Domestication shapes the gut microbial structure and metabolic function in felids: a metagenomic study of wild and domestic cats.

INTRODUCTION

The domestication process has profoundly altered the dietary patterns and living conditions of cats, with corresponding effects on their gut microbiome.

METHODS

This study compared the gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions between wild felids (Otocolobus manul and Felis bieti) and domestic cats using metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS

Taxonomic analysis revealed significantly higher microbial alpha diversity and distinct community structure in wild felids compared to domestic cats. The gut microbiota of domestic cats was characterized by a higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota (when compared to F. bieti) and of Pseudomonadota, Uroviricota, and Cyanobacteriota, as well as an enrichment of carbohydrate-associated genera such as Segatella. In contrast, wild felids exhibited enrichment of potential pathogens (e.g., Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli) and genera including Clostridium and Fusobacterium, alongside a higher abundance of microbial genes linked to protein degradation and fermentation. Functional metagenomic analysis further identified consistent differences in microbial metabolic potential across both wild species comparisons. Wild felids showed higher abundances of genes involved in butyrate production, lysine degradation, and de novo synthesis of vitamins and cofactors. Domestic cats, in contrast, exhibited enrichment of genes for plant polysaccharide hydrolysis, ketone body formation, aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, and salvage of folate derivatives.

DISCUSSION: These results suggest that domestication is associated with a shift in the gut microbial functional repertoire - from a butyrogenic, protein-catabolic, and de novo-synthesizing profile in wild felids toward a more carbohydrate-hydrolyzing, ketogenic, and salvage-oriented profile in domestic cats, reflecting dietary and environmental adaptations.