Domestic Cat Populations Research Articles

Seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in animals in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and development of Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system to detect specific IgG antibodies

We conducted a seroprevalence investigation of the healthy population of animals in Kagoshima Prefecture, an area in which severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is endemic. Of 104 domestic cat and 114 dog samples, 2 (1.9%) and 11 (9.6%) were positive for anti-SFTS virus (SFTSV) IgG by indirect ELISA, respectively. Viral RNA was detected in one dog (0.9%) by RT-PCR. Of the 102 wild boar (Sus scrofa) and 107 deer (Cervus nippon) samples tested, 55 (53.9%) and 37 (34.7%) were positive for anti-SFTSV IgG, respectively. Only one wild boar (1.0%) was positive for viral RNA. Although symptomatic SFTSV infections in domestic cats have increased in this area, the seroprevalence of the healthy population of domestic cats tends to be lower than those of other animals. We developed a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system (GLIPS) using mammalian cells expressing a recombinant SFTSV nucleoprotein (SFTSV-rNP) for the detection of SFTSV-specific antibodies in samples from various animal species. The sensitivity of the assay was highly consistent with that of indirect ELISA, indicating that it could serve as a useful tool for a large-scale surveillance of SFTSV across multiple species of animals.

No molecular evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals from Veracruz, Mexico.

Active epidemiological surveillance of infectious agents represents a fundamental tool for understanding the transmission dynamics of pathogens and establishing public policies that can reduce or limit their expansion. Epidemiological surveillance of emerging agents, such as the recently recognized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the cause of COVID‐19, is essential to establish the risk of transmission between species. Recent studies reveal that companion animals are organisms susceptible to being infected by this pathogen due to the close contact they have with their owners. For this reason, the aim of the present work was to detect the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dogs and cats in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, where there is active transmission of this microorganism in human populations. Oral and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from dogs and cats with a history of exposure to patients with COVID‐19. Total RNA was extracted and detection of viral genes N1 and N2 was performed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). All 130 samples of companion animals tested by RT‐qPCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 were negative at the time they were collected. This study represents the second active surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 in populations of domestic dogs and cats in Latin America and the first approach in Mexico. Given that coronaviruses have shown a high capacity to be transmitted between species, it is imperative to establish measures to prevent this agent from entering and establishing in populations of companion animals.

The Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2 Circulation-Antibody Detection in the Domestic Cat Population in Germany.

Registered cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the German human population increased rapidly during the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in winter 2020/21. Since domestic cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the occurrence of trans-species transmission needs to be monitored. A previous serosurvey during the first wave of the pandemic detected antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in 0.65% of feline serum samples that were randomly sampled across Germany. In the here-presented follow-up study that was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021, the seroprevalence rose to 1.36% (16/1173). This doubling of the seroprevalence in cats is in line with the rise of reported cases in the human population and indicates a continuous occurrence of trans-species transmission from infected owners to their cats.

Epizootic situation of companion animals coronavirus infection in the Moscow megalopolis

The ubiquitous distribution of coronavirus infection in the populations of companion animals of the metropolis demonstrates the features of the development of the epizootic process of viral intestinal infection formed in the absence of a unified program of preventive vaccination. Populations of domestic dogs and cats form two different patterns of the virus circulation both predominantly with walking and almost non-walking animals, but equally effectively provide continuous transmission of the pathogen covering the entire territory of the city.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ РАЛТЕГРАВИРА (“ИСЕНТРЕСС”, MSD, США) ПРИ РЕГЕНЕРАТИВНОЙ АНЕМИИ, АССОЦИИРОВАННОЙ С ВИРУСНОЙ ЛЕЙКЕМИЕЙ КОШЕК

