Researchers from the University of Nottingham have discovered a unique biological feature in domestic cats that could help explain why they are highly vulnerable to chronic kidney disease.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, found that domestic cats accumulate unusual types of fats in the cells of their kidneys. Scientists say this buildup can begin when cats are still very young.
The research was led by David Gardner and Rebecca Brociek from the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Using advanced chemical analysis, the researchers found that cats store rare forms of modified triglycerides in their kidney cells. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body and help store extra energy from food. However, the fats discovered in cats had unusual chemical structures that are rarely found in other mammals.
Many of these fats contained special ether linkages, meaning their chemical structure behaves differently from typical fats found in diets.
The researchers compared the findings with other animals and found that dogs did not show the same pattern at all. The unusual fats were only occasionally found in Scottish wildcat populations.
According to Dr Brociek, the discovery may help explain why chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting older cats.
“Why these types of unusual fats accumulate in domestic cat kidneys, even from an early age, may offer an important clue as to why domestic cats are particularly prone to chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and serious illnesses affecting older cats,” she said.
The researchers believe the buildup of these fats inside kidney cells may signal long-term stress in the kidneys, which could gradually damage the tissue over time.
Professor Gardner said scientists are now working to understand why these unusual fats accumulate in cats in the first place.
“We are hopeful that soon we will understand why these unusual fats accumulate in domestic cats – we just have to collect the evidence to find the proof. If true, we believe we could develop a supplement or modified diet to help prevent these unusual lipid structures from accumulating, ultimately benefitting the long-term health of our companion animals.”
The discovery opens a new area of research into cat biology. Scientists say the findings suggest that the unique metabolism of domestic cats may make them more vulnerable to kidney disease.
About The Author
