Basepaws Review

About Basepaws

Ever wonder why your cat is an elite hunter or has an affinity for chewing on socks? You’re not alone. Basepaws is a DNA testing service for your cat that reveals their breed, ancestry, and provides health insights. 

With in-depth results from a quick, at-home cheek swab, the service offers 3 unique tests to help your cat thrive and give you some fun knowledge on where they came from.

The Basepaws community is made up of over 55K cat lovers across Instagram and Facebook, a growing number that’s fed by the brand’s numerous features in popular publications like Glamour, Forbes, and on Shark Tank.

Ready to find out what this service can do for you and your cat? Keep reading this Basepaws review. Ahead, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty about the brand and its health tests, fill you in on customer feedback, provide information on promotions, and more, to help you decide if it’s worth checking out. 

Overview of Basepaws

The brand’s mission is simple: help you get to know your cat better. Basepaws was founded in 2016 by Anna Skaya as a way to catch the pet DNA testing world up with the one for humans.

Pets aren’t just pets; they’re our family. But here’s the thing—they can’t tell us when something is wrong. They may act out or adopt odd behaviors, but often, we don’t know if something is wrong until it’s too late. 

BasePaws offers preventative health testing that lets you know if your cat may become ill or if they have a predisposition to a certain health condition. From there, you can take the next appropriate steps into getting them the help they need or altering their diet to prevent illness from taking over.

Based in LA, the service is the first of its kind and has inspired a handful of other pet DNA testing companies to spring up. Using the scientific resources found in cat DNA so far, the brand continues to gather and dig deeper in order to help future cat owners learn even more.

Now that you know a little more about why the service exists and what it offers, this Basepaws review will move on to its highlights before getting into its dynamic tests:

Highlights

• Offers 3 tests to provide insight into breed, ancestry, and health
• The Breed + Health DNA Test provides 39+ unique health tests
• Tons of promotions & deals
• Ships to the US and Canada
• Accepts returns
• ShopPay payment plans available

BasePaws uses years of genetic research to give you background information on your cat and its unique health projections. Are they susceptible to periodontal disease? Is your cat’s habit of eating non-food items a sign of a more serious condition? 

The next section of this Basepaws review will walk you through all that the service has to offer, and keep in mind that if you like, each one can be purchased with 4 interest-free payments with ShopPay.  

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Review

The brand offers 3 different types of testing services with two that look at DNA and one that looks at dental health to identify possible future issues. All of the services are designed to help your cat lead a happier life. 

Ahead, this Basepaws review will dive into those three health tests, including information about what’s involved with each and the kind of results you can expect to find.

Basepaws Basepaws Cat Oral Health Test Review

Did you know that dental issues can be a sign of a bigger problem? It turns out that even chronic bad breath can be linked to issues like kidney disease. The quicker you catch it, the better it is for your cat.

The Base Paws Cat Dental Health Test takes a look at what’s going on inside your cat’s mouth to stop easily preventable conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease from becoming more serious. 

Having your cat’s teeth checked by a vet is ok, but they can’t screen for conditions that are found below their gum line. This test will give you risk scores for 3 common dental conditions:

• Periodontal disease
• Tooth resorption
• Bad breath

You’ll also receive a write-up of how your cat’s dental health is possibly affecting their overall health, recommendations on how to improve their health, and clinical care advice that will help your vet give your cat the right care. All of that is done by a simple, 5-10 second swab of their gums and teeth.

The brand says that testing regularly is the key to maintaining great oral health though, meaning you may want to stock up on this kit for the future. You can get the Cat Dental Health Test for only $79.

Basepaws Whole Genome Sequencing Review

Whole Genome Sequencing looks at the entire genome instead of just a fraction of it, producing 10,000x more data than typical DNA testing. This kind of test is ideal for identifying genetic disorders and predetermining possible health conditions. 

It’s an in-depth collection of your cat’s raw genetic data uploaded onto a safe and secure thumb drive for your access. To start, you’ll just need to swab your cat’s cheek for cells — but be sure to wait an hour or so after your cat has eaten anything or had a drink. 

This extensive test consists of 5 different parts to get to the root of the data and can take up to 9 weeks to yield your results. In the end, you’ll have ongoing updates on your cat’s health, breed, and teeth whenever more scientific research is collected and their results can be further interpreted.