The leukemia virus is widespread in the population of domestic cats and, despite the study of this disease, there is no effective therapy aimed at complete eradication of the virus from the body of an infected animal. One of the most life-threatening conditions associated with the frequent death and euthanasia of infected animals is anemia. This retrospective study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the drug “Isentress” (MSD, USA) with the active substance Raltegravir against regenerative anemia associated with feline viral leukemia. In the group of animals receiving this drug, a decrease in the concentration of the virus in the blood was recorded, as well as an improvement in the hematological parameters of red blood. Hematological indicators and the concentration of the virus showed positive dynamics in one of the cats in the group of animals that did not take Raltegravir, but the connection with the owner of this animal was lost, which does not allow us to draw final conclusions about the nature of these laboratory phenomena. The viral load increased when the drug was discontinued, which characterizes the need for lifelong administration of Raltegravir. There were no side effects requiring withdrawal of the drug. The only registered side effect was lethargy in one of the infected cats, but it was not possible to associate apathy with taking the drug due to the presence of hematological abnormalities associated with severe anemia in the animal at the time of the side effect. Raltegravir has shown efficacy and safety when taken in cats with regenerative anemia associated with feline viral leukemia, however, further studies are required to assess the safety of the drug when taken for a long time in infected cats.

Population genetics in multiple scales: Genetic microstructure of a cat population in Colombia

Considering of multiples research of genetic in cats, the objective of this study was to compare the genetic diversity of the domestic cat population at different spatial and temporal scales. According to the administrative division of the city of Cali, 8 colonies (localities) were chosen, which together form 5 subpopulations within the city for sampling. The phenotype from each individual?s coat was recognized for the subsequent calculation of allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium, genetic structure, and correlated genetic diversity and structure with antiquity in each neighborhood. The non-agouti allele obtained the highest frequencies, and the white allele had the lowest frequencies in all colonies and subpopulations; the manx allele was also reported. HW equilibrium was found in the orange locus, except for the Salomia, Sena and Santa Barbara colonies of the NW subpopulation. A significant association was found between the diversity of the tabby locus and antiquity and the differentiation of the colonies (FCT) with antiquity of colonies. In conclusion, domestic cats in the city of Cali behave as a single population, with incipient genetic microstructure phenomena, which are part of the natural dynamics of the population in their interaction with the urban environment.

Estimates of wildlife killed by free-ranging cats in China

Throughout much of the world, growing populations of free-ranging domestic cats pose an increasingly serious threat to biodiversity. However, no study has estimated the magnitude of wildlife mortality caused by cats in China, one of the largest and most biodiverse nations on earth. We used a novel, survey questionnaire-based approach to estimate annual predation on wildlife by cats in China; we separately considered predation rates in urban and rural areas and by both owned free-ranging cats and unowned cats (e.g., feral and semi-feral cats including those associated with feeding and trap-neuter-return (TNR) activities). Using statistical simulations based on 2187 questionnaire responses that included direct observations of prey returns to owners and predation events by unowned cats, we estimate that the minimum annual amount of predation by all free-ranging cats in China is: 1.61-4.95 billion invertebrates, 1.61 -3.58 billion fishes, 1.13-3.82 billion amphibians, 1.48-4.31 billion reptiles, 2.69-5.52 billion birds, and 3.61-9.80 billion mammals. Thus, we show that free-ranging cats cause a tremendous death toll that may be profoundly impacting China’s wildlife populations and biodiversity. Our results indicate that there is an urgent need for increased research into the impacts of cats on wildlife in China, and for management and policy that reduces numbers of free-ranging cats and thus mitigates their harmful effects on China’s wildlife.

Acute Cytauxzoon felis Cases in Domestic Cats from Eastern Kansas, a Retrospective Case-Control Study (2006-2019).

