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Medical & Veterinary Disclaimer | Cat DNA Test Canada
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Medical, Veterinary and Genetic Testing Disclaimer

This page explains the veterinary, scientific, testing and informational limits that apply when you use CatDNATest.ca, purchase a feline test, submit a sample, contact support or review a report.

Please read this disclaimer together with our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Returns and Refunds Policy, product instructions and any laboratory documents supplied with your test.

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calendar_month Last updated: June 22, 2026 language Canada
Veterinary limits Consumer reports do not replace professional care.
Scientific limits Interpretations depend on current research and methods.
Sample limits Quality, identity and collection can affect testing.
Product-specific scope Genetic, allergy and microbiome tests have different limits.
emergency

Not for veterinary emergencies or urgent treatment decisions

CatDNATest.ca, its email addresses, website forms and customer-support channels are not veterinary emergency services. If your cat appears seriously ill, injured, poisoned or in distress, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for a response from CatDNATest.ca.

Disclaimer guide

Find the section you need

The page is grouped by service type so owners, breeders and customers can quickly find the limitations that apply to a particular cat test.

description

General scope

Intended purpose, veterinary relationship and overall service limitations.

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genetics

Genetic testing

Disease screening, PKD, breed, trait, ancestry and relatedness limitations.

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science

Allergy and wellness

Allergy, intolerance, microbiome and biological-age report limitations.

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biotech

Samples and results

Collection, identification, contamination, inconclusive results and changing science.

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health_and_safety

Veterinary decisions

Medication, diet, symptoms, breeding decisions and outcome limitations.

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policy

Service and policies

Turnaround, third parties, privacy, customer support and related policies.

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About the service

General scope and intended use

These sections explain what this disclaimer covers and what CatDNATest.ca reports are—and are not—intended to do.

01

Scope of this disclaimer

This disclaimer applies to:

  • CatDNATest.ca and its website content;
  • product and category descriptions;
  • cat DNA tests;
  • genetic disease and health screening;
  • breed, trait, ancestry and relatedness reporting;
  • allergy and intolerance testing;
  • gut microbiome and wellness testing;
  • biological-age estimates;
  • test kits and sample-collection materials;
  • sample reports and completed reports;
  • articles, comparison pages and educational resources;
  • emails, calls, forms and customer-support communications; and
  • third-party laboratory and fulfilment services arranged through the website.

In this disclaimer, “CatDNATest.ca,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the operator identified in the Terms of Service. “Services” includes the website, test kits, reports, educational content and administrative support.

Product-specific instructions, laboratory requirements and consent documents also apply. This disclaimer does not replace instructions or consent documents supplied with a particular test.

02

Educational and informational purposes

Unless a product is expressly described in writing as a regulated veterinary diagnostic service, CatDNATest.ca services and reports are provided for general informational, educational, screening or wellness purposes.

They are not intended to:

  • diagnose or rule out a veterinary disease;
  • replace a physical examination or clinical test;
  • determine the cause of symptoms;
  • prescribe medication, supplements, food or treatment;
  • predict a medical outcome with certainty;
  • guarantee health, lifespan, behaviour or breeding outcome; or
  • replace advice from a licensed veterinarian.

Browse our cat health tests to understand the stated purpose of each product, but discuss health concerns and clinical decisions with your veterinarian.

03

No veterinarian-client-patient relationship

Using the website, placing an order, submitting a sample, contacting support or receiving a report does not create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

CatDNATest.ca and its customer-support personnel are not acting as your cat’s veterinarian unless a separately identified professional veterinary service expressly states otherwise.

Customer support may assist with ordering, payment, kit instructions, sample-return procedures, order status, report access and administrative questions. Support personnel cannot examine your cat, diagnose symptoms, prescribe treatment or provide an individualized veterinary treatment plan.

Genetic reports

Feline genetic, breed and ancestry limitations

Genetic screening provides targeted information. It does not provide a complete veterinary examination, complete pedigree record or guarantee of future health.

04

Feline genetic disease testing limitations

A cat genetic disease test examines only the genes, variants or markers listed for that product.

