PKD DNA test for Abyssinian cats

Your vet is giving you solid advice here — PKD1 genetic screening via DNA swab is genuinely well-validated for cats, and for Abyssinians and related breeds it's a completely reasonable first-line test. The mutation responsible for PKD in cats (PKD1) is a single well-characterised variant, which means DNA testing for it is actually very reliable — unlike some of the more complex health markers in dog DNA tests. It won't replace an ultrasound if your vet later needs to assess kidney size or cyst progression, but as a screening tool to find out whether your cat carries the mutation at all, it's accurate and far less stressful than a biopsy. Are you mainly looking to confirm the PKD status, or would you also want broader health and trait information at the same time?

That makes sense — and it actually narrows things down nicely. The kit I'd point you to is the Basepaws Cat DNA Test. It covers the PKD1 mutation specifically, plus screens for over 40 other feline genetic diseases and 25+ traits. For a pedigree cat where you're not chasing breed mysteries, the health panel is the real value, and Basepaws is currently the strongest option available in the UK for cat health DNA screening. The swab is straightforward, results come back in roughly four to six weeks, and the report is detailed enough that you can share it directly with your vet. It's available on Amazon UK. One thing worth knowing: Basepaws reports the PKD1 (Persian) variant, which is the dominant form relevant to Abyssinians — so you're covered for what your vet is asking about.

Yes, and it's worth understanding why. The DNA test tells you whether your cat carries the PKD1 mutation — essentially whether she has the genetic predisposition. If it comes back negative, that's genuinely reassuring and rules out the inherited form of PKD. But PKD can theoretically develop through non-genetic causes, and an ultrasound can detect cysts that are already present regardless of genetic status. Most vets use the DNA test as a smart first step: if it's negative, great — no further action unless symptoms appear. If it's positive, an ultrasound then gives you a picture of what's actually happening in the kidneys right now. So they're complementary, not competing. Your vet will guide you on next steps once you have the result.

Good call. It's genuinely one of the better uses of an at-home DNA test — a specific, well-validated mutation, a vet who's already on board, and a cat young enough that catching this early really matters. Keep a copy of the results report to bring to your next vet appointment. Hope it comes back clear.