After the results are in, you’ll have a 1-hr discussion with a genetics advisor and cat coach to help you understand the data and learn where to go next. With lifetime access to BasePaws bioinformatics teams, any time you have a question, send it in their direction. 

What kind of results will Base Paws Whole Genome Sequencing yield? Expect to find out about 38 different genetic markers, if they’re susceptible to 16 different diseases, and which big cat your little guy came from. 

This thorough test is only $499. 

Basepaws Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test Review

This is the service’s most popular package. Providing insight into 40+ health tests for hereditary disease and conditions, you’ll also get information on your cat’s unique breed makeup (whether it’s a purebred or an interesting mix), as well as if they come from a line of lions, cheetahs, tigers, or cougars. 

Along with your Breed + Health DNA Test results, you’ll have lifetime access to updates about their breed as more data is collected on other cats and added to the BasePaws database. 

This test is currently available for only $129. 

Who Is Basepaws For? 

Want to learn more about what makes your cat so unique? Then BasePaws is already a good choice. Providing insight into the breed and ancestry of your cat, with lineage tracing back to that of jungle cats, you’ll understand why your feline friend is the way it is. 

In addition to breed information, BasePaws provides feedback on 40+ different health tests. If you’ve noticed your cat isn’t their best self, or you’d simply like a peek into any illnesses that may come later in life, the Breed + Health DNA Test can help. 

How Does Basepaws Work? 

Like most DNA testing services, the company works by way of a simple swab and lab analysis. Below, this Basepaws review will outline the process so you’ll know what you’re getting into before you sign up. 

1. Sign up

Head to Basepaws.com and click ‘Shop All Tests’. You’ll see details on each of the 3 tests, and pick which one looks right for the kind of information you want to learn about your cat. Add it to your cart and check out, entering your billing and shipping details.

2. Administer the test

Once your kit arrives in the mail, unwrap it and follow the instructions. The process is pretty straightforward, you’ll just need to swab the inside of your cat’s cheek for a few seconds and then screw the swab (which is attached to a cap) back onto the tube. 

3. Send it back to the lab

When everything is complete, send your cat’s sample to the lab. Before you do, be sure to register your kit online. Registering the kit means that the lab can deliver the results to the right account online and you’ll be able to view them. The time it takes for results to be uploaded varies, but it’s about 4-8 weeks. 

4. The lab gets to work

The minute your cat’s sample gets back to the Basepaws lab, its team starts the extraction process. Since DNA has over 20K genes, a computer program is used to read and store your furry friend’s unique genetic code. 

From there, the lab can determine your cat’s breed, predisposition to illnesses, and its current state of health. Your results will be uploaded to your profile and you’ll be notified when they’re ready. 

Top 5 Best Alternatives to Basepaws

Known as the “23andMe” of cat DNA testing, Basepaws is a pretty tough competitor in the pet DNA testing market. That said, there are some solid alternatives I dug up in my research on fellow brands. 

Let’s go over the five best alternatives to Basepaws together so that you’re armed with all the information you need when making a purchase. 

1. EasyDNA, $60-$150

Although EasyDNA testing is the most expensive option on our list of the best alternatives to Basepaws, it does come with a lot of perks. Using the CatCheck Feline Genetic Disease DNA Test ($150), you can easily screen for more than 75 genetic diseases without going to the vet. 

The sample collection process is a breeze. Simply order the swab collection kit online, collect a DNA sample from your cat, send it to the EasyDNA lab, and you’ll receive speedy results in 10-15 days.

As a bonus, EasyDNA allows for a second or third CatCheck test to be purchased for $140. Meanwhile, EasyDNA’s PKD testing (Polycystic Kidney Disease testing), is much more affordable at $60.

2. Orivet, $40-$120

Praised for being one of the most organized and expansive DNA services available, Orivet’s cat DNA tests are also some of the priciest. However, they do start at $40. Take, for example, the brand’s Feline DNA Profile.

Orivet focuses on the details; the DNA Profile identifies 101 individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Orivet’s DNA tests can also identify genetic diseases, traits, coat colors, parentage information, and more. 