A detected variant may indicate carrier status, an association or increased genetic risk. It does not necessarily mean that the cat currently has the condition, will develop it, or will develop it with a particular severity.

A “clear,” “normal,” “negative” or “not detected” result means that the tested variant was not detected using the selected method. It does not mean that the cat is free of every inherited disorder, cannot develop the condition through another variant, or will remain healthy.

Important findings should be discussed with a veterinarian. Clinical or confirmatory testing may be appropriate before treatment or breeding decisions.

05

PKD DNA testing limitations

A feline polycystic kidney disease DNA test is a genetic screening tool. It does not assess current kidney function, count kidney cysts, determine the stage of kidney disease or predict precisely when clinical signs may develop.

A positive result does not show how severely a cat is affected. A negative result does not rule out every kidney disorder or every cause of renal disease.

A veterinarian may recommend a physical examination, laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging based on the cat’s breed, age, medical history and symptoms.

06

Breed, trait and ancestry limitations

A cat breed DNA test compares selected genetic patterns with available reference populations, databases and analytical models.

Breed percentages, breed groups, ancestry assignments and trait predictions are estimates. Results can be affected by database size, represented breeds, similarity between breeds, mixed ancestry, the markers examined and future methodology updates.

A breed result does not:

  • prove that a cat is purebred;
  • replace registration papers or a breeder-issued pedigree;
  • establish legal ownership;
  • guarantee appearance, temperament or behaviour; or
  • confirm eligibility for a registry, show or breeding program.

Use our cat breed and trait tests for general genetic insight rather than formal pedigree certification.

07

Relatedness and identity limitations

An ancestry or relatedness result may estimate whether two cats are genetically similar or potentially related. Results depend on the quality of both samples, the markers examined, the comparison method and available reference data.

Unless a product is expressly sold with an approved identity-verification and chain-of-custody procedure, a consumer result is not intended to provide legally verified proof of parentage, ownership, identity, pedigree, breeder registration or the identity of the animal from which an unsupervised sample was collected.

Read more on our cat ancestry and relatedness page.

Wellness reports

Allergy, intolerance, microbiome and biological age

These reports provide different kinds of information. None should be treated as a complete veterinary diagnosis or a stand-alone treatment plan.

08

Cat allergy testing limitations

A cat allergy report may identify IgE reactivity, sensitization or another response to substances included in the selected panel. A laboratory result alone does not establish that an allergen is causing the cat’s current symptoms.

Results may include false-positive, false-negative, cross-reactive, clinically insignificant or unexpected findings. A cat can show laboratory reactivity without symptoms, while an important allergy may not be identified by the selected panel.

Veterinary allergy assessment generally requires review of medical and dietary history, symptoms, parasite prevention, environmental exposure, response to dietary trials and other clinical findings.

Do not use a report from our cat allergy and intolerance tests as the sole basis for medication, immunotherapy or a major dietary change.

09

Food allergy and intolerance limitations

“Food allergy,” “food sensitivity” and “food intolerance” are not interchangeable terms. A product described as an intolerance or sensitivity test is not necessarily an IgE allergy test and does not by itself diagnose an immune-mediated food allergy or gastrointestinal disease.

Veterinary assessment of suspected food allergy may require a controlled elimination diet followed by a supervised dietary challenge.

Do not remove multiple ingredients, place a cat on a long-term restricted diet or use an unbalanced feeding plan solely because of a consumer report. Nutritional changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.

10

Cat gut microbiome testing limitations

A cat microbiome test provides information about organisms, markers or patterns detected in the submitted sample using the selected testing method.

The result is a snapshot from one sample collected at one time. It may be influenced by diet, medication, supplements, antibiotics, age, health status, stress, collection, storage, shipping, laboratory methods and reference databases.

A microbiome report does not independently diagnose infection, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy, malabsorption, cancer or another gastrointestinal condition.

Do not begin antibiotics, probiotics, supplements or a therapeutic diet solely because of a consumer microbiome report.

11

Biological-age testing limitations

A cat biological-age test provides an estimate generated from the markers, sample, laboratory method, reference population and algorithm used by that service.