Cytauxzoon felis, a tick-borne hemoprotozoal pathogen of felids, causes an acute, often-fatal disease in domestic cats. While public awareness of the disease has increased, few studies have evaluated the incidence of acute cytauxzoonosis cases and their associated risk factors. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review records of cats diagnosed with acute cytauxzoonosis in eastern Kansas from 2006–2019 using clinic records and determine: (i) feline cytauxzoonosis risk factors; and (ii) if cytauxzoonosis case incidence is increasing. Although inter-annual variation of acute cytauxzoonosis diagnosis was observed in the eastern Kansas domestic cat population, the overall incidence trend remained largely unchanged over the 14-year case review period. In comparison to ill (C. felis-unrelated) control cases, more acute cytauxzoonosis cases were diagnosed in spring and summer, suggesting a seasonal fluctuation of infection, with samples most commonly submitted from ≥1 year old, owned, male cats. Although cytauxzoonosis case submissions remained consistent over the broad study period, increasing tick vector and domestic cat reservoir populations may contribute to additional cytauxzoonosis case expansion in endemic areas. Investigating the incidence of acute cytauxzoonosis, patient risk factors, and ecological variables that influence disease transmission are important steps towards developing and communicating the need for effective cytauxzoonosis control strategies for high-risk cat populations.

Occurrence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the Domestic Cat Population of Germany.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are popular companion animals that live in close contact with their human owners. Therefore, the risk of a trans-species spreading event between domestic cats and humans is ever-present. Shortly after the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its rapid spread around the world, the role of domestic cats in the transmission cycle was questioned. In the present study, the first large-scale survey of antibody occurrence in the domestic cat population in Germany was conducted, in order to assess the incidence of naturally occurring human to cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 920 serum samples, which were collected from April to September of 2020, were screened by an indirect multispecies ELISA. Positive samples were verified using an indirect immunofluorescence test (iIFT) and additionally tested for neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, serum samples were screened for antibodies against feline coronavirus (FCoV), in order to rule out cross-reactivity in the described test systems. Overall, 0.69% (6/920) of serum samples were found to be positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by ELISA and iIFT. Two of these reactive sera also displayed neutralizing antibodies. No cross-reactivity with FCoV-specific antibodies was observed. The finding of SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive serum samples in the domestic cat population of Germany, during a period when the incidence of human infection in the country was still rather low, indicates that human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 happens, but there is no indication of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in cats.

Tumor prevalence in cats: experience from a reference diagnostic center in Mexico City (2006-2018)

Records of referred cat cases received for diagnosis in the Department of Pathology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry between 2006 and 2018, were reviewed to examine frequency of occurrence of neoplasms and associated demographic factors. To this end, the records of biopsies, necropsies and clinical information were analyzed to obtain data on animal sex and age, as well as neoplasm histotype, tissue of origin, and malignant/benign biological behavior. A total of 685 neoplasm cases were diagnosed during the study period, which represented 37.7% of all referred histopathological domestic cat cases. Epithelial neoplasms were the most prevalent (56% of cases), followed by mesenchymal tumors (27%), and hematopoietic and lymphoreticular neoplasms (17%). The most common tumor type was carcinoma (31%), followed by sarcoma (14%), adenocarcinoma (13%), lymphoma (13%), and adenoma (6%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent form of carcinoma (117 cases), followed by lymphoma (88 cases), and spindle cell sarcoma (56 cases). Approximately 85% of all cases corresponded to malignant neoplasms. A relationship between sex and histogenesis was observed, but there was no gender association with malignant behavior. Also, hematopoietic/lymphoreticular tumors occurred more frequently at an early age, than other types of neoplasms. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological report indicating the most common neoplasms in a Mexican domestic cat population.

Epidemiology of feline hemoplasmosis in the population of domestic cats in Istanbul

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemoplasma species in cats by real-time PCR and to determine the distribution of the species. Furthermore, it was aimed to evaluate factors that are thought to be important in the epidemiology of the disease in cats statistically. For this purpose, blood samples from 246 cats were examined for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominitum (CMhm), Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt) by real-time PCR. CMhm was detected in 20 (8.13%), CMt was detected in 3 (1.22%), and Mhf was found in 2 (0.81%) of 246 cats. At least one of the hemoplasma species was detected in 21 (8.54%) of 246 cats, and two different hemoplasma species were detected in 4 (19.05%) of 21 cats diagnosed with hemoplasma. The relationship between PCR positivity, the contact of cats with other cats (p = 0.02) and the detection of the intraoral wound (p = 0.001) was found to be statistically significant. The statistical significance of contact with other cats in the formation of the disease was revealed. The strong relationship between the presence of intraoral lesions and hemoplasma infection was revealed for the first time. Studies involving epidemiological data and their relationship with clinical findings should be continued.

