Get deeper insight into your cat or dog's health with Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis (FTMA)

A non-invasive laboratory test that measures the mineral patterns stored in your pet's fur, providing valuable insight into their long-term mineral status and overall health.

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What is Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis?

Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis (FTMA) is the animal version of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). Because most scientific literature refers to Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, you may see both terms used. For animals, the sample analysed is fur.

FTMA is a non-invasive laboratory test that measures the mineral patterns stored in your pet's fur. Minerals play an important role throughout the body, supporting processes such as digestion, detoxification, immune balance, hormone function, energy production, stress response, inflammation and normal organ function.

Unlike blood tests, which provide a snapshot of what is happening at a particular point in time, fur holds a record of these mineral patterns as it grows. This allows FTMA to provide insight into longer-term mineral patterns and what may have been happening within your pet's system over time.

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How Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis helps you understand your cat or dog’s health

When your cat or dog isn't quite themselves, it can be difficult to understand what may be contributing to their symptoms. Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis helps identify mineral patterns that may provide valuable insight into your pet's health and wellbeing.

Depending on the results, FTMA may provide information about:

Mineral deficiencies and excesses
Mineral ratios and patterns
Oxidation rate
Detoxification patterns
Inflammation patterns
Adrenal and thyroid patterns
Nutrient absorption
Organ system patterns

FTMA is available as a laboratory analysis on its own or as part of a service that includes interpretation and consultation. The level of information and support you receive depends on the option you choose.

Why mineral patterns matter

Minerals influence many of the body's normal functions. When mineral patterns become unbalanced, they may affect multiple body systems rather than a single area.

FTMA looks not only at individual mineral levels, but also at how minerals interact through their ratios. It also provides information about heavy metal load, which can influence mineral balance and interfere with how essential minerals are absorbed, transported and used within the body. Research supports the broader principle that toxic metals can interact or compete with essential minerals and disrupt normal cellular processes.

Two cats or dogs with similar symptoms may have very different mineral patterns and heavy metal loads. Understanding these differences allows recommendations to be based on the individual animal, rather than symptoms alone.

When FTMA may be helpful for your cat or dog

Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis can provide valuable insight into mineral patterns that may be relevant to your pet's health. It can be particularly useful when a cat or dog has ongoing or recurring concerns and you want a deeper understanding of what may be happening beneath the surface.

Cats
Recurring skin or coat concerns
Digestive issues
Changes in appetite or energy
Anxiety, restlessness or behavioural changes
Recurring or unexplained health concerns

Dogs
Itching
Paw licking or recurring skin irritation
Recurring ear problems
Digestive issues or yeast concerns
Anxiety, reactivity or restlessness
Low energy or over-arousal
Recurring or unexplained health concerns

Choose the level of FTMA support you need

FTMA report only

Receive the laboratory analysis and report.

FTMA with an overview

Receive the laboratory report with an overview of the findings.

FTMA with consultation

Includes your report, professional interpretation and a consultation to discuss the results, along with personalised recommendations where appropriate.

How Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis works

Step One

Choose the FTMA option that suits the level of support you want.

Step Two

You will receive a sample collection kit in the mail, with instructions explaining how to collect and return your pet's fur sample.

Step Four

Send the sample for laboratory analysis.

Step Five

Receive your report and any additional interpretation or guidance included with your selected option.

Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis FAQ's

Is Fur Tissue Mineral Analysis (FTMA) the same as Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

Yes. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is the term most commonly used in scientific literature. For cats and dogs, fur is analysed instead of human hair.

Does collecting a sample hurt my pet?

No. Only a small fur sample is required, making the process simple and non-invasive.

Does FTMA replace veterinary care?

No. FTMA provides information about mineral patterns and is intended to complement, not replace, veterinary assessment and care.

Do I need to book a consultation?

No. You can choose an FTMA report on its own if you simply want the laboratory analysis. If you'd like help understanding the results, you can choose an option that includes an overview or a consultation. The consultation package gives you the opportunity to discuss the findings in detail and receive personalised recommendations where appropriate.

Ready to gain a deeper understanding of your cat or dog's health?

Choose the FTMA option that best suits your needs and take the first step towards understanding your pet's mineral patterns.

FTMA options