Plus, you can conveniently shop for tests by your cat’s breed on the company’s website. Choose between full breed profiles, genetic diseases, genetic traits, disease and trait screens.

3. MyCatDNA™, $102

MyCatDNA™ helps you “know your cat better.” This offshoot brand claims to provide breeders with the most easy-to-use and comprehensive cat DNA tests. Also powered by Wisdom Panel, their at-home swab test screens for over 40 diseases and 20 traits..

The company’s DNA service is a genome-wide genetic analysis that tells you more about the inherited characteristics of your kitty. You can view your cat’s test results online since they’re safely stored in the secured MyCatDNA™ database.

Apparently, MyCatDNA™ ‘s testing methods can provide advantages over traditional techniques such as pedigree analysis. The brand guarantees DNA test accuracy by constantly updating research and breed information too.

4. Optimal Selection™ Feline, $100

Optimal Selection™ Feline is powered by Wisdom Panel, one of the most reputable and accurate DNA testing services around.

The company’s genetic testing panel includes more than 40 health tests. You can also use their testing panel to discover blood type, individual traits, and genetic diversity.

In three simple steps, Optimal Selection™ Feline gets you all the results you need. First, take a swab from the inside of your cat’s cheek. Second, activate your kit online and mail your cat’s DNA sample in the pre-paid envelope. Then, await your comprehensive report!

5. CatDNATest.org, $45-$60

Recognized as a super affordable option when compared to Basepaws and the brands listed above, CatDNAtest.org helps you gain more insight into the traits and health conditions of your feline friend.

CatDNATest.org is a collaboration between the Cat Fanciers’ Association and Neogen Corporation. CatDNATest.org utilizes the services of Neogen’s GeneSeek Operations lab, the world’s largest animal genetic testing laboratory, to produce results. 

Thankfully, the turnaround time is pretty fast. You’ll receive a certificate of your cat’s results within 30 days of submitting DNA samples. Although CatDNATest.org offers a Basic CFA Panel to determine identity and sex markers for $45, the organization also provides “add-ons” for as low as $5, including Polycystic Kidney Disease and Blood Type tests.

Basepaws Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Animals are like family. We know the importance of DNA testing for our own health, so it only makes sense to understand our cat’s health so that they can live a longer, happier life too. 

The realm of pet DNA testing is still relatively young — there aren’t many companies out there that offer it. And since this is the case, it makes finding out how useful this particular service is all the more important. 

To find out what the brand’s DNA testing is really like, in this section of our Basepaws review, we turned to customers for their personal experience with the brand and how they felt after getting their cat’s test results. 

Our first stop was Basepaws.com. There, we rounded up ratings and reviews for its three testing services and put them all into a neat little list below.

• Base Paws Basepaws Cat Oral Health Test: 5/5 stars, 8 reviews
• Whole Genome Sequencing: 5/5 stars, 3 reviews
• Breed + Health DNA Test: 4.9/5 stars, 46 reviews

Interested in reading more about the Breed + Health DNA Test (the most popular pick), we peered into the comments section to see what it was that customers liked about it so much. Before we dive into those comments though, take a look at how the 4.9/5 star score breaks down:

• 5 stars: 85%
• 4 stars: 11%
• 3 stars: 2%
• 2 stars: 2%
• 1 star: 0%

It looks like the biggest reason people chose the Base Paws BasePaws Breed + Health DNA Test was to find out what breed their cat is, but in other cases, the health report proved to be very helpful too. 

In regards to how the test positively affected one cat’s health, one BasePaws review read: “I learned what the issues were and how it could actually affect others parts of health. Once we went to get a clearing Ronney gained weight and is eating everything in the bowl, and hasn’t done that in over a year.”

It’s crazy how something small can affect the larger picture of health. And since cats are so good at hiding their pain, it’s really important to find out what that issue is — something as seemingly innocent as halitosis can actually be a sign of a larger internal issue. 

Next, we checked out the Breed + Health DNA Test on Amazon to see what its users thought about the service when purchasing outside of the brand’s website. 

