Scientists looked at nearly 500 tumors from pet cats in five countries. They used DNA testing to find the changes that make the cells turn cancerous.
Why Cats Matter
Many cats live in the same homes as people, so they breathe the same air and eat similar food. This means they can face the same cancer‑causing risks as we do.
The study, published in the journal Science, found that several genetic patterns in cat cancers match those in human cancers. For example, a type of breast cancer in cats looks a lot like breast cancer in people.
First Big Map of Cat Cancer Genes
More than 10 million cats live in the UK, and cancer is a leading cause of death for them. Until now, we knew very little about the genes behind cat cancer.
This research is the first to examine cat tumors on a large scale. The team checked about 1 000 genes that are known to cause cancer in humans. They compared tumor tissue with healthy tissue across 13 different cat cancer types.
Important Cancer Genes Found
In cat breast (mammary) cancer, the gene FBXW7 was changed in more than half of the tumors. In people, the same change is linked to worse outcomes. The researchers also saw that tumors with the FBXW7 change responded better to certain chemotherapy drugs in lab tests.
Another gene, PIK3CA, appeared in 47 % of cat mammary tumors. This mutation is already a target for drugs called PI3K inhibitors in human breast cancer.
Shared Mutations in Other Cancers
Beyond breast cancer, the study found similar genetic changes in cat cancers of the blood, bone, lungs, skin, gut, and brain. These overlaps suggest that medicines working for humans might also help cats, and vice‑versa.
Scientists call this the “One Medicine” idea. It encourages doctors who treat people and animals to work together, sharing discoveries that can speed up new treatments for both.
What This Means
The new data set is now open for researchers around the world. It gives a clear picture of the DNA changes that drive cat cancer and shows how closely those changes match human cancer.
Future studies could use this information to test existing human drugs in cats, or to develop new medicines that work for both species.