Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have swabs and freepost envelopes?
Yes, please fill out the swab request form, we are happy to post worldwide, alternatively you can use a Q-tip. Freepost address labels can also be printed, but please note these cannot be used from outside of the UK.
What sample do I need to submit?
If you are an owner or breeder, you will need to submit a mouth swab, we prefer you to use cyto brushes for this, but any plain dry swab, or cotton bud /Q-Tip is also acceptable – please see ‘how to’ video. Your Veterinary Surgeon may choose to send either a mouth swab or 0.5ml of blood in an EDTA tube.
How many swabs should I send per cat?
One well-taken swab per cat is sufficient. From it we can run many different genetic tests. If you are sending swabs from outside the UK we suggest taking two swabs from each cat. If the first swab has insufficient DNA we can use the second swab without you having to post another swab.
How long will it take to get the results?
Typical turnaround time is 3- 5 working days from the time we receive the samples and payment for the testing. Please note this may be affected by Bank Holidays.
What is my promotional code and how do I obtain it?
Promotional codes are issued to breed clubs and societies that register with us. Please contact your breed society and ask for the promotional code for genetic testing with “Langford Vets”. If they have not registered with us, please ask them to contact us.
Is my breed club/society already registered with you?
You will need to contact your club directly, If they are not registered please ask them to contact us.
Do you offer a discount for testing multiple cats?
We will consider an extra discount if more than 10 cats are tested at the same time. Please email or phone (0117 394 0510) us directly with an idea of the number of cats you are thinking of testing.
Can information such as my cats name be changed on my certificate, or the microchip number added?
Yes, we would ordinarily be happy to make this change for you without incurring a fee, however, if we have to make a lot of changes we reserve the right to charge an admin fee of £5 per certificate.
Please note that adding a microchip number will not allow you to register the cat with the ICC negative or GCCF active registers, the sample needs to have been taken and the microchip number verified at the time of sampling.
Can you test for my cat’s parentage?
We do not currently offer this service, however we recommend using Animal DNA Diagnostics
How long do swabs last in the post?
Usually up to two weeks but this can vary.
Can I have the results, even though the sample was 'vet submitted' and my vet has the results and the invoice?
If the sample was 'vet submitted' to confirm the cat’s identity. Yes, we will email you a copy of the certificate. If the sample was submitted by a vet because the cat was clinically unwell you need to speak to your vet about the result.
Can you resend results from a while ago as my computer has crashed?
Absolutely, please phone (0117 394 0510) or email us your contact details, your cat's name, the lab number (if you have it) and the date the sample was sent. We will be happy to send you a copy.
What do the results mean
Please click on the relevant genetic test for an explanation of your test results. If you still have questions, feel free to email or phone (0117 394 0510) us.
Can I have EXTRA tests run on a sample I sent in a while ago?
Yes! We archive ALL DNA samples for at least 2 years.
Please complete the online submission form.
Can I have Chlamydia, Calicivirus or Tritrichomonas PCR tests run with you?
Yes, but these MUST be submitted through your vet practice, all results will be sent directly to them and any payment must be made to them. This is because they are infectious diseases rather than inherited diseases. Your vet should have all the information they require, but if they do not then please ask them to contact us (0117 394 0510, email) directly.
Can I genetically test my kitten?
Kittens can be tested from birth, but since they should be removed from the mother 30-60 minutes before sampling, we recommend they are not tested until 2-3 weeks of age.
How do I test for Lilac in my Ragdolls?
Lilac is the result of the Dilute gene working on the Chocolate, or Chocolate and Cinnamon genes. Since Cinnamon is not common in Ragdolls we only suggest testing for Chocolate and Dilute. The results must be Chocolate (b/b) and Dilute (d/d) for the Ragdoll to be Lilac.
How do I test for Lilac in my British Shorthairs?
Lilac is the result of the Dilute gene working on the Chocolate, or Chocolate and Cinnamon genes. The results must be Chocolate (b/b) and Dilute (d/d) or Chocolate carrying Cinnamon (b/bI) and Dilute (d/d) for the British Shorthair to be Lilac.
How do I test for Snow colour in my Bengals?
There are three kinds of Snow Bengal - Lynx, Sepia and Mink.
Snow Lynx is caused by the Siamese colourpoint mutation
Snow Sepia is caused by the Burmese colour mutation
Snow Mink is caused by a combination of Siamese and Burmese mutations.
Hence, to check the kind of Snow Bengal you have you need to request Siamese and Burmese colour tests.
Which genetic disease tests are suitable for my breed of cat?
Some genetic disease tests can be performed on many different breeds of cat (e.g. Polycystic kidney disease), whilst others are specific to only one breed of cat (e.g. Ragdoll Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Read the list of cat breeds and the genetic disease test(s) that are applicable to each breed.
What new genetic tests can you run?
Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date on new tests. You can find out more about cat genetic testing and see a full list of our genetic tests here.
I would like to know what breed my cat is, which test should I select?
We do not offer cat ancestry testing, the tests we offer are for diseases and traits specific to certain breeds. We recommend contacting Animal DNA Diagnostics for further information on this type of testing..
Can I test my British Shorthair for HCM?
The HCM tests we offer are specific to Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats. The only way to diagnose HCM in any other breed is by echocardiography, which would need to be arranged with your vet.