Numerical response of predators to large variations of grassland vole abundance and long-term community changes.

Voles can reach high densities with multiannual population fluctuations of large amplitude, and they are at the base of predator communities in Northern Eurasia and Northern America. This status places them at the heart of management conflicts wherein crop protection and health concerns are often raised against conservation issues. Here, a 20‐year survey describes the effects of large variations in grassland vole populations on the densities and the daily theoretical food intakes (TFI) of vole predators based on roadside counts. Our results show how the predator community responded to prey variations of large amplitude and how it reorganized with the increase in a dominant predator, here the red fox, which likely negatively impacted hare, European wildcat, and domestic cat populations. This population increase did not lead to an increase in the average number of predators present in the study area, suggesting compensations among resident species due to intraguild predation or competition. Large variations in vole predator number could be clearly attributed to the temporary increase in the populations of mobile birds of prey in response to grassland vole outbreaks. Our study provides empirical support for more timely and better focused actions in wildlife management and vole population control, and it supports an evidence‐based and constructive dialogue about management targets and options between all stakeholders of such socio‐ecosystems.

Frequency of Blood Types A, B and AB in a Population of Non-Pedigree Domestic Cats from Central Italy.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy. The presence of natural alloantibodies in the feline blood group system can cause life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusion and, depending on the parents’ blood type, can also account for hemolytic reactions in newborn kittens. Based on the frequency of the AB blood groups found in the 483 cats studied, a potential risk (6.5%) of acute hemolytic transfusion or neonatal reactions was calculated. Therefore, determining the blood group in non-pedigree domestic cats from Central Italy before transfusion is strongly recommended, as has been reported for other geographical areas. Moreover, particular attention should be paid to the mating of non-purebred cats.Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and breed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy and estimate the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction and neonatal isoerythrolysis, caused by mismatched transfusion or incompatible random mating, respectively. The AB blood group was determined on non-pedigree domestic feline patients and potential blood donors submitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Teramo (Abruzzo Region, Teramo, Italy) and Perugia (Umbria Region, Teramo, Italy), and visited at veterinary practitioners in Rome (Lazio Region, Teramo, Italy) using commercial immunochromatographic cartridges and commercial agglutination cards. There were four hundred and eighty-three cats included in the study. The frequencies of the blood types were: 89.9% type A, 7.0% type B, and 3.1% type AB. The probability of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction or a neonatal isoerythrolysis was 6.5%. Although the frequency of type B in non-pedigree domestic cats living in Central Italy was relatively low, to reduce the risk of fatal transfusion reactions, blood group typing is recommended before each transfusion.

Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis Infection-Carriers in Eastern Kansas Domestic Cats.

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoprotozoal tick-transmitted pathogen of felids. Felids that survive acute disease often remain infected and serve as reservoirs for subsequent tick transmission to other susceptible felines. States adjacent to Kansas have identified C. felis-domestic cat carriers while statewide awareness and concern of cytauxzoonosis have increased. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. felis-carriers in the eastern Kansas domestic cat population using a sensitive quantitative PCR assay targeting the C. felis Cox3 mitochondrial gene. An overall C. felis infection prevalence of 25.8% was determined for asymptomatic domestic cats in eastern Kansas. Significantly more C. felis-carrier cats were identified in spring and fall, suggesting a seasonal fluctuation of survivors. Additionally, a greater percentage of feral and owned cats were positive for C. felis compared to rescue/rescinded cats. This study demonstrates that C. felis-domestic cat carriers are common among cats that spend at least a portion of time outdoors in eastern Kansas, and that more cats likely survive cytauxzoonosis than expected. Understanding the role of domestic cat carriers of C. felis is essential in developing cytauxzoonosis mitigation strategies, including recommending year-round use of acaricide products for all cats that spend any time outdoors.

