Longevity and mortality in cats: A single institution necropsy study of 3108 cases (1989-2019)

Retrospective Analysis of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Frequency in Domestic Cats in Quito, Ecuador (2021-2024)

Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a viral disease that primarily affects domestic cats (Felis catus), with high mortality rates because it mainly targets the immune system and is also associated with lymphomas. The objective of this study is to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of FeLV in cats treated at veterinary centers in the city of Quito, between September 2021 and December 2024. Data were obtained from diagnostic test results conducted at the Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics (LABIGEN) using RT-qPCR. A total of 850 samples met the inclusion criteria. FeLV was detected in 28.59% (243/850) of samples, with a slightly higher prevalence in males (53.50%) than females (46.50%). Regarding age, 54.32% (132/243) were between 1 and 5 years, 22.22% (54/243) were between 1 and 11 months, 18.52% (45/243) were between 5 and 10 years, and 4.94% (12/243) were between 10 and 19 years. In conclusion, the prevalence of FeLV in Quito, Ecuador, is high, requiring greater efforts to prevent and control this disease, in pursuit of animal health and well-being.

Cancer registration in dogs and cats: A narrative review of history, current status, and standardization efforts

Cancer severely affects the health of companion animals, with neoplasia being a leading cause of death in pets. Although pets and humans share the home environment and dogs and cats can serve as sentinel species for environmental carcinogens, cancer surveillance in pets remains fragmented after decades of studies. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the evolution and current status of animal cancer registries (ACRs), highlighting historical milestones and key methodologies with a global perspective. The different types of cancer registries, their different roles and related issues in cancer surveillance are highlighted. Inconsistent diagnostic criteria, limited standardization, and lack of centralized databases hinder the comparability of results in veterinary oncology. Recent initiatives, such as the Global Initiative for Veterinary Cancer Surveillance (GIVCS) and the Veterinary Cancer Guidelines and Protocols (VCGP), seek to standardize cancer reporting and coding systems and promote a One Health approach that links veterinary and human oncology research. Increased standardization and data sharing between databases is critical to advancing cancer surveillance in companion animals, benefiting both veterinary and public health.

Life expectancy and survival analysis for companion dogs and cats in Seoul, South Korea

Background

Investigating life expectancy and mortality is crucial for the development of evidence-based health strategies for companion animals. However, relevant studies are lacking in South Korea, possibly because of challenges in collecting mortality data. In this regard, preliminary analyses were conducted to obtain life tables for companion animals in South Korea.

Methods

The electronic records of six veterinary hospitals in Seoul, South Korea were examined. The data collected included breed, sex, spay/neuter status, date of birth, and date of death for all dogs and cats with a verifiable date of death since November 1, 2004 until December 31, 2022. After data preprocessing, descriptive statistical analysis was performed to summarize the demographics, and life tables and survival curves were created for dogs and cats. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the effects of demographic factors on survival.

Results

The mean age of dogs at death was 3427.49 days. Spayed or neutered dogs had a significantly higher life expectancy than intact dogs. Mixed-breed dogs had a higher life expectancy than purebred dogs. For cats, the mean age at death was 1965.49 days, with spayed or neutered cats living significantly longer than intact cats. Purebred cats had a higher median survival than Mixed-breed cats. Spaying or neutering and breed significantly affected survival probabilities in both species.

Conclusion

Our study provides insights into the longevity of companion animals in South Korea, and reveals that neutering and breed significantly influence life expectancy.

Life expectancy of cats in Britain: moggies and mollies live longer

The domestic cat (Felis catus) has been a popular companion animal for about 12,000 years, initially valued for rodent control before evolving into pets that provide affection and companionship. Unlike dogs, cats were not selectively bred for specific roles until the late 1800s, resulting in breeds defined primarily by appearance, which sometimes leads to genetic disorders. Modern animal welfare concerns emphasize longevity and health, prompting research into factors affecting cat lifespans, including sex, reproductive status, and breed. This study aims to expand on previous UK research by analyzing these interactions and highlighting the potential negative impacts of pure breeding on cat health. Data from 7,708 cats receiving veterinary care in the UK during 2019 were analyzed, focusing on reproductive status, breeding status, age at death, and sex. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Cox proportional hazards models to assess survival differences. The overall mean lifespan of cats in the UK is 11.83 years. Analysis indicates that male cats live shorter lives than females, attributed to higher trauma rates and health issues among males. Neutered/spayed cats generally exhibit longer lifespans compared to entire cats. Tom cats have the shortest lifespan, while spayed females (mollies) live the longest. Moggies tend to outlive both pure and cross-bred cats, suggesting that genetic diversity may contribute to greater longevity. The results of this study emphasize the influence of sex, reproductive status, and cat type on feline lifespan, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions, particularly for male cats. The findings underscore the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors in determining the health and longevity of domestic cats. This research not only contributes to existing knowledge but also advocates for the consideration of these variables in future studies and veterinary practices.

