Description of the video
Proactive Pet Care

Whole Genome Sequencing

Regular price
Sale price
Quantity must be 1 or more

High-depth whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the most comprehensive method of genome analysis, yielding 10,000 times more raw data than other DNA tests.

Decode your cat’s complete genome and get answers specific to their unique breed composition, traits, and health. Know your cat better and avoid surprises with earlier disease detection. Share results with your vet to create an individualized treatment plan for the long-term happiness and well-being of your cat!

Free two-way shipping for U.S. orders. Ships in 1-2 business days.

Full access to the raw data (sent on USB drive), plus our Breed + Health Cat DNA Report

Steps to High-Depth Whole Genome Sequencing

Step 1

Sample collection

We will send you a Basepaws CatKit for DNA sample collection. The kit consists of a single buccal swab for collecting your cat’s inner cheek cells. Detailed instructions on sample collection are printed on the inside of the kit. Please wait at least 1 hour after your cat has had anything to eat or drink before using the kit.

Step 2

Sample arrives in the lab

You will receive an email when your sample has reached our lab.

STEP 3 (2-3 DAYS)

DNA quality check

We will extract your cat’s DNA and perform quality checks.

STEP 4 (4 WEEKS)

Sequencing quality check

We will prepare your cat’s DNA for WGS and perform a low-pass sequencing run to further assess the quality of the sample.

STEP 5 (3 WEEKS)

High-depth whole genome sequencing

If your cat’s sample passes the sequencing quality check, we will proceed with high-depth whole genome sequencing of the sample.

Please allow up to 9 weeks to receive your data. If your sample fails any of our quality checks, you will be notified and advised on next steps.

What do you get with our WGS service?

What do you get with our WGS service?

  • Your cat’s raw whole genome sequencing data on a secure thumb drive:
    • a variant file (.VCF file format) describing all found genomic variants
    • raw sequencing data (FASTQ format) representing at least 15X coverage of the genome
  • Updated online breed profile and health marker reports.
  • Large volumes of data that could inform new genetic health and trait marker discoveries. Your cat's DNA can directly contribute to the advancement of feline genetics!
Easy, clear results delivered to your email

Easy, clear results delivered to your email

Read Sample Report

How does WGS compare to other genotyping methods?

High-depth WGS is the gold standard in genomics and is the most comprehensive way to obtain genetic information. It decodes 100% of the genome. In contrast, most commercially available DNA tests rely on a technology called DNA microarrays and typically decode only 0.01% - 0.02% of the genome. This means that with high-depth WGS, you will have access to ALL of your cat’s genomic data – a treasure trove for future discoveries as feline genetics progresses.

DNA Microarrays

Technology used by most human and animal DNA testing services

A small, but consistent set of genetic markers is used for genotyping every sample

 

Missing genetic information

Low-pass whole genome sequencing + imputation

Low-pass whole genome sequencing + imputation

The genome is sequenced at a low depth, identifying a wide, but variable set of genetic markers

Genetic markers in areas of insufficient coverage are computationally imputed based on known patterns of marker co-inheritance

 

Computationally derived/ imputed genetic information

High-depth whole genome sequencing

Technology used in Basepaws’ whole genome sequencing service

The complete genome is sequenced at a high depth (15X)

All genetic information is obtained

 

Available genetic information

NEW
Genetic Health Markers & Blood Type Screening.
The upgraded digital report will provide results for over 114 known feline genetic markers (64 markers for disease and 50 markers for traits), including new markers for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats. Another new feature includes genetic markers for blood type. Knowledge of a cat’s blood type can be helpful to the cat breeding process as well as support life-saving medical decisions, such as when a cat needs an emergency blood transfusion.
    Genetic Health Markers & Blood Type Screening.
    Let Their Genome Do the Talking.
    CHROMOSOME MAP AND BREED GROUPS
    Let Their Genome Do the Talking.
    What part of your cat genome is similar to a Western Maine Coon? An Eastern Burmese? Or a perfectly adorable polycat? Using our world-class feline genomic database, Basepaws can estimate your tabby’s genomic similarity to more than 21 breed types and 4 breed regions.
      A HEALTHY CAT IS A HAPPY CAT
      A Healthy Cat is a Happy Cat.
      Your cats won't tell you when they're sick. We test for 64 genetic health markers, reporting on mutation carrier status and predisposition to 43 diseases.
      • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
      • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
      • Retinal degeneration
      • Myotonia
      A Healthy Cat is a Happy Cat.
      Dental disease. It's a reality for most cats.
      PROACTIVE PET CARE
      Dental disease. It's a reality for most cats.
      Your cat can’t raise their paw and tell you their mouth hurts. Because of this ability to hide pain, usually when they exhibit the common signs, the disease is advanced and needs medical attention. This makes oral microbiome testing so critical, especially for cats!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Whole Genome Sequencing CatKit provides your cat's complete, future-proof genetic information, yielding roughly 10,000 times more raw data than other DNA tests. WGS captures complex genetic variants, many of which might be missed with other genotyping methods, for future exploration of your cat’s genetics. Once you received WGS CatKit in the mail, follow the detailed instructions for sample collection and barcode registration located on the inside of the CatKit box. After collecting your sample, send it back to us in the provided prepaid packaging. We will notify you via email once your sample is received.

        Your report will be available in 4-6 weeks from the date your sample arrives at our laboratory. We are working on trying to shorten this time frame as much as possible. In the rare cases where a sample fails internal quality checks and needs to be reprocessed, we will contact you regarding the next steps. Long-term, we plan to provide the results within 4 weeks. Every sample helps us create the biggest database of feline genetic data and will contribute to new discoveries in feline health.

        Breed is among our top priorities. We test by analyzing your cat’s DNA sample to uncover how genetically similar it is to the DNA of 21 different modern-day purebred cat breeds, as well as to all the other cat DNA samples we receive from customers just like you. Not all breeds are included (yet!), but we work with top breeders to get enough viable DNA samples from other breeds so that we might include them in our panel in the future. As we expand our kitty community, your cat's report findings will continue to be refined and show an ever-evolving breed percentage profile. Take a look at our sample report to get an idea of how we provide a percentage breakdown of your cat's shared genetic similarity with top 21 modern-day purebred breeds.

        Yes. For all orders in the continental U.S., a pre-paid return shipping label is included in every kit. Simply register your kit, swab your cat, and send it back to us.

        *INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS outside of the U.S.: Return postage is NOT included.

        Yes! We charge $15 for International shipping (return shipping NOT included).

        PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee that you will or will not be charged any customs taxes or duties. Any customs or import duties are charged once the parcel reaches its destination country. These charges must be paid by the recipient of the parcel. This applies only to International and Canadian orders.

        Yes! Ping us at meow@basepaws.com and we will help you with that.

        Keep your cat's health care top-of-mind by making at-home care a priority!

        Keep your cat's health care top-of-mind by making at-home care a priority!

        Add to cart