Parentage/Genetic Marker Report

Cat DNA tests are carried out using cells brushed from your cat's cheeks and gums using household cotton swabs.

The cat DNA submission form with instructions and a place to tape the cotton swabs is sent to you via email after you place an order, and can be printed from your home computer. DNA test kits are no longer mailed.

Instructions

Step-By-Step:

1.

Purchase regular household cotton swabs for cat DNA collection (the cotton swabs can be purchased at a pharmacy or drug store)

2.

Make sure the cat has not had anything to eat or drink for at least 1 hour prior to collecting sample.
When swabbing kittens, isolate each kitten from the mother, littermates and any shared toys for 1 hour prior to swabbing. Kittens should not have nursed or eaten for 1 hour prior to collecting sample.

If collecting samples from more than one cat, make sure to sample one cat at a time and wash your hands before swabbing another cat.

3.

Use both ends of the two cotton swabs for a total of four swabs.

4.

5.

Wave the swab in the air for 10-15 seconds to air dry it before attaching it to the submission form.

6.

After swabbing the cheek and gums, tape the cotton swabs to the bar-coded submission form printed from your MyVGL account.

ATTENTION:

• Do not collect saliva/drool – the key to obtaining a good sample is getting cheek cells on the swab.
• Do not rub swab on the cat’s tongue or teeth – this will result in poor quality sample.
• Do not collect a sample from a kitten that has recently nursed – the mother’s genetic material can rub off on the kitten’s mouth and contaminate the sample.