Evaluation of canine and feline tumors in Morocco: Results of a prospective observational study of 250 cases (2020-2023)

This work aimed to evaluate the histologic tumor types and patient characteristics of canine and feline neoplasias in Morocco. In a prospective, observational study, 250 tumor samples were collected from veterinary clinics in Morocco. For each case, breed, age, sex, neuter status, and tumor site and histotype were analyzed. Among the 250 tumors, 201 (80.4%) were from dogs and 49 (19.6%) from cats. Most common tumor location in dogs was the reproductive tract (36.8%), followed by skin and soft tissues (27.4%) and mammary gland (14.9%). In cats, most tumors originated from the skin and soft tissues (55.1%), followed by mammary gland (20.4%) and oral cavity (14.3%). Commonest canine histologic tumor types were transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT1) (31.8%) and mammary carcinoma (14.4%). Squamous cell carcinoma (34.7%) and mammary carcinoma (20.4%) represented the most frequent feline neoplasms. Median age of dogs and cats at diagnosis was 7 and 10 years, respectively. Gender distribution was even in dogs; in cats, females were overrepresented. Most cats and about half of dogs were mixed-breed. The evaluated canine and feline neoplasias show differences in their tumor types and patient characteristics when compared to populations from other countries, in part based on the high number of CTVT and - possibly solar-induced -feline skin tumors.

Regional Variations in and Key Predictors of Feline Tumor Malignancy: A Decade-Long Retrospective Study in Korea

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on age, breed, and anatomical location as predictors of malignancy. Data were collected from 683 cats, with regression analysis applied to determine significant associations. Older cats exhibited a markedly higher risk of malignancy, particularly in mast cell and mammary tumors. Tumors in the mammary gland and alimentary tract had malignancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the need for early detection in these regions. Interestingly, squamous cell carcinoma was rare in the skin, in stark contrast to Western studies, likely reflecting differences in environmental exposure. While breed was not a statistically significant predictor, certain breeds, including Persians and Russian Blues, showed a higher frequency of malignancy. These findings highlight the importance of regional tumor research in cats and the need for larger, multicenter datasets that incorporate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these influences will help refine veterinary care and improve cancer treatment outcomes in feline populations.

Mortality in Stray Kittens under Eight Weeks Old: Focusing on Congenital Malformations

Neonatal and pediatric mortality in kittens could be associated with bacterial infections, complications from inadequate management, congenital malformations, neonatal isoerythrolysis, parasitic diseases, and viral diseases. The complexity of causes, coupled with kittens' physiological and immunological immaturity, complicates the diagnosis and treatment of disease, highlighting the necessity for preventive measures. This study aimed to identify the leading causes of death and the occurrence of congenital malformations in stray kittens. Necropsies were performed on 68 kittens, all aged under two months. Results indicated that respiratory lesions were the leading cause of death in the youngest group, while gastrointestinal problems were more prevalent in older groups. Infectious causes were predominant across all age groups. Congenital malformations were observed in 40% of the animals, with megaesophagus, cardiovascular anomalies, bone defects, and kidney defects being the most prevalent. The findings underscore the critical importance of hygiene in preventing infections and related complications. Promoting sterilization and sanitary control in stray cats is essential to reduce overpopulation and improve living conditions.

Proof-of-concept evaluation of next-generation sequencing-based liquid biopsy for non-invasive cancer detection in cats

This proof-of-concept evaluation demonstrates that next-generation sequencing-based liquid biopsy can detect genomic alterations in the blood of cats with cancer and the absence of such alterations in the blood of presumably cancer-free cats. Two cats with cytologically confirmed lymphoma and nine presumably cancer-free cats were included in this analysis. Whole blood was collected from each subject and samples were subjected to DNA extraction, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing. Both cancer-diagnosed subjects had somatic copy number variants (a "cancer signal") identified in cell-free DNA, suggesting the current presence of cancer in these subjects. All nine presumably cancer-free subjects had unremarkable genomic profiles, suggesting the absence of cancer in these subjects. Liquid biopsy using next-generation sequencing of cell-free DNA allows for blood-based detection of cancer-associated genomic alterations in cats. Such technology has the potential to offer considerable utility in veterinary medicine, particularly for the non-invasive prioritization of small cell intestinal lymphoma versus inflammatory bowel disease in cats with gastrointestinal signs. This study lays the foundation for future studies to fully validate this type of testing for use in clinical practice.

