Getting Beau’s DNA Checked (Basepaws)

*please note: we still haven’t received any results yet. This has been updated on 1/31/18

*please note: I have written an updated article about Basepaws here. This has been updated on 3/20/18

Hey Pet Parents & Pet Lovers,

We were recently contacted by a cool company called Basepaws that helps kitty owners like you find out more about their little ones through their DNA. (I was planning on taking photos of every step, but unfortunately, as we were doing this close to sunset, a lot of the photos didn’t turn out properly… so hopefully you don’t mind this text heavy article!)

 

How much does it cost?

Currently, Basepaw’s DNA kit retails for $95 per cat but provides you with plenty of information about your little one.

 

What kind of samples do they need?

Basepaw uses hair samples to analyse your little one. The kit provides two adhesives you place on their back for about two minutes and will remove some fur collecting the root samples needed.

Doesn’t that hurt the cat?

No, it shouldn’t! When we tried it with Beau the first time we pulled the tape too slowly, which caused him to let out a little yelp. Learning from our mistakes, we made sure to pull the second sample faster (and against the grain) which made it a lot easier on Beau. When contacting the team we also asked them for any advice they can give to our readers and they stated:

I always recommend to pet your cat as much as possible and give him some tasty reward before and after. They usually are not afraid of the process as it is painful, the most stressful part is that noise coming from the tape.

That being said, even though we had a mini hiccup with Beau, he was fine immediately after and was sitting and cooing in my lap.

But what can the DNA tell me?

Basepaws is working at building a large registry of cat DNA that compares all the different cats. Although there won’t be many differences from cat to cat, some pieces of DNA link to specific diseases or traits that may be helpful to diagnose your kitty later in life. You’re also helping a company figure out the purpose of genes they wouldn’t have been able to study in the past.

So, if I do this early on, I’m not going to benefit as much?

False. Once you join Basepaws they will provide you with an online report that gets updated as they discover more. So, yes, while you may subscribe to this earlier on, you won’t be missing out on anything! You’d also be helping provide information that may prove useful to other kitty owners who are trying to find out hidden information about their little ones.

Do Basepaws do any other forms of testing?

Yes, they absolutely do! Those, unfortunately, aren’t covered in the basic testings that we participated in, however, if you check out their How it Works page you can read about the other testings they do and what they can discover from them.

 

Still nervous about trying? Well, don’t worry! We’ll let you know what comes of Beau’s DNA! We’d love to let you know what’s going on in his little body! Sound interesting to you? Well, why not head over to them right now and order your kit! They are also giving away some free DNA tests for kitties with specific health issues. Check out the page and see if you qualify. If you do, I strongly recommend taking the offer as you may be helping kitties all around the world.