How to DNA test your cat.
Uncover a new world of knowledge in just four easy steps.
4 Easy Steps. One Comprehensive Report.
Activate
Register your kit with your profile using the code included with it.
Collect
Swab for 15 seconds to gather a DNA sample.
Send
Mail your samples to our lab using the prepaid mailer.
Results
We'll email you a report 2-3 weeks' time.
Step 1
Activate your kit
Activate your kit online using the code included and register your profile.
Step 2
Swab their cheek to gather DNA. Here’s how to get the best sample:
- Swab your pet’s cheek for at least 15 seconds.
- Inspect their mouth for any debris or rogue treats.
- Avoid touching the end of the swab with your hands.
- Firmly roll and rotate the swab inside their cheek.
- Apply gentle pressure from the outside of their cheek.
- Allow the swabs to dry for at least five minutes.
Step 3
Send your sample to our lab using the prepaid mailer.
Once we get your pet’s DNA, the science starts. Our labs are CLIA-certified, which means our geneticists handle each sample with human-grade equipment. Here’s what goes down behind the scenes:
- We determine the complete set of genes found in your dog or cat (AKA genotyping)
- We screen their sample against the world’s largest breed database to ensure the most accurate results
- We create a clear breakdown of your pet’s results.
Step 4
Understand their results.
After 2-3 weeks, you will receive a comprehensive report with results for the disease, trait and diversity testing and much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend waiting at least two hours after feeding your pet a meal or treat to swab. (Water is fine—no delay necessary.) This helps ensure you get an uncontaminated sample.
You might not see anything on the swabs. But if you followed the instructions above, you likely captured plenty of genetic material. Regardless, our lab performs quality checks on every sample prior to analysis. So, in the unlikely event that yours don’t have enough high-quality DNA for processing, we’ll let you know.
To prevent scratches or sudden escapes, try wrapping your cat’s body in a blanket or towel (AKA, cat burrito) before you swab. And be sure to have treats on hand to reward a job well done afterward! Find more tips in our full FAQs →