Scientists Discover Striking Similarity Between Cat Cancers and Human Breast Cancer

An international group of scientists, including experts from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Bern, has conducted an unprecedented genetic study of cancers in cats. The analysis results were published February 19, 2026 in the prestigious journal 'Science'. Researchers identified genetic mutations in cats that show astonishing similarity to changes observed in human breast cancer. This discovery suggests that the mechanisms of cancer development in both species are more similar than previously thought. The interdisciplinary approach called 'One Health', which links human, animal, and environmental health, has been gaining importance since the beginning of the 21st century, but medical-veterinary cooperation in oncology has so far been limited.The study covered a broad genetic profile of feline tumors, turning the previous 'black box' of knowledge about cat cancer into a transparent roadmap for oncologists. Domestic cats live in the same environment as humans and are exposed to almost identical environmental stressors, making them natural models for studying disease development. Scientists now advocate for intensive information exchange between veterinarians and oncologists, which could significantly accelerate testing of new drugs targeting specific genetic mutations. „The fact that tumors in cats and humans share the same genetic changes opens completely new therapeutic pathways that could save lives for members of both species.” — Research Team Previous knowledge about cancer genetics in animals focused mainly on dogs, but the latest work proves that it is cats that may hold the key to understanding rare and aggressive forms of breast cancer. These results are particularly significant in the United Kingdom, where nearly 25% of households own at least one cat. Further work on the feline oncogenome could lead to the creation of new standards for oncological treatment, based on precise personalized medicine.