Exploring the impact of age, and body condition score on erythrocytic B1-Dependent transketolase activity in cats: A comprehensive analysis of thiamine status

One of the key factors influencing aging and morbidity is the overall antioxidant status and regenerative capacity. In examining contributors to the antioxidant status, we analyzed the thiamine status in felines and the influence of age, gender, and body condition score. We measured erythrocytic B1-dependent specific transketolase (STKT) activity, an enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, in a group of 60 sexually intact, healthy, and specific pathogen-free felines (44 females, 16 males, aged 1-17 years) with thiamine diphosphate (TDP; 0.3 and 3 mM) and without it. Only two parameters (STKT activity with and without 0.3 mM TDP) decreased with age. After adjusting for age, statistical thresholds were established using these and other age-independent parameters, identifying 15 felines with subclinical thiamine deficiency. The red blood cell proteomics analysis revealed that the pentose phosphate shunt, glycolysis, and oxidative stress response were the most affected pathways in deficient felines, confirming the above diagnosis. Age emerged as the primary factor associated with thiamine deficiency, supported by the enrichment of neurodegenerative diseases with a proteotoxicity component; five young-adult felines showed marginal or acute B1 deficiency, and six were adult-mature with a more chronic deficiency, possibly linked to cognitive decline, all with an underweight to ideal body condition scores. Only three senior-adult felines were deficient and overweight-obese. Detecting thiamine deficiency emphasizes the need for more accurate reference values, the establishment of advanced preventive or therapeutic measures to enhance the well-being of aging companion animals, and potential extensions to human health, particularly concerning cognitive function.

Evaluation of leukocyte ratios as survival prognostic markers in feline retrovirus infections

The utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as prognostic markers in Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infections has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate these leukocyte ratios in retrovirus-positive cats and to evaluate their prognostic value for survival. This retrospective case-control study included 142 cats, 75 FIV-Antibodies (Ab)-positive, 52 FeLV-Antigen (Ag)-positive, and 15 FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive, and a control population of 142 retrovirus-negative age-, sex-, and lifestyle-matched cats. Signalment, complete blood count at the time of serological testing, and outcome were recorded. Leukocyte ratios were compared within the same case-control population, among the three retrovirus-seropositive populations, and were related to survival time. No significant difference was found in NLR, MLR, or PLR between FIV-Ab-positive and FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive cats and their cross-matched controls. In the FeLV-Ag-positive population, MLR was significantly lower than in the control population (0.05 and 0.14, respectively, P=0.0008). No ratio discriminated among the three infectious states. No ratio was significantly different between survivors and non-survivors in the population of FIV-Ab-positive cats. MLR at diagnosis was significantly higher in FeLV-Ag-positive cats that died 1-3 years after diagnosis than in FeLV-Ag-positive cats still alive at 3 years (P=0.0284). None of the three ratios could predict retroviruses-positive cats that would survive to the end of the study. Overall the results indicate that NLR, MLR, and PLR are not significantly different among retrovirus statuses evaluated and had a very limited prognostic value for the survival time in retrovirus-positive cats.

The Late Asymptomatic and Terminal Immunodeficiency Phases in Experimentally FIV-Infected Cats-A Long-Term Study

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus in the family Retroviridae that infects domestic cats resulting in an immunodeficiency disease featuring a progressive and profound decline in multiple sets of peripheral lymphocytes. Despite compelling evidence of FIV-associated immunopathology, there are conflicting data concerning the clinical effects of FIV infection on host morbidity and mortality. To explore FIV-associated immunopathogenesis and clinical disease, we experimentally inoculated a cohort of four specific pathogen-free kittens with a biological isolate of FIV clade C and continuously monitored these animals along with two uninfected control animals for more than thirteen years from the time of inoculation to the humane euthanasia endpoint. Here, we report the results obtained during the late asymptomatic and terminal phases of FIV infection in this group of experimentally FIV-infected cats.

Characterization of the Domestic Cat Population of Uruguay: Breeds, Coat Colors, Hair Length, Lifestyle, Sex and Spay/Neuter Status According to Guardian Report

The objective of this study was to characterize the domestic cat population of Uruguay in relation to breed, coat color, hair length, lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), age, sex, and spay/neuter status according to a survey completed by their owners or guardians. An online survey, distributed to residents of Uruguay, was completed in full by 2561 cat guardians. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were performed. The population of cats with guardians in Uruguay is characterized by the following data: higher frequency of female cats (53%), most of the cats were between two and six years old (49%), most of them were neutered (84%, mainly those older than one year of age), most of them have outdoor access (87%), a very low percentage (6%) are purebred (Siamese being the most frequent: 86%), and within the non-pure breeds, short hair cats were the most frequent (79%). This study, in addition to expanding the information on the characteristics of cats with guardians from other countries and continents, is the first study in Latin America to describe some key demographic aspects such as cat breeds, coat color, hair length, lifestyles, and frequency by age, sex, and spay/neuter status (spayed/neutered or not) at the country level.