Work

Metabolomic and lipidomic signatures of aging in cats reveal shifts in energy metabolism and inflammation: an 11-year longitudinal study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Aging encompasses multiple biochemical changes, some of which may be associated with the development of age-related diseases. The dynamics of aging in relation to metabolism in cats has not been established and understanding this could identify targets for early intervention. Objectives: The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify changes in the plasma and fecal metabolome and lipidome of cats from 1 to 11 years of age. Methods: Twenty-one cats from a research colony had plasma and fecal samples collected yearly between one and 11 years of age. Clinical biomarkers were measured in serum, while plasma and fecal metabolomics and lipidomics were measured using mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using repeated measures-ANOVA Simultaneous Component Analysis. Results: Two metabolic trajectories were observed: one linear, suggestive of progressive accumulation of metabolic alterations with aging, and a U-shape, suggestive of more complex metabolic changes over time. Three themes emerged: inflammaging (linear decrease of plasma albumin:globulin ratio, increase in fecal inflammatory mediators), mitochondrial dysfunction (linear increase of plasma long-chain phosphatidylcholines, U-shape for plasma hydroxy-butyric acids and lactic acid, inverse U-shape for fecal coenzyme Q), and a possible link to an aging gut microbiome (tryptophan pathway with linear increase of plasma kynurenine versus decrease of fecal anthranilic acids). Conclusion: Metabolic changes in plasma and feces support the inflammaging hypothesis for cats, alongside mitochondrial dysfunction, and possible changes to gut microbial metabolism. Clear metabolic shifts between 6 and 8 years of age suggest that early intervention could help to support a healthy aging trajectory in cats.

Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1953163