The discovery could lead to new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
The genetic changes that drive cancer development in domestic cats are comparable to those seen in humans, according to new research.
The multi-institutional study analysed different tumour types from almost 500 pet cats across five countries and found that certain genetic changes commonly seen in feline cancers mirror those that drive human malignancies.
For example, the researchers identified that the most common driver gene of feline mammary cancer is similar to the primary driver of human breast cancer, suggesting there are important parallels between the two species.
It is the first time feline cancer tumours have been profiled at this scale. The work has now been compiled into a freely available resource intended to support future research into feline cancer genomics.
The study was conducted by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, the University of Bern, and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Bailey Francis, co-first author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “By comparing cancer genomics across different species, we gain a greater understanding of what causes cancer.
“One of our major findings was that the genetic changes in cat cancer are similar to some that are seen in humans and dogs. This could help experts in the veterinary field as well as those studying cancer in humans, showing that when knowledge and data flow between disciplines, we can all benefit.”
Professor Geoffrey Wood, co-senior author at the Ontario Veterinary College, Canada, added: “Despite domestic cats being common pets, there was very little known about the genetics of cancer in these animals until now.
“Our household pets share the same spaces as us, meaning that they are also exposed to the same environmental factors that we are. This can help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and humans, how the world around us influences cancer risk, and possibly find new ways to prevent and treat it."
The study, The oncogenome of the domestic cat, is published in Science.
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