Cat DNA Testing for Coat Color: What It Covers and Costs

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By Bikash Roy

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Bikash Roy

Online Research Specialist · SEO Strategist · Web Developer

Bikash personally verifies every calculator against official standards (WHO, NIH, government data). Online research specialist, SEO strategist, and web developer with 10+ years building accurate digital tools.

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· June 1, 2026

Why DNA Testing for Coat Color?

Looking at a cat’s coat tells you its phenotype — what it looks like. But phenotype alone cannot reveal whether a black cat carries the chocolate gene, whether a dense-colored cat carries dilute, or whether a cinnamon allele is hidden in the line.

DNA testing identifies the actual genotype — the alleles a cat carries at each locus — whether or not they are expressed in the visible coat. This matters for breeders planning specific color outcomes, rescue organizations building health records, and cat owners who are simply curious.

The Cat Coat Calculator uses genotype inputs to predict kitten outcomes. DNA testing provides the genotype data to make those predictions accurate rather than estimated.

What Loci Can Be Tested?

Commercial cat coat color DNA tests cover several of the same loci the calculator models, plus additional genes not included in the Punnett square tool:

For a deeper explanation of the B, D, O, and A loci, see the Cat Genetics Loci Reference.

Testing Labs: Options and What They Offer

UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL)

UC Davis VGL is the most widely used and scientifically respected laboratory for cat coat color genetics testing in North America.

What they offer:

• Cat Coat Color Panel — bundles tests for B, D, A, W (dominant white), and additional breed-relevant loci. Applicable to all breeds.
• Bengal Coat Color Panel — includes charcoal pattern test specific to Bengal lines
• Birman-specific panel — includes white gloving test for Birmans
• Full Color/Pattern Panel — most comprehensive option, includes all standard loci plus tabby pattern, colorpoint, and white spotting

Why breeders use it: UC Davis tests are registry-accepted by TICA, CFA, and most major cat fancy organizations. Results include genotype notation (e.g., Bb, Dd) rather than just the phenotype description, which is what you need for predictive breeding.

Turnaround: Typically 5–10 business days after sample receipt.

Sample collection: Cheek swab — included with kit order or submitted via their MyVGL portal.

Basepaws

Basepaws offers a consumer-focused cat DNA test that includes coat traits alongside health markers and breed composition.

What it covers for coat color:

• Coat length (L locus)
• Coat color traits (B, D, O, tabby pattern, white spotting)
• Coat texture modifiers

Best for: Pet owners wanting a broad overview including health screening and breed breakdown alongside coat genetics. Results are less granular than UC Davis for breeding purposes.

Orivet Genetics

Orivet provides DNA testing used by veterinary practices and breeders, with a focus on health + traits combined panels. Offers cat coat color tests as standalone or part of breed-specific panels.

Best for: Breeders wanting a single submission that covers both health markers and coat color in one kit.

When Testing Is Worth It

Confirm a Carrier Before Breeding

If a black cat in your breeding program may carry chocolate (b) or cinnamon (bl), a B locus test costs less than the disruption of unexpected colors in a litter. This is the most common reason breeders test.

Verify Dilute Carrier Status

A dense-colored cat that is Dd (dilute carrier) will produce 25% dilute kittens when bred to another Dd cat. If dilute is unexpected or undesirable in your program, testing confirms whether a cat is safe (DD) or a carrier (Dd).

Establish Genotype Records for Pedigrees

Breed registries increasingly accept or require DNA-confirmed genotypes alongside pedigree data. Having genotype records for foundation cats in a breeding program saves guesswork for future generations.

Understand an Unexpected Litter Result

If a litter produces an unexpected color — a lilac kitten from two apparent black cats, or a cream kitten from two dense cats — DNA testing the parents after the fact confirms which alleles were present and why the result occurred. This guides future pairings.

What Testing Cannot Do

DNA tests confirm allele presence at tested loci. They cannot:

• Predict the degree of white spotting (S locus expression is graded and not a simple binary)
• Determine exact pattern intensity within a tabby category (contrast, clarity, or shade depth)
• Identify colors that develop or deepen with age (like silver/smoke or some colorpoint patterns)
• Predict personality, behavior, or health outcomes based on coat color — no genetic link exists

How to Use Test Results With the Calculator

Once you receive a DNA test report:

1. Note the genotype at each locus (e.g., B locus: Bb; D locus: Dd; O locus: X^o X^o for a female)
2. Enter the confirmed genotype for each parent into the Cat Coat Calculator
3. Review the full probability breakdown of all possible kitten coat colors
4. Compare across multiple potential pairings to select the one that best meets your color goals

For a worked breeding example using confirmed genotypes, see the Cat Genetics for Breeders guide.

Collecting and Submitting a Sample

Most labs use cheek swabs:

1. Use the swab included with the test kit (or order online through MyVGL / lab portal)
2. Rub the inside of the cat’s cheek firmly for 15–30 seconds
3. Allow the swab to air dry (do not seal wet)
4. Package in the provided mailer and submit

For kittens: Most labs recommend waiting until at least 3–4 weeks of age and confirming the kitten has not nursed or eaten recently before swabbing, to avoid maternal DNA contamination.

Summary: Which Test to Choose

For understanding what each locus result means in genetic terms, the Cat Coat Genetics Glossary defines every term you will see on a test report. For why certain colors like lilac and fawn require specific recessive allele combinations — making them the primary reason breeders test — see Rare Cat Coat Colors: Genetics of Chocolate, Cinnamon, and Fawn.