Scientists have studied cancer in house cats to help find better treatments for cancer. Researchers looked at almost 500 tumours from domestic cats in five different countries. They found that cat cancers have genetic changes that are also seen in human cancers, especially in a gene called FBXW7. This gene is linked to breast cancer in both cats and people.

The main reason for this study is that cats often get cancer in a similar way to humans. Unlike laboratory mice, whose cancers are often created for experiments, pet cats develop cancer naturally as they grow older. They also live in the same environments as people, so they share many risks with humans.

Because of these results, scientists believe cats could help test new cancer drugs. Treatments that work in cats might also help people in the future. However, more research is needed before doctors can use this knowledge to improve cancer treatment for humans.