The University of Liverpool’s Cat Prospective Aging and Welfare Study (CatPAWS) has now entered its ninth year. Launched in February 2017, the study follows pet cats from middle age through their senior years, aiming to understand how they age and how to improve their quality of life. Sponsored by Royal Canin and conducted through the Feline Healthy Aging Clinic, the study has enrolled 243 cats so far, with the oldest participant, Pou Pou, now over 18 years old. Researchers have collected data on the cats’ health, lifespan, and "healthspan"—the time they spend in good health—leading to several scientific papers. Currently, the clinic is launching its first randomized controlled trial to explore how nutrition might influence the aging process in cats. Participating cat owners will receive free cat food and veterinary health screenings for a 12-month period. The trial will assess whether specific dietary interventions can improve physical and behavioral health, reduce chronic conditions, and extend the period of good health in aging cats. Those interested can register through an online questionnaire to see if their cat qualifies for the study. A recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science analyzed data from the first 209 cats in the CatPAWS program. It found that 96% of the cats developed at least one age-related health issue between 2017 and 2024. Many cats suffered from multiple chronic conditions—known as multimorbidity—with 84% of the cats developing two or more. The most common issues were dental disease (84%), orthopedic problems (82%), and heart murmurs (59%). As cats aged, the number of health problems increased, suggesting that aging affects multiple body systems. Cats that showed mild muscle loss in middle age had nearly twice the risk of dying compared to those with normal muscle condition. Additionally, pedigree cats (breed-specific cats) had about double the mortality risk compared to mixed-breed cats. These results highlight the importance of early intervention to support healthy aging. Professor Alex German, the principal investigator of the study, explained that the long-term nature of the research allows scientists to observe the same cats over time, providing a more detailed understanding of aging and health. The study’s findings are being used to help cat owners and veterinarians recognize early signs of age-related diseases and improve care for senior cats. The research continues to offer valuable insights into how to support the health and longevity of domestic cats.