DNA test for cats is now very popular in recent years because of relatively affordable at-home DNA labs that will tell you much more about you, your genetic history, and perhaps even extended family. However, now, many DNA tests which are intended to help you find out more about the history of your beloved pet cat are also hitting the market, driving many cat owners to question whether or not they should also send their feline to a DNA lab. While there’s no real answer for this, it all comes down to how personal you want to feel about the results. For most people, the answer is yes. After all, once a cat’s DNA is collected from its fur under a sterile environment, it can be shipped off for analysis in a matter of days. Therefore, there’s no reason not to send a sample of your cat’s DNA to a lab for analysis.
In the days before DNA analysis was invented, pet owners had to rely on other sources, such as veterinarians and animal breeders. These professionals usually kept detailed records of every pet that they had in their possession, including information about birth dates and weights. Unfortunately, since these professionals relied so heavily on these documents, they sometimes made mistakes, as well. For example, they might miss a cat’s issue if it was only a minor problem, or they might incorrectly record a cat’s illness as being one that was common in that breed at the time of birth.
Today, it’s much easier to retrieve complete and accurate historical cat genetics information because of the wealth of online resources available today. There are literally dozens of online resources that allow you to download complete and comprehensive reports on cat genetics information. For a modest one-time fee, you can access many such databases, including information on pedigrees, bloodlines, pedigrees, and genetic histories. These comprehensive guides provide you with everything you need to know about the history of your pet. They also include photographs, illustrations, and (for genetic studies) detailed descriptions of each genetic trait.
A brief discussion of some feline DNA tests reveals how useful they can be in determining whether your cat is healthy or not. Feline DNA tests can reveal whether genetic abnormalities such as congenital heart defects, cystic fibrosis, cataracts, or cancer in the genes or tissues are present in your pet. You can even obtain health records for comparisons with known ancestors. A thorough genetic history review is undoubtedly a valuable part of the overall health history package.
Of course, it’s also possible to discover whether your cat is diseased even before performing any DNA testing on its health conditions. Asking your vet about common diseases in cats is a great first step. He’ll likely be able to tell you whether a particular disease has an evident genetic link to your cat. DNA testing can then be used to identify whether this disease is indeed prevalent in cats.
Once you’ve confirmed whether your cat has one or more genetic diseases, you should ask your vet about obtaining a simple DNA test for cats (which can be done in saliva samples). The test will confirm whether or not your cat possesses a genetic predisposition to certain diseases and will provide you with the peace of mind necessary to make well-informed decisions regarding the care of your pet. With a good DNA analysis, you’ll be able to spot potential health problems early, take corrective measures, and avoid the serious financial burden associated with emergency veterinary treatment.
