Branching Patterns, Morphometry, and Topographical Anatomy of the Aortic Arch and Subclavian Arteries in the Domestic Cat ( Felis catus )

Comprehensive knowledge of feline vascular anatomy is essential for accurate diagnostic imaging interpretation and safe thoracic cardiovascular surgery. This study aimed to characterize the branching patterns, quantitative morphometry, and precise topographical positions of the aortic arch branches and subclavian arteries in domestic cats (Felis catus). Twenty adult cat cadavers from Northwestern Iran were examined. Coloured latex was injected into the aortic arch, followed by fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin and subsequent meticulous gross dissection. Topographical positions relative to thoracic skeletal landmarks and morphometric distances were recorded. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical comparisons between identified patterns. Two branching configurations of the brachiocephalic trunk were identified: a bifurcated pattern (85%, n = 17) and a trifurcated pattern (15%, n = 3). The aortic arch was predominantly located at the fourth intercostal space (90%). For the left subclavian artery, three branching patterns were identified, with sequential origin (VT-IT-CCT-SC) being predominant (55%). The right subclavian artery exhibited three distinct arrangements, dominated by sequential (45%) and opposite [IT≡VT] origins (45%). Significant side-dependent variations were observed in the branching order and topography. Morphometric distances (BC + RS, BC-LS, and LCC-RCC) showed no statistically significant differences between bifurcated and trifurcated patterns (p > 0.05). Feline aortic arch branches exhibit substantial topographical variation despite overall metric consistency across branching types. The observed bilateral asymmetry and internal thoracic artery positional mobility likely reflect distinct embryological origin pathways. These findings provide critical baseline anatomical data for improving the accuracy and safety of feline surgical interventions and diagnostic imaging interpretation.