High-throughput viral microneutralization method for feline coronavirus using image cytometry

Feline coronaviruses (FCoV) are members of the alphacoronavirus genus that are further characterized by serotype (types I and II) based on the antigenicity of the spike (S) protein and by pathotype based on the associated clinical conditions. Feline enteric coronaviruses (FECV) are associated with the vast majority of infections and are typically asymptomatic. Within individual animals, FECV can mutate and cause a severe and usually fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), the leading infectious cause of death in domestic cat populations. There are no approved antiviral drugs or recommended vaccines to treat or prevent FCoV infection. The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) traditionally employed to assess immune responses and to screen therapeutic and vaccine candidates is time-consuming, low-throughput, and typically requires 2–3 days for the formation and manual counting of cytolytic plaques. Host cells are capable of carrying heavy viral burden in the absence of visible cytolytic effects, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the assay. In addition, operator-to-operator variation can generate uncertainty in the results and digital records are not automatically created. To address these challenges we developed a novel high-throughput viral microneutralization assay, with quantification of virus-infected cells performed in a plate-based image cytometer. Host cell seeding density, microplate surface coating, virus concentration and incubation time, wash buffer and fluorescent labeling were optimized. Subsequently, this FCoV viral neutralization assay was used to explore immune correlates of protection using plasma from naturally FECV-infected cats. We demonstrate that the high-throughput viral neutralization assay using the Celigo Image Cytometer provides a robust and efficient method for the rapid screening of therapeutic antibodies, antiviral compounds, and vaccines. This method can be applied to various viral infectious diseases to accelerate vaccine and antiviral drug discovery and development.

Development of Feline Ileum- and Colon-Derived Organoids and Their Potential Use to Support Feline Coronavirus Infection.

Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) infect both wild and domestic cat populations world-wide. FCoVs present as two main biotypes: the mild feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and the fatal feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). FIPV develops through mutations from FECV during a persistence infection. So far, the molecular mechanism of FECV-persistence and contributing factors for FIPV development may not be studied, since field FECV isolates do not grow in available cell culture models. In this work, we aimed at establishing feline ileum and colon organoids that allow the propagation of field FECVs. We have determined the best methods to isolate, culture and passage feline ileum and colon organoids. Importantly, we have demonstrated using GFP-expressing recombinant field FECV that colon organoids are able to support infection of FECV, which were unable to infect traditional feline cell culture models. These organoids in combination with recombinant FECVs can now open the door to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which FECV can persist in the gut for a longer period of time and how transition to FIPV is achieved.

Global Strategies for Population Management of Domestic Cats (Felis catus): A Systematic Review to Inform Best Practice Management for Remote Indigenous Communities in Australia.

Simple SummaryA systematic review process was used to identify the current global cat population management practices for owned, free-roaming cat populations, particularly those suited to remote Indigenous communities in Australia. Based on this review, a combination of three methods is recommended. The first method, Surgical Sterilisation (SS), requires owners to take their socialised cats to a facility for surgical sterilisation and then take them home. The second method, Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) traps, neuters (sterilises) and returns healthy owned cats, which are unsocialised to the point where trapping is necessary, to their homes, and the third method, Trap-Remove (TR), traps and removes unwanted social cats via adoption and unhealthy cats via euthanasia. Conducting these three methods together over a long-term period appears to be consistent with current global best practice for humane and ethical management of cat populations in these communities.Pet domestic cat (Felis catus) populations are increasing all around the world, resulting in an increase in contact with humans and wildlife, potentially spreading zoonotic diseases and predating on wildlife. With the recently identified rise in cat populations in remote Indigenous communities in Australia, culturally appropriate cat population management strategies are required. A systematic review process was conducted to review the current global cat population management practices that are suitable for owned, free-roaming cat populations in these communities. Eight articles on in-situ field cat populations and five studies simulating computer modelled cat populations reported results of 66 population management interventions. Surgical Sterilisation (SS) was used in all socialised owned cat articles. The trap–neuter–release (TNR) method was used most frequently on unsocialised cats and gained the best results when the trap–remove (TR) method was used concurrently to adopt out unwanted social cats and euthanise ill or injured cats. The results of this review suggest that long-term TNR/SS programs supplemented with TR provide the current most ethically sound best practice, humane method of managing cat populations in remote Australian Indigenous communities. It is also recognised that no one plan will fit all, and that further research on the micro-level techniques used to deploy both TNR and TR needs to occur, and that culturally appropriate community consultation during all processes is vital in achieving a sustainable management program.