Ratings were just as high, the test clocking in with a 4.5/5 star score from 857 buyers. Just like finding out you’re part Irish, part Slovakian can impact how you identify and understand your patterns and tendencies, learning about where your cat comes from changes your understanding of its habits and needs. One BasePaws review that speaks to this read:

“We found out “Nittany” is a Siberian forest cat. After researching her breed her characteristics and mannerisms exactly fit! Spot On! Thanks to the Wildcat Index we now know she has Cheetah DNA. She exhibits this in her bursts of speed during walks.” 

Learning this little fact about your kitty is more than cool, it inspires you to dig deeper into what a particular breed or jungle cat is like, then provide your cat with the right environment, toys, and foods that help them embrace their wild side.

For our final stop, we headed over to a Basepaws review on KnowYourDNA.com that awarded the Breed + Health DNA Test the following score:

• Ease of Use: 5/5 stars
• Health Information: 3/5 stars
• Ancestry Information: 5/5 stars
• Speed of Results: 5/5 stars
• Speed of Updates: 4/5 stars

The review concluded that “…the most useful part of this test, by far, is the health information that’s provided…If your cat has genetic markers associated with certain diseases, this will give you some idea of potential health issues you need to look out for.” 

Though the health information is, of course, the most important aspect of the test, finding out about your cat’s breed is fun and provides insight into their personality.

Overall, we’ve read some really great things about BasePaws. With results in 16 different areas of illnesses and a peek into your cat’s ancestry, the tests give answers to questions you’ve always wondered about your fluffy or hairless pal.

Is Basepaws Worth It?

The answer to this question lies heavily in how interested you are in your cat. If you’re reading this BasePaws review, there’s a good chance you want to learn more about why your cat acts the way they do or find out if there are any illnesses you should be aware of. 

If so, then we think BasePaws is a great choice. Being that the service is the first of its kind and is more comprehensive than other testing companies, it beats out competitors and holds real value in the way it helps your cat live a longer, more satisfying life. 

Basepaws Promotions & Discounts 

With knowledge comes power, but in the case of cat DNA testing, knowledge also comes with some pretty great deals. Throughout this BasePaws review, we actually spotted quite a few deals that the brand has rolled out — take a peek at what we found below:

• Sale on Cat Dental Health Test & Whole Genome Sequencing
• Refer a friend: Give $20 Get $20
• Free shipping in the U.S.
• Free US returns

Where to Buy Basepaws 

You can actually buy a Base Paws Cat DNA Test on Amazon — just be sure to register your kit online before you send it back. For the full offering of the brand’s tests, the best place to buy is right from BasePaws.com. Shopping there also means you’ll have access to the latest deals and promotions.

FAQ

How is Basepaws different from other genetic tests?

The thing about genetic research is that it’s always being furthered. Other testing services screen for ‘known’ areas and then toss the sample. 

What makes BasePaws different from other tests is that it comprehensively screens for areas that haven’t been made known in the world of genetic research yet. They then study these unknown areas to deepen the knowledge base for future cats. 

What is Basepaws’s Shipping Policy?

Once you place your order online, Basepaws will get it out to you in 24-48 hours. Shipping to both the US and Canada, the average delivery times are:

• USA: between 3-5 business days
• Canada: about 10 business days

For US customers, return shipping (to get the kit back to the lab to be processed) is free, but Canadians will have to send it back on their own accord. Samples are usually received back at the lab in 1-3 weeks from when they’re dropped off at the post office, although it can take up to a month and a half. 

What is Basepaws’s Return Policy?

Normally, Basepaws doesn’t offer refunds on any of its testing services. Once you buy it and use it, that’s pretty much it. Now, if you didn’t use your kit, that’s an entirely different story, and the process goes like this:

1. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to initiate your return.
2. After you start that process, you have another 7 days to get the unused kit in the mail.
3. The process of sending your kit back is completely on you, so you’ll need to drop it off at your local post office and pay for it. 

The only time that Basepaws will issue a refund is if there was a processing problem on their end. If their lab isn’t able to process your cat’s sample, they’ll try again, and then if it still fails, they’ll send you a replacement kit free of charge. 

If you decide you don’t want to go ahead with the service, they’ll give you a full refund minus shipping and handling. The only condition here is that you cannot submit another sample for the same cat in the future. 

How to Contact Basepaws

If you need any other information that wasn’t included in this Basepaws review, don’t hesitate to reach out to the brand in any of the following ways:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (415) 634-7387

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