Veterinarians, breeders and cat lovers seeking feline DNA testing to improve the health of cats can now turn to CatGENES.org, a cooperative effort created by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Texas A&M University Animal Genetics Laboratory and DNA Diagnostics Inc. The new company offers prepaid sample collection kits through an online ordering system and keeps all cats’ information confidential.
CatGENES.org services provide the VeriSNP universal genetic evaluation, which scans the DNA for:
- Parentage verification, when needed
- Inherited diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, mucopolysaccharidoses type VI & VI mild, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Albino and cinnamon-red traits
- Identification of Siamese points, Burmese, chocolate-brown
The specific genes for additional colors, diseases and performance are currently being mapped and will be added as they become available.
One DNA sample collection kit, which costs $39, is required for each cat to be tested. Each kit contains a hair collection kit and/or two cheek swabs. Results are mailed to the customer two to three weeks after the collection kits are received by the laboratory.