A biological-age result is not:

  • the cat’s exact chronological age;
  • a prediction of remaining lifespan;
  • a diagnosis of disease;
  • a complete assessment of current health;
  • a guarantee of future health or longevity; or
  • a substitute for veterinary examination or senior-cat screening.

Our cat wellness tests provide informational insight and should not be treated as a prognosis.

Testing process

Sample collection and result limitations

Correct collection, identity and handling are essential. Even correctly collected samples can produce incomplete or inconclusive results.

12

Sample collection and identification

Different products may require different sample types. Always follow the instructions supplied with the selected test.

Testing may be affected by:

  • insufficient or poor-quality samples;
  • food or environmental contamination;
  • mixed samples from more than one cat;
  • incorrect labelling;
  • sample degradation or improper storage;
  • shipping delays;
  • collection from the wrong animal; or
  • failure to follow instructions.

Each cat must have separately assigned and clearly labelled materials, especially in multi-cat households.

Our cat DNA test kit guide provides general collection information, but the instructions included with the purchased product control.

13

Humane collection and authority

You must have lawful authority from the owner, guardian, breeder, rescue, shelter or other person responsible for the cat before collecting and submitting its sample.

Collection must be performed safely and humanely. Do not use force or continue a collection attempt if it may injure or seriously distress the cat or collector.

Do not submit:

  • a sample taken without authorization;
  • a deliberately misidentified sample;
  • a human sample;
  • a sample from another species unless expressly accepted; or
  • a sample collected through abuse, injury or unlawful conduct.

We may refuse, suspend or cancel testing where sample identity, authority, welfare or lawful collection is uncertain.

14

False, incomplete and inconclusive results

No testing method is perfect. A result may be:

  • false-positive or false-negative;
  • incomplete or inconclusive;
  • unavailable;
  • affected by contamination;
  • limited by current scientific knowledge; or
  • affected by technical, analytical, clerical or human error.

The laboratory may request a new sample or recollection. Recollection, replacement and refund eligibility are governed by the applicable instructions and our Returns and Refunds Policy.

15

Scientific knowledge may change

Feline genetics, allergy testing, microbiome science, epigenetics, breed databases and veterinary research continue to develop.

A classification, interpretation or estimate considered reasonable when a report is issued may later change because of new research, newly discovered variants, revised databases, improved analytical methods or changes in scientific consensus.

Unless expressly included in the purchased service or required by law, CatDNATest.ca is not obligated to continuously reinterpret or reissue a previously delivered report.

Using the report

Veterinary, treatment and breeding decisions

Consumer reports can support discussion, but important care, treatment and breeding decisions should not be based on a report alone.

16

Confirm important findings with a veterinarian

Do not use a consumer test as the sole basis for a diagnosis, medication decision, surgery, therapeutic diet, euthanasia decision or other serious veterinary decision.

A veterinarian may recommend:

  • a complete medical history and physical examination;
  • blood or urine testing;
  • diagnostic imaging;
  • pathology or microbiology;
  • repeat or confirmatory testing;
  • referral to a specialist;
  • a supervised elimination diet; or
  • genetic guidance for a breeding program.

Use our cat DNA test results guide to understand the report format, then discuss medically important findings with a veterinarian.

17

Medication, supplements and dietary changes

Do not start, stop, increase, decrease or replace any medication, supplement, therapeutic food or veterinary treatment solely because of website content or a report.

Medications and supplements may cause side effects, interact with other products or be unsuitable for a particular cat. Dietary restriction can also create health risks when it is not appropriately planned.

CatDNATest.ca does not guarantee that a food, supplement, probiotic, medication or wellness action will be safe or effective for an individual animal.

18

Symptoms, illness and urgent veterinary care

Website articles, support communications and reports may discuss feline symptoms for general educational purposes. Similar symptoms can have many different causes, and a consumer test cannot determine the cause without appropriate veterinary assessment.

Do not delay, avoid or discontinue veterinary care because a report appears normal, a variant was not detected, a suspected allergen was not listed, a microbiome result appears favourable or customer support has not yet responded.

If your cat may be seriously ill, injured, poisoned or experiencing an urgent condition, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

19

Breeding decisions

Genetic screening can provide useful information for breeders, but no single result should be treated as a complete breeding assessment.

