak to a Basepaws veterinarian over the phone about your cat’s genetic health predisposition to certain illnesses and diseases.
What If You’ve Sent Your Kit Back Without Activating Your Basepaws Account?
If you still have the code, you can even activate it, but if you no longer have the activation code, then you’ll need to get a new kit. The activation code is printed on the tube and the back of the activation card. First, you’ll need to set up your account and activate your kit before sending back your cheek swab DNA sample; otherwise, your sample cannot be processed.
How Accurate is Basepaws?
Basepaws features 79% positive reviews, and feline pet parents seem to find the Basepaws Shark Tank DNA kit reliable and accurate. They enjoyed the Wild Cat index and commented on how they were notified each step of the way while waiting for the results.
Final Thoughts
Basepaws is one of the most comprehensive and accurate cat DNA testing kits around. Simply put, Basepaws uses high coverage whole genome sequencing pedigree feline data to generate a genetic proximity map. This map visualizes the differences in cat breed genomic differences.
If you’re curious about the Wild Cat Index, you’ll have to keep in mind that all cats around the world share the same common ancestor that eventually resulted in the development of 37 well-known cat breeds today.
Let’s just say that if you’ve recently adopted a new furry best friend, the Basepaws DNA test kit tests your cat for genetic health markers that are associated with health disorders allowing you to prevent or slow down a specific health condition and allow for your cat to live a longer and healthier life while working together with your veterinarian.
The Basepaws cat DNA Shark Tank kit seems like a worthwhile investment that will allow you to work together with your vet to target optimal veterinary care toward specific health conditions.
References
https://petobesityprevention.org/weight-loss-cats
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141110161042.htm