Feeding behaviour of red fox and domestic cat populations in suburban areas in the south of Paris

Among medium-sized carnivores, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are the most abundant species in human-dominated landscapes worldwide. Both are known to be generalist predators that exploit a wide range of prey groups (e.g., mammals, birds, and invertebrates). Identifying red fox and domestic cat predation pressure on shared prey could shed light on their ecological role in shaping wildlife communities in human-dominated landscapes. Here, we assess the seasonal diet of red foxes and domestic cats in terms of composition, breadth, and overlap. Over two years, we collected their scats across three human-dominated study sites: park (n = 220 for foxes and n = 0 for cats), agricultural land (n = 159 for foxes and n = 146 for cats), and managed forest (n = 169 for foxes and n = 47 for cats). We detected similar diet breadth (B) for red foxes and domestic cats (B = 0.32 and B = 0.36, respectively) as well as strong dietary overlap (O = 0.83) between them. Moreover, the diet composition of both predators varied according to the study sites and seasons. Our results confirm the highly flexible trophic behaviour of these carnivores at the study sites, probably as a consequence of prey availability, and also the simultaneity of their predation over the same prey groups. Future studies should simultaneously monitor predator diet as well as predator and prey abundance in human-dominated landscapes to better understand the predatory impact of red foxes and domestic cats.

Breast cancer in the population of cats in Rostov region

This paper presents the results of the study of various pathomorphological forms of breast tumors in the population of domestic cats of the Rostov region. 73247 case histories were analyzed in 8 leading veterinary clinics of Rostov-on-Don and Bataysk city, and also 30 resections of a breast were made with the subsequent histological research. The incidence of breast tumors in the population of cats of the Rostov region in 2018 was 438 animals per 100000. According to the results of 187 cytological findings, “malignant neoplasm” was diagnosed in 53% of cases (48% - carcinoma, 5% - sarcoma). The histological examination revealed malignant tumors in 80% of cases (77% - invasive nonspecific carcinoma, 3% – malignant leaf-shaped tumor). Taking into account the fact that about 1.5( ± 76 thousand) million cats live in the Rostov region, it can be assumed that 0.44% (p-95%, confidence interval 0.38%-0.50%) will have a breast tumor, about 80% (p-95%, confidence interval 55%-94%) of which will be malignant.

Vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in cats

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets. However, pets can transmit various pathogens and their close proximity to humans may lead to human infections – zoonoses. Transmission of zoonotic pathogens occurs through direct human-animal contact and/or arthropod vectors, such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, etc. The emergence of vector-borne zoonotic diseases may occur through international movement of owners with companion animals, which could be infected with pathogens and through spreading and subsequent establishment of disease vectors from endemic to non-endemic areas. The complex ecology of vector-borne zoonotic infections poses both a challenge to and opportunities for surveillance and control. Rising occurrence of vector-borne zoonotic diseases, their relevance to human health, and the relative lack of scientific researches related to feline VBDs point to the necessity to summarize and systemize information on the prevalence of agents of these diseases in populations of domestic cats. This review describes the main vector-borne zoonotic diseases in cats and provides an overview of the main pathogens isolated from cats, which have the potential to cause diseases in cats and humans.