Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) has been found in certain types of hepatitis and liver cancer in cats, suggesting it might be the cause of the diseases. DCH was identified last year by researchers at the University of Sydney < link >. The virus is similar to hepatitis B in humans.
We don’t know what causes most types of cancer, but if we know it’s triggered by a virus, we can develop treatments and vaccinations that target the virus instead of administering anti-cancer drugs” Julia Beatty, DVM
Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 25, 2019. Link. DCH is fairly common in companion cats, with the virus detected in 6.5 percent and 10.8 percent of pet cats in Australia and Italy, respectively. “It is important to reassure pet owners of two things,” Beatty says. “First, being infected with the virus doesn’t mean your cat will become sick. Second, there is no risk to humans—you can’t catch this virus from your pet.”