It is okay if you are not able to collect a sample that is completely free of litter particles, but cleaner samples can be processed more quickly. Just try your best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my cat’s sample contains litter?
What harmful bacteria (pathogens) does the Gut Health Test detect?
The KittyBiome Gut Health Test report will measure the relative abundance of each of these types of harmful bacteria found in your cat’s sample:
- Clostridium perfringens
- Escherichia coli
- Campylobacter upsaliensis
- Clostridioides difficile
- Salmonella enterica
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Staphylococcus intermedius
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Clostridium piliforme
What beneficial bacteria does the Gut Health Test screen for and what makes them ‘beneficial’?
The KittyBiome Gut Health Test can detect:
- Clostridium hiranonis (Peptacetobacter hiranonis)
- Turicibacter sanguinis
- Faecalibacterium spp.
- Blautia spp.
- Fusobacterium spp.
- Subdoligranulum spp.
- Megasphaera spp.
- Bifidobacterium spp.
- Bacteroides spp.
Scientific research has identified these types of bacteria as beneficial for both gut health and host health in cats. All gut bacteria fulfill different roles; beneficial ones can help with reducing inflammation, producing important molecules, improving immune system function, aiding in digestion and metabolism, and other important aspects of host health.
Will this test show me if my cat has a parasitic infection?
The Gut Health Test looks specifically at the bacterial microbiome, which does not include parasites like Giardia, hookworms, or roundworms.
Will this test tell me what foods my cat is allergic to?
The Gut Health Test looks at the bacteria present in the microbiome, which will not provide information on food allergies or intolerances.
What is fecal microbiome testing and what are the benefits?
Fecal microbiome testing is the process of sequencing bacterial DNA material from a small fecal sample. We can detect and identify the bacteria from your cat’s stool sample and then provide you with a comprehensive report.
Testing a cat’s microbiome provides insights into their health. Then imbalances in specific gut bacteria can be addressed to help alleviate such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and itchy skin that may be associated with some chronic health conditions.
Will my sample be safe in the mail?
Yes, your sample is safe. The sample tubes contain a special liquid that keeps the bacteria perfectly preserved for analysis, across a very wide range of temperatures. Once inside the tube, the sample is safe for several months.
How long does it take to get my cat’s test results?
Reports are typically sent within two weeks from when the samples arrive at our laboratory.
Still have questions? Please visit our Help Center or contact us. We are happy to work with you and/or your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my cat’s sample contains litter?
It is okay if you are not able to collect a sample that is completely free of litter particles, but cleaner samples can be processed more quickly. Just try your best!
What harmful bacteria (pathogens) does the Gut Health Test detect?
The KittyBiome Gut Health Test report will measure the relative abundance of each of these types of harmful bacteria found in your cat’s sample:
- Clostridium perfringens
- Escherichia coli
- Campylobacter upsaliensis
- Clostridioides difficile
- Salmonella enterica
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Staphylococcus intermedius
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Clostridium piliforme
What beneficial bacteria does the Gut Health Test screen for and what makes them ‘beneficial’?
The KittyBiome Gut Health Test can detect:
- Clostridium hiranonis (Peptacetobacter hiranonis)
- Turicibacter sanguinis
- Faecalibacterium spp.
- Blautia spp.
- Fusobacterium spp.
- Subdoligranulum spp.
- Megasphaera spp.
- Bifidobacterium spp.
- Bacteroides spp.
Scientific research has identified these types of bacteria as beneficial for both gut health and host health in cats. All gut bacteria fulfill different roles; beneficial ones can help with reducing inflammation, producing important molecules, improving immune system function, aiding in digestion and metabolism, and other important aspects of host health.
Will this test show me if my cat has a parasitic infection?
The Gut Health Test looks specifically at the bacterial microbiome, which does not include parasites like Giardia, hookworms, or roundworms.
Will this test tell me what foods my cat is allergic to?
The Gut Health Test looks at the bacteria present in the microbiome, which will not provide information on food allergies or intolerances.
What is fecal microbiome testing and what are the benefits?
Fecal microbiome testing is the process of sequencing bacterial DNA material from a small fecal sample. We can detect and identify the bacteria from your cat’s stool sample and then provide you with a comprehensive report.
Testing a cat’s microbiome provides insights into their health. Then imbalances in specific gut bacteria can be addressed to help alleviate such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and itchy skin that may be associated with some chronic health conditions.
Will my sample be safe in the mail?
Yes, your sample is safe. The sample tubes contain a special liquid that keeps the bacteria perfectly preserved for analysis, across a very wide range of temperatures. Once inside the tube, the sample is safe for several months.
How long does it take to get my cat’s test results?
Reports are typically sent within two weeks from when the samples arrive at our laboratory.
Still have questions? Please visit our Help Center or contact us. We are happy to work with you and/or your veterinarian.