Scientists have discovered similarities in feline and human cancer, which can help develop new treatments for cancer in humans. 

A study, posted in February 2026 by the University of Guelph, genetically analyzed tumors in cats. This is the largest contribution to genetic profiling of cancer in cats. Cancer in cats has been one of the leading causes of death, but it was rather unstudied before this. 

Tumors were sampled in almost 500 cats across five different countries. Researchers looked at the genetic mutations that caused tumor development. This led to the discovery that feline cancer genes were the same genes found in dogs and humans. 

Some mutations were linked to aggressive breast cancer in cats. The gene altered in these tumors was FBXW7. These alterations appeared in over half of the samples. FBXW7 mutations in human breast cancer typically have worse outcomes, which matches observations in cats. 

Similarities were also seen in other cancers, like blood and bones, between humans and cats. It is hypothesized that the reason these similarities exist is because cats share the same environment, and therefore environmental carcinogens, as their owners. 

Dr. Geoffrey Wood, the co-author to this study and professor of pathobiology, said, “This study 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.”

During this study, they also tested the tumor’s reactions to different treatments. One of these tissue sample tests showed that mammary tumors with the FBXW7 mutation in cats responded better to a specific chemo drug. This could specialize research and treatment for cats and people with breast cancer. 

The research done suggests that cancer trials in cats could guide human cancer research. It also suggests that treatments we use in human cancer could work in feline cancer as well. Dr. Louise Van Der Wyden, senior author, said, “We can now begin to take the next steps forwards towards precision feline oncology, to catch up with the diagnostic and therapeutic options that are available for dogs with cancer, and ultimately one day, humans.” 

The sheer scale of this study is what brought upon these discoveries and research ability. A study of this size has never been done on cancer in cats and brings a whole new set of possibilities into cancer research and treatment in both cats and humans with it.