What Will Mudpie's DNA Reveal?

Earlier this fall our friends over at the Pets Overload blog introduced us to a company called Basepaws which has created a DNA testing kit for cats. The end of the post revealed that Basepaws was looking for cats with specific health issues, and when I saw that asthma was one of them I reached out to find out how we could get Mudpie's DNA tested. All I needed to provide was appropriate documentation confirming the diagnosis from my vet and a kit was sent our way.

How It Works

Your cat’s health is shaped by 3 main factors: nutrition, environment and genetics. While as cat owners we have some control over the first 2, a cat's ancestry determines their genetics, and just like with us humans there's not a thing we can do to change it.

Almost every cell in your cat’s body contains your cat’s unique genetic code. Testing these genetics can give you important information about their breed, ancestry, physical & personality traits, health, and potential hereditary diseases. Knowledge is power, so how amazing would it be to have the ability to plan ahead or even prevent health issues that may arise later in life?

In spite of this scientists haven't spent much time on feline genetics, which is where Basepaws comes in by building a feline DNA database. While more than 99% of your cat’s genetic sequence will be similar to every other cat, it’s the small differences that make your cat unique. Some sections of DNA contain genes that have already been studied and are linked to specific diseases or physical traits. Other sections contain genes that are unknown, and having the ability to study these genes will help to bring new discoveries in cat health.

What You'll Learn About Your Cat

The initial report you'll receive will tell you how related your cat is to select cat breeds and wildcats. They will also be able to identify if your cat has abnormalities in a few important genes. Within the next year, Basepaws will be able to tell you more comprehensively about their breed and genetic predispositions for diseases. Their personality and physical traits will also be covered in the reports. Predictive algorithms will help you identify the diets and products that are most appropriate for your cat's genetic make-up.

About the Basepaws CatKit

Each kit costs $95 and includes detailed instructions and hair-collection adhesive strips. Once your cat has been tested they will be added to the Basepaws database and receive a lifetime of benefits. Within a couple months you will receive a detailed report by email, and wiith ongoing research as more data comes in, you will continue to receive reports – and you only pay once!

Mudpie Gets Tested

I was a bit apprehensive about sticking the adhesives on Mudpie's back even though I was assured that it wouldn't hurt. I waited until one night when she was at her most relaxed on the bed to apply them, then pet her for a couple minutes over the strips before pulling the tape off. As promised it didn't appear to hurt at all, she just seemed a bit surprised by the noise, then proceeded to wash the spot thoroughly as she knew something had been there that didn't belong! 

Armed with Mudpie's hair sample I activated the kit online and mailed the adhesive strips back to Basepaws. Now comes the hard part - waiting for my little girl's first report! I can't wait to see what it reveals about her over the coming months and years (besides that fact that she's total purrfection, which I already know). We'll be sure to let you know what we find out every step of the way! 

If learning about your cat's genetics interests you as much as I does me I hope you'll consider purchasing a Basepaws CatKit. The more participants in the study, the more information Basepaws will be able to gather and the more breakthroughs in cat science they will be able to make, creating a better world for cats (and their humans).

To learn more about Basepaws visit them online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

What would you hope to learn about your cat through their genetic profile?

Disclaimer: We received a free Basepaws CatKit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own and we never recommend a product we don’t fully believe in.