Breeding decisions may require consideration of clinical health, family history, breed-specific recommendations, genetic diversity, mode of inheritance, carrier pairings, age, reproductive health, temperament, welfare and additional testing.

A negative panel does not guarantee healthy offspring. A detected variant does not automatically determine whether an animal should or should not be bred.

20

No guarantee of benefit or outcome

CatDNATest.ca does not guarantee that:

  • a test will explain symptoms or behaviour;
  • a report will identify a clinically important condition;
  • a veterinarian will agree with the report;
  • a result will lead to an effective treatment;
  • a diet or wellness change will improve health;
  • a sample will produce a complete result;
  • breed or ancestry estimates will match appearance or documentation;
  • a biological-age estimate will predict longevity;
  • a microbiome result will predict digestive health;
  • testing will prevent disease; or
  • a report will meet every personal expectation.

Choose a test according to the question you want answered. Our cat DNA test pricing page can help you compare product categories, report purposes and included features.

Service terms

Delivery, reports, third parties and support

These sections explain operational limitations that apply to turnaround estimates, sample reports, external providers, privacy and customer-support communications.

21

Turnaround and delivery estimates

Any stated turnaround begins only after the correct laboratory receives an eligible sample, unless the product page expressly states otherwise.

Turnaround and delivery estimates are not guarantees. Delays may result from postal or courier service, weather, customs, incorrect addresses, incomplete information, sample quality, recollection requirements, laboratory workload, technical issues, holidays or events beyond reasonable control.

Contact customer support for assistance with an existing order.

22

Sample reports, testimonials and illustrations

Sample reports demonstrate possible structure and presentation. They may not contain every section, result, limitation or outcome that appears in an individual report.

Testimonials, case studies and cat DNA test reviews describe individual customer experiences. They are not veterinary evidence and do not guarantee the same result or experience for another customer.

Images, charts and diagrams may be simplified or illustrative and may not show the exact kit, laboratory process or biological mechanism.

23

Comparisons and third-party brands

Comparison, alternative and review pages are provided for general consumer information. Features, prices, services and policies offered by third-party brands may change after a comparison is published.

References to another company or product do not imply endorsement, partnership or affiliation unless expressly stated.

Customers should verify important information with the relevant third party before relying on a comparison or purchasing decision.

24

Third-party laboratories and service providers

We may use independent laboratories, couriers, payment processors, hosting providers, software providers and other contractors to provide parts of the Services.

These providers may have their own testing methods, reference data, technical limitations, terms, privacy practices, turnaround times, retention procedures and service interruptions.

A reference to accreditation, certification or a quality standard applies only to the laboratory, service, method and scope for which that status is current and expressly stated.

25

Privacy and test information

Orders, customer information, animal information, samples and reports may involve collection, processing, storage and disclosure by CatDNATest.ca and relevant service providers.

Review our Privacy Policy for information about how personal information is handled.

Do not send unnecessary human medical information through ordinary email or website forms. Contact support before sending sensitive documents that were not requested.

26

Customer-support limitations

Customer support can help with general product information, ordering, kit use, shipping, sample receipt, report access, billing and account questions.

Support staff cannot:

  • diagnose a cat or determine why symptoms are occurring;
  • prescribe treatment;
  • recommend changes to prescription medication;
  • replace a veterinarian;
  • provide emergency assistance; or
  • guarantee that a result is clinically significant.

Visit our cat DNA test FAQ or contact us.

27

Relationship with other policies

This disclaimer should be read together with:

Nothing in this disclaimer removes a right, remedy, warranty, duty or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

28

Updates to this disclaimer

We may update this disclaimer to reflect changes to our products, laboratories, scientific information, legal requirements or business practices.

The revised version becomes effective when published on this page unless a later date is stated. The “Last updated” date identifies the most recent revision.

29

Contact us

Questions about a test, kit, order or report can be submitted through our Support Centre or Contact page.

Customer support provides administrative assistance only and does not replace veterinary care.

Need help?

Questions about a cat test or report?

Our support team can help with ordering, kits, sample returns and report access. For diagnosis, symptoms or treatment decisions, contact a licensed veterinarian.

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