The University of Liverpool has announced the launch of an ambitious long-term study to improve understanding of the ageing process in cats.

Conducted in partnership with Royal Canin and led by Professor Alex German, the Feline Healthy Ageing Clinic, located at the University’s Small Animal Practice, will undertake extensive examinations of cats over 7 years of age. 

Lead researcher Nathalie Dowgray BVSc MRCVS MANZCVS, and Kelly Eyre RVN are now recruiting mature cats in Liverpool and the surrounding area to offer health screenings and assessments of musculoskeletal, cardiac and retinal health. 

Nathalie, said: "We are inviting 300 cats to take part in the Cat Prospective Ageing and Welfare Study (CatPAWS), a 5-year study; the largest of its kind.

"Cats will visit the practice every six months and we’re recruiting as many cats aged 7 to 10 years of age as we can at this stage.

"We will carry out a number of diagnostics including retinal examination and photography, blood and urine sampling and orthopaedic – including gait analysis - and dental examinations.

"The valuable data we collect will enable us to analyse the effects of ageing in more detail than ever before, and on a far larger scale. 

"We’re ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for these patients and instead of simply accepting what some may consider an inevitable decline in function, collectively take strides toward healthy ageing.”

Findings will be shared with Royal Canin, which will be trying to determine the role of nutrition alongside the many other factors affecting ageing in cats.

For more information, email: catpaws@liverpool.ac.uk

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