Domestic Cats Research Articles

The wildcat (Felis s. silvestris) in the Mediterranean forest: sighting through photo-trapping and non-invasive hair collection for genetic purposes.

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a mesocarnivore species widely distributed in Europe, from Eastern Europe to Portugal and from Scotland to Italy. Recent biogeographical studies of wildcat populations have endeavoured to assess in detail the various issues that pose a threat to this species, including hybridization with domestic cats. The use of non-invasive sampling methods supported by photo-trapping and some attractants has made it possible to gather genetic material for the detection of native wildcats in locally threatened populations, some of which live in the Iberian Peninsula. Testimonies of naturalists, hunters and farm workers led our team to choose specific areas in two large territories of Mediterranean forests where the presence of wildcats has been historically attested: the Almonte River basin and the Sierra de San Pedro Mountains. Between 2014 and 2018, non-invasive hair sampling was performed using valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as an attractant and supported by photo-trapping to guarantee the collection of genuine biological material (hair samples). The hair samples were genetically assessed by sequencing the nuclear gene IRBP (interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein) and the mtDNA gene ND4 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4). Despite the low density of wildcats, this combined protocol proved to be an applicable tool for detecting the presence of elusive wildcats and other mesocarnivore species in this remote region of southern Europe. In addition, non-invasive hair trapping contributes to the collection of genetic material from current wildcat populations. This procedure could enhance future management actions focused on collecting quality individualized biological material.

Microscopic and molecular prevalence and associated risk factors with Toxocara and Blastocystis infection in dogs and cats in Mitidja, Algeria.

Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.

A putatively novel papillomavirus associated with cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma in captive North American snow leopards (Panthera uncia).

Cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are common in captive North American snow leopards (SLs) (Panthera uncia). Our objective was to determine whether these lesions are potentially associated with papillomavirus(es). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on 3 cutaneous plaques using degenerate primers for papillomaviruses. A putatively novel papillomavirus was identified that shared 76% sequence identity to Felis catus papillomavirus 2. Specific PCR for this virus was performed on 5 cutaneous SCC samples and 7 normal skin samples, which were all positive. In situ hybridization for this putatively novel virus was performed, which revealed strong hybridization signals within hyperplastic cells in cutaneous plaques (n = 3) and within neoplastic cells in cutaneous SCC samples (n = 5). No hybridization signals were identified within normal skin. Ultimately, identification of a causal viral agent in the development of plaques and SCC in SLs will help guide therapeutic intervention and lay the foundation for development of prophylactic vaccines.

Seasonal habitat selection and ranging of domestic cats (Felis catus) in rural and urban environments

Domestic cats (Felis catus) thrive at high densities alongside humans in urban and rural environments and are responsible for excessive wildlife predation worldwide. As urbanisation and farmland expands, and domestic cats inevitably reach previously unoccupied habitats, management plans will rely on understanding cat ranging behaviours. Cat movements and habitat selection may differ depending on their surroundings, and consequently, we sought to assess how male and female cat behaviours varied during different seasons in urban, suburban, and rural environments. In cities and farmland in the UK, the location of 56 owned cats (26 F:30 M) was recorded every 5 min for a total of 5237 h using GPS collars (454 ± 25 fixes over c. 4 days per individual). Urban and rural cats exhibited similar patterns of home ranges, maximum distances travelled from their owner’s house, and habitat selection, where they selected for built-up areas with good cover and avoided open spaces. Cats spent an average of 75% of their time outside their owners’ house or garden and therefore had great potential to encounter wild prey. Males in rural areas were almost twice as active than other males but all exhibited crepuscular activity patterns compared to cathemeral or diurnal females. In summer, cats had smaller home ranges and were more nocturnal, poentially concentrating their impacts around core areas during hotter months. Similarities in cat ranging behaviours across the urban–rural gradient suggest management plans can be equally applied in areas alongside cities as well as farmland. Buffer or exclusion zones of 750 m around protected areas would exclude 95% of cats, but specialised management, such as periodic confinement during specific active periods, could prove effective during vulnerable prey species’ breeding seasons. These findings improve our understanding of how cat ranging is affected by urbanisation under seasonal variation, and can be used to tailor management strategies as new species and populations are exposed to domestic cat predation.

Tag! You’re Home! Reunification of Pet Cats with their Owners Using a Community Engagement Approach

Reunification of lost pets with their owners is a key function of municipal animal shelters but reported Return to Owner (RTO) rates are as low as 3% for cats. In contrast, the percentage of recovered pet cats found within their own neighborhoods has been reported as high as 66-75%. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of an innovative program designed to reunite cats with their owners by returning them to their neighborhoods without intake to the shelter. Loudoun County Animal Services, a municipal open-admission animal shelter with an annual intake of 2,300 animals (46% cats), created the Tag!You’re Home! Program (TYHP) on the assumption of positive intent by finders of free-roaming cats. The TYHP engages finders to return un-microchipped healthy social adult cats to their neighborhood after being furnished with a tag and collar with the shelter's contact information. Finders are advised to place the cat back where it was found and not provide food. If the cat is still present after 5 days (mandated stray period) and an owner has not called the shelter, the finder can bring the cat back for intake. Between 7/1/2022 and 12/31/2023, 499 stray cats were admitted to the shelter, 273 of which were adults, and 32 cats were enrolled in the TYHP as an alternative to intake. Of these 32 cats, 10 (31%) were confirmed RTO via owner contact, 10 (31%) did not require additional services (not brought back by finder), 6 (19%) were brought back by the finder after 5 days for intake, 4 (13%) were kept by the finder, and 2 (6%) were rehomed by the finder. Of the 6 cats brought back to the shelter, 1 had an outcome of RTO through the shelter, and 5 had an outcome of adoption. Of the 493 stray cats (267 adults) admitted to the shelter that were not first enrolled in the TYHP, 79 (74 adults) had an outcome of RTO, resulting in a 16% overall RTO rate and 28% adult RTO rate. The most common outcome subtypes for cats RTOed through the shelter were owner called (20%) and microchip (48%). Cats RTOed through the shelter were found a median of 0.4 km (IQR 0.1-1.7