The first detailed genetic map of cancer in pet cats reveals striking similarities with human versions of the disease, possibly helping find new ways to treat cancers in both.

Cancer is one of the main causes of illness and death in cats, however, very little is known about how it develops.

"Cat cancer genetics has totally been a black box up until now," said lead researcher, Dr Louise Van der Wayden. "The more we can understand about cancer in any species has got to be beneficial for everybody. "

The international team led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge examined around 1,000 genes linked to 13 types of feline cancer.

They found many of the genes driving cat cancers are mirrored in humans, suggesting the two species share key biological processes that allow tumours to grow and spread.

The scientists say the household cat could hold the key to understanding certain types of breast cancer, such as triple negative breast cancer.

Around 15 out of 100 breast cancers are of this type. Cats develop this subtype more often than humans, giving scientists access to samples, and offering clues to new medicines that might help in treatment. Almost a quarter of UK households own at least one cat, making the animal almost as popular as dogs as a trusted companion.

But while cancer studies have been carried out extensively in dogs, cats have remained unexplored.

The scientists say both household pets could give clues to environmental factors involved in some types of cancer.

They 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," said Prof Geoffrey Wood of the Ontario Veterinary College, Canada

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