19/10/2026
TOPIC FOR FELLOW BREEDERS
🧬✨ Something Worth Knowing About Orivet DNA Testing! ✨🧬
I wanted to share something I've discovered through using Orivet DNA testing in our breeding program, as I think it's something more breeders should be aware of and honestly the breeders Ive spoken to wasnt aware of this, either was I for a while... so I think its important to share 🥰
Orivet's My CatScan advertises screening for 60+ genetic diseases, which sounds fantastic! However, what many breeders may not realise is that the breed selected when making their cat profile can significantly influence which results they actually receive.
For example, when selecting British Shorthair the reported disease results are reduced to around 10+ and when you select british longhair the results are reduced even more! Make that make sense they are the same breed 🤷♀️🤦♀️ compared with the much broader 60+ range advertised.
I actually discovered this by accident when I selected one of our breeding cats under Unknown Breed, and was surprised by just how many additional results were provided! Sooo many more than I was use to seeing and I had to call them and ask what test I got because I wanted it for all my cats and then it was pointed out what happened..
"Unknown breed selected in the profile". Then I told them to change all my others and give me my full results.
Here's something important to understand about how the process works. 👇
When creating a new cat profile through Orivet, you're asked to select your cat's breed. Once that profile has been created, the breed you've entered is linked to that cat.
When you then go to purchase DNA testing, the system only allows you to select the breed already associated with that profile.
This means that if you've registered your cat as a British Shorthair, that's the breed you're offered when ordering the test, which can dramatically change the range of genetic results reported.
This is why, here at BritRoyal, we deliberately select "Unknown Breed" when setting up new profiles for our breeding cats, despite knowing their pedigrees and having purebred British Shorthairs and Longhairs.
By doing so, we're able to access the broader 60+ range of genetic results rather than limiting our reports to conditions traditionally associated with those breeds.
Why do I think this matters? 🤔
With the number of imported breeding cats and international bloodlines now contributing to Australian breeding programs, I do wonder whether traditional Australian breed-specific screening lists are keeping up with the genetic diversity we're seeing today.
This isn't to suggest our pedigree cats aren't purebred, but rather that inherited genetic variants aren't necessarily confined to the breeds they're most commonly associated with.
A condition being uncommon or not traditionally recognised within a particular breed doesn't automatically mean it cannot exist within that population.
For me, the difference between receiving results for approximately 10+ conditions and having access to a much broader 60+ panel is significant, particularly when we're making decisions that can influence future generations.
I'm certainly not criticising Orivet. We continue to use their testing services, and this is simply something I've learned through my own experience that I felt was worth sharing.
If you're paying for comprehensive genetic screening, it's worth understanding exactly which results you're receiving and whether broader reporting is available. 🧬
We're constantly learning as breeders, and I believe sharing information like this can only help us make more informed decisions for our cats and their future generations. ❤️
And with me being me I dont want to know just about 10+ conditions I want to know every possible result available, So yes we purposely select Unknown breed on our profiles so we recieve that 😂🤭 I mean they advertise it and its no change to the cost.. If anything that loop hole and advertising is quite misleading!
Its at least worth trialing this on your studs if you where unaware of this 🥰
👑 BritRoyal Cattery
