Breeder-focused and backed by science. All essential genetic tests for your cat, all in one place.
At TICA, we celebrate every cat’s unique genetic story, and by ordering a cat DNA test from us, you’ll understand your cat’s genetic health, parentage, blood type, genetic diversity, and unique traits that make them as special as you know them to be. And by unlocking these invaluable and actionable insights, you will be empowered to make more informed decisions for your cat’s well-being and happiness.
Whether you’re a breeder enhancing your breeding program or a cat lover exploring more about your feline friend, our reliable and precise results are here to guide you.
40+ genetic
disease tests
20+ trait tests
Test for
blood type
Genetic diversity
information
Optimal Selection™ and MyCatDNA ™ are an all-in-one DNA genetic testing service, brought to you by Wisdom Panel™. Optimize your breeding outcomes, reduce guesswork, and streamline testing in one simple cheek swab.
Optimal Selection™ is an all-in-one DNA genetic testing service, brought to you by Wisdom Panel. Optimize your breeding outcomes, reduce guesswork and streamline testing in one simple cheek swab.
Optimal Selection is the best choice for DNS testing if you live in the United States or Canada. If you’re outside these two countries, please choose My Cat DNA, the preferred option for international users.
Powered by Wisdom Panel™, MyCatDNA™ is an all-in-one DNA genetic testing service. Optimise your breeding outcomes, reduce guesswork, and streamline testing in one simple cheek swab.
MyCatDNA is the best choice for DNS testing if you live INTERNATIONALY, outside od United States and Canada. If you’re from USA or Canada, please choose Optimal Selection, the preferred option for US and Canada users.
1. Activate kit
2. Collect Sample
3. Send to lab
4. Receive result
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DNA testing is a valuable tool for both cat breeders and pet owners, providing essential insights into a cat’s health, genetic traits, and ancestry. Whether you’re a breeder striving for responsible breeding practices or a cat owner wanting the best for your furry companion, a DNA test can make a significant difference.
Breeders play a crucial role in maintaining and improving breed health. DNA testing helps by:
✅ Screening for Genetic Diseases – Identifying inherited conditions early allows breeders to make informed breeding choices, reducing the risk of passing on health issues to future litters.
✅ Maintaining Breed Purity – Genetic testing confirms lineage and breed authenticity, ensuring accurate records.
✅ Improving Breeding Programs – Understanding genetic diversity helps prevent inbreeding and promotes healthier, more resilient cats.
Even if you’re not a breeder, DNA testing provides valuable benefits:
🐾 Detecting Hidden Health Risks – Some genetic conditions may not show symptoms until later in life. Early detection allows for proactive care.
🐾 Understanding Your Cat’s Traits – Learn more about your cat’s coat color, eye color, and other inherited characteristics.
A simple DNA test can provide lifelong benefits, helping you give your cat the best possible care. Whether you’re ensuring the health of future generations or simply proactive about your pet’s health , DNA testing is a smart and responsible choice.
Most Optimal Selection™ Feline and MyCatDNA™ results arrive around 2-3 weeks after our lab receives your cat’s DNA sample. That said, extended times sometimes occur due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., volume at the lab, holidays, illnesses, natural disasters). You’ll get an email notification when your results are ready. Please note—results are digital and available in your online account only. No physical report will be mailed, but you may download a printable technical report from your account.
Not to worry! Transit times vary throughout the year due to several factors (e.g., holidays, weather, natural disasters) and may take anywhere from 5-10 business days within the US (international shipping will be longer). When samples arrive at our lab, we check them in individually to avoid contamination or mix-ups. Once we begin processing your sample, the status will change to “Sample Received,” and you will be alerted via email. If you are a US resident and would like to track your sample while it’s in transit to our lab, please note the USPS tracking number on your kit’s prepaid shipping label before putting it in the mail.
Quickly inspect your cat’s mouth between their cheek and gums to make sure it’s clear of food debris. (To reduce the odds of finding food debris, wait to swab until at least two hours after your cat eats.)
Open the swab sleeve and remove the swabs—but avoid touching the applicator. Then, firmly roll and rotate the swab’s applicator against the inside of your cat’s cheek. At the same time, use your other hand to gently apply pressure from the outside of your cat’s mouth (if possible) to ensure good contact between the cheek and swab. Allow the swabs to dry for at least five minutes before returning them to the sleeve.
Consider cat-friendly handling techniques, such as towel wrapping. And keep in mind, some cats do best when handled on the ground, whereas others may be more compliant on a counter-height surface.
To ease the stress, it’s fine to take short breaks when swabbing your cat’s cheek. For instance: swab for 2 seconds, pause for 5-10 seconds, and repeat for a combined total swabbing time of 10-15 seconds. Afterward, be sure to reward all involved with high-value treats.
See it done – watch our video on how to swab.
DNA testing can be performed on a cat of any age, and Optimal Selection™ and MyCatDNA™ results will not change with age. Swab samples can also be taken from young kittens, but it’s best to wait until the kitten is weaned (to prevent contamination from the queen’s milk or skin) or nursing infrequently enough that a cheek sample may be taken three hours after last nursing or food.
Our testing currently includes 45+ genetic health conditions, but it is always growing. For the most up-to-date information, please reference our product page.
If you have not purchased an Optimal Selection™ or MyCatDNA™ test bundled with profiling and parentage, you will need to upgrade from within your Wisdom Panel™ account for a fee. Please note that the cat must have an ISAG 2020 DNA profile with Wisdom in order to perform parentage analysis, and at least one parent must also be tested. Parentage analysis is complimentary for cats within the same user account with ISAG 2020 DNA profiles on file, and you can request parentage and receive results within minutes.
No, Wisdom Panel™ does not automatically report any results to TICA® or any other registry. If you wish to report results to your registry, please download your Genetic Report PDF and submit to your registry.
Optimal Selection™ and MyCatDNA™ testing are designed specifically with breeders in mind, and contain our most comprehensive list of disorders, traits and features, for example, the option of DNA profiling and parentage. Our breeder tests do not include ancestry (breed) testing. Wisdom Panel’s™ Complete for Cats™ is intended for pet owners to learn more about their household cat’s breed ancestry, health and appearance.
If you have any questions about DNA tests, feel free to email us at breeder@wisdomhealth.com or fill out this form.