A recent study published in the journal Biology Open has revealed that domestic cats age in a manner similar to humans, exhibiting the same patterns of brain volume reduction and neurological decline. Researchers believe this makes cats an ideal model for studying dementia and the aging process.
Scientists from Auburn University and the University of Bath analyzed 3,754 data points collected from humans, cats, and other mammals. The dataset included results from neuroimaging, blood biochemistry tests, disease patterns, and behavioral indicators. MRI scans showed that cats and humans share comparable age-related changes in brain structure, such as overall volume loss, ventricular enlargement, and other structural abnormalities typical of aging.
Rather than relying on simple age ratios, the researchers developed a biological model based on measurable age-related changes. This model revealed that aging in both species does not occur at a constant rate but instead accelerates or decelerates at different life stages. According to the model, an 80-year-old human corresponds biologically to a 15-year-old cat, and domestic cats—unlike many other animals—actually reach an age equivalent to human old age. The maximum lifespan of a cat is 30 years, which is notably longer than that of the closely related European wildcat (19 years).
The scientists highlight the potential for creating large veterinary health databases for domestic pets, similar to the UK Biobank. Such databases would enable the study of aging and neurological diseases using real clinical data, benefiting both cats and humans.
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