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What Can You Learn from a Pet DNA Test?

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  October 25th, 2024

By now, you have probably heard quite a bit about pet DNA tests. These products are designed specifically for cats and dogs, they are easy to use, and they are affordable. The overall goal of a dog DNA test or cat DNA test is to gain greater insight into your pet’s ancestry, potential health concerns, and more.


Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the main things you can learn from a pet DNA test, and how you can use that information to help your canine or feline companion.  

SV Production/Shutterstock

Breed Information and Ancestry


Of course, you can have your pet’s DNA tested if they are a purebred from a reputable breeder, as this will give you even more information about them. But if you have a mixed breed cat or dog, perhaps one that you adopted from a shelter, you might be wondering about their background and the breeds that contributed to their personality and appearance, and that’s one thing that a pet DNA test can tell you.


Breed details can be helpful because they can tell you about various aspects of your pet’s demeanor, health, and needs. You can then use that information to provide better care to your companion.


Some dog and cat DNA tests will even be able to tell you about your pet’s ancestors, going back a few generations to show you how your furry friend came to be. And some reports also give additional historical information about your pet’s ancestors.


Plus, you might be able to find some of your pet’s current relatives with options like the Embark Dog DNA Test. Basically, when a company tests your pet’s DNA, they might also search through their database to compare the results of your pet’s test with others that have already been completed. If they find any matches, such as your companion’s siblings, they can tell you and you can decide if you want to connect with them.

Health Information


One of the most useful aspects of a pet DNA test is its ability to pinpoint potential health problems and genetic conditions that can impact your dog or cat. This means that you can go a step further than merely using your pet’s breed(s) to figure out risk factors for various ailments—certain breeds are more susceptible to certain health problems, but every animal is a unique individual, and a variety of factors beyond breed will play a role in the overall health of your pet.


When you have a clearer understanding of health risks, you can take smarter steps toward keeping your pet healthy at every stage of their life. A DNA test can shed light on genetic conditions, drug sensitivities, and more, and can even tell you your pet’s blood type.


All of this can help you make better choices for your pet’s activity and diet on a day-to-day basis. And you and your veterinarian can work together to provide the highest quality care for preventing and treating health problems.


A good example is the Wisdom Panel Complete for Cats DNA Collection Kit, which tests for more than 45 genetic health conditions. It also tells you your cat’s genetic diversity, identifies your kitty’s blood type, and more.

Another option is the Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA Test, which includes an oral health report that sheds light on your cat’s risk for periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and halitosis. Or, you can go with the brand’s pricier but more comprehensive Whole Genome Sequencing for Cats.

Physical Traits and Behaviors


Pet DNA tests can give you information about your pet’s physical traits, such as their eye color, size, and coat color and type. So, you can begin to understand the genetic factors that played a role in those features. And if your pet has rare features (e.g., you have a polydactyl cat with extra toes), you can find out why by learning about their genes.  


In addition, some of these tests can help you understand your pet’s behaviors better, which can be useful when it comes to caring for them and training them properly. The Wisdom Panel Premium Dog DNA Collection Kit is a canine DNA test that looks for 15 behavioral predispositions, such as social tendencies, fear and anxiety, and propensity for weight gain.

Choose the Dog or Cat DNA Test That’s Right for You


Today, you can choose from multiple pet DNA tests, whether you are looking for one for your dog or cat. Popular options include those from Basepaws, Embark, and Wisdom Panel. Bear in mind that some dog and cat DNA tests are more expensive than others, and some will provide more details than others. So, compare your options to find the one that fits your budget and will tell you what you want to know. And, no matter which DNA test you choose, follow the directions closely to get accurate results.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two separate pet food recalls over fears of bacterial contamination that could cause health issues in pets and, in some cases, death.The first recall notice involves pet food for cats and dogs, and the second notice involves pet food for hedgehogs.A popular online pet food company, Viva Raw LLC of Hillsborough, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled five of its cat and dog foods over the fears that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to an announcement on the FDA website, the recalled products include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. All of the recalled products were manufactured under Lot 21244. The products involved in the recall were packed in clear packaging and shipped as frozen, one-pound bricks. The expiration date wasn’t listed on any of the packaging. The recalled cat and dog food was distributed to customers in all 50 states, including the Columbia district. Listeria was discovered in the food after the FDA conducted sample testing on Viva Turkey for Dogs. All pet food products from the same lot should have been destroyed, but the company claims some items were ‘inadvertently released from the warehouse’ to customers. According to the FDA press release: “Viva Raw is notifying all customers who were shipped any Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024. No illnesses related to this lot have been reported to date.”  Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause Listeriosis in humans. Listeriosis is a serious infection that causes vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Pregnant women, young children, and old and sick people are at most risk of developing severe complications. In cats and dogs, this bacteria can cause diarrhea, anorexia, and fever. Some animals can also experience depression, miscarriage, and death.In addition to becoming sick, pets who consume the contaminated food can also become carriers, spreading listeria through their saliva and feces and infecting people and animals they come in contact with.In its notice, the FDA advises owners not to feed these contaminated products to pets. Also, you shouldn’t touch these products with your bare hands. Use gloves or paper towels to dump the product in a sealed bag and then disinfect all the surfaces that have come into contact with it.The second recall involves various lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food. The Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Wisconsin, Ohio, has voluntarily recalled some lots of various hedgehog foods, as they may be contaminated with Salmonella.According to the notice, the recalled products were distributed in many states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans and animals. In humans, the most common symptoms of Salmonella are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. However, this bacteria can cause even more serious issues in people, including arthritis, endocarditis, arterial infections, and more. Pets suffering from a Salmonella infection can experience fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Some infected animals don’t exhibit any symptoms, but can be carriers of Salmonella and spread it to other people and pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

We’ve all seen the funny social media videos of pets “greening out” after ingesting some weed, but can marijuana be dangerous for your cat? While it’s typically not fatal, marijuana toxicity can create a stressful situation for both you and your feline friend. In some cases, it can also have severe consequences. This guide will share the essential information you need to know about cats and marijuana, including the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in cats, understanding the potential risks, and, most importantly, knowing what steps to take if your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t. Plus, we’ll discuss cat-friendly CBD products and share tips for calming your cat safely and effectively. Let’s get started… Is Marijuana Bad for Cats? With the growing number of states legalizing marijuana, this is a question that we have been hearing more frequently. Is marijuana toxic for cats? Should you be concerned if you accidentally leave something out and your cat now appears to be high? The short answer is yes! Cats are particularly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects (the relaxed, euphoric feeling that you experience). Plus, their small size means it takes significantly less to affect them. In most cases, if caught and addressed quickly, your cat will fully recover from marijuana toxicity. However, it can lead to long-term and even life-threatening complications. How Are Cats Exposed to Marijuana? In nearly all cases of marijuana toxicity, the affected cat wasn’t given marijuana to ingest. Instead, they get into something they shouldn’t, leading to trouble. There are several ways your cat may be exposed. If you or your friends/family smoke, ensure your cat is safely contained in another room. Even inhaling the second-hand smoke can have serious consequences. You can reduce the risk even further by placing a rolled towel along the bottom of the door to your cat’s safe room to block any smoke from entering. If you smoke outdoors, check first to ensure all windows are closed. Keep all marijuana and edibles up and out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures prone to nibbling on things they discover around the house. This includes live plants, dried weed products, marijuana-infused products, and even discarded joints. Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Cats Most cases of marijuana toxicity aren’t identified because you see your cat nibbling on the offending product. Instead, it often starts with noticing that your cat is acting “off” and discovering the cause of trouble after a careful investigation. As cat parents, we should familiarize ourselves with the most common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for will allow us to identify and address the problem sooner. This includes: Drooling VomitingDilated pupils Extreme sleepiness or excitement Agitation, anxiety, or depressionExcessive vocalizationLoss of coordination or balanceLow blood pressure Slow heart rateLow body temperature TwitchingSeizures or comaSome cats will simply act "off." You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your gut, even if you can't pinpoint the exact signs or symptoms.

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