It is estimated that 70% of ALL adult cats have a dental health problem, with periodontal disease being the number one culprit.
Most dental disease is below the gum line where it is not seen on a visual exam unless advanced. Dental disease is preventable (and even reversible!) if detected early. The Basepaws Dental CatKit is a highly specific screening test looking for microbial signatures associated with the most common dental conditions in cats: Periodontal Disease, Tooth Resorption, Halitosis.
Dental disease affects most cats, starting as early as age three and tends to be more common and severe as cats get older. Dental disease in cats can cause serious pain and discomfort and overlooking the need to take care of your cat's teeth can contribute to several serious diseases, such as periodontal disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes, further compromising the quality and quantity of your cat’s life.
The sooner the problem is identified, the easier, quicker, and less expensive it is to treat. Cats typically do not show clinical signs until their dental disease is advanced by which time many teeth may need to be extracted. This is why testing early and regularly with Basepaws Dental CatKit gives you information to take proactive measures around early recognition, intervention, and treatment.
Did you know that poor dental health can be associated with more issues down the road, such as renal diseases and diabetes. This is your first line of defense and the most convenient and affordable test on the market.
Microbes in the mouth don't have to be a mystery. The more you know, the more likely you are to prevent the onset of diseases such as gingivitis.
Not a one-trick pony: Individual bacteria can change based on food, liquids, stress or weather. Testing regularly saves thousands of dollars on emergency dental work!
Your veterinarian will thank you (and us)
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Create an account and register your CatKit.
A quick 5-10 seconds swab is all it takes. Make sure to get both gums and teeth.
Shipping is free both ways, just drop it in a USPS box.
Stay close to your cat’s dental health & test often to track changes.
Risk scores for 3 of the most common dental conditions in cats: Periodontal disease, Tooth resorption and Bad breath (halitosis)
Evaluation of how your cat’s dental health could be impacting their general health.
Personalized recommendations for improving your cat’s dental health at home.
Personalized clinical care recommendations to share with your veterinarian.
Top 5 plant or animal organisms whose trace DNA we found in your cat’s mouth.
Deep dive into all the microbes that put your cat at risk of dental disease.
Your cat can’t raise their paw and tell you their mouth hurts. Because of this ability to hide pain, usually when they exhibit the common signs, the disease is advanced and needs medical attention.
“Knowing your cat's oral microbiome profile, allows us to provide treatment options necessary to maintain a healthy mouth, personalized education on home preventative care, and what your cat's future dental care needs may be.”
“A cat’s oral health is one of the keys to a long and happy life. And, the mouth holds many secrets. It takes a skilled veterinarian to do a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity and interpret their findings. Having more tools to evaluate our cat’s oral health is an amazing possibility!”
“The cat’s mouth is the gateway into the body. The veterinarian plays a key role in keeping cat’s teeth and gums healthy. This goes far towards a long and comfortable life. Embracing the information gained from knowing the oral biome greatly aids in tailoring specific care for each cat.”
Easy, clear results delivered to your email
Read Sample ReportFrequently Asked Questions
Simple! Order your Cat Dental Health Test online. Once you receive it in the mail, follow the detailed instructions for sample collection and barcode registration located on the inside of the CatKit box. After collecting your sample, send it back to us in the provided prepaid packaging. We will notify you via email once your sample is received. Your report will be available in 4-6 weeks from the date your sample arrives at our laboratory. We are working on trying to shorten this time frame as much as possible. Long-term, we plan to provide the results within 4 weeks. Every sample helps us create the biggest database of feline genetic and oral microbiome data and will contribute to new discoveries in feline health.
This test does not provide a diagnosis. It’s important to share your report with your veterinarian during your cat’s next wellness visit (or sooner based on the results) so that further medical action can be taken if needed.
Basepaws' dental health test is the only feline dental disease screening test available for use at home or at the vet office, without the need for anesthetizing the animal. The test analyses more than 1,000 microbes in your cat’s mouth looking for disease signatures before they become visible to the naked eye. Dental disease is preventable (and even reversible!) if detected early. The Basepaws Dental CatKit is a highly specific screening test looking for microbial signatures associated with the most common dental conditions in cats: Periodontal Disease, Tooth Resorption, Halitosis.
Veterinary dentists recommend regularly testing your cat's mouth, as often as every 3-6 months. This is because changes in your cat's diet, lifestyle and medication can change their oral microbiome and increase their risk of developing dental diseases. It's also a great way to monitor how well your at-home dental routine is working.
Keep your cat’s dental care top-of-mind by making at-home care a priority!
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This test is not suitable for cats with full mouth extractions or those who still have baby teeth.
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If your cat is currently undergoing treatment with antibiotics, we advise using the Dental CatKit at least 1 month after the treatment has been concluded.
This is due to the fact that oral administration of antibiotics decreases the bacteria population in the mouth. If the Dental CatKit is used during the antibiotic treatment course, the results of the Dental Health Test will not be representative of the typical state of your cat’s mouth.
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Identifying trace DNA from plants and animals in your cat’s mouth is a bonus feature of the Dental Health report and is not always possible with every sample.
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The Dental Health report is based on a comparison of your cat’s oral microbiome profile to the oral microbiome profiles of cats known to suffer from periodontal disease, tooth resorption or bad breath.
It does not provide information about any other dental conditions.
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The identification of a certain microbial signature associated with a dental disease does not constitute a diagnosis.
Conversely, not detecting a particular microbial signature does not exclude the possibility of an unknown disease-causing pathogen being present or dental disease being caused by something other than pathogenic microbes. This report is not intended to substitute a diagnosis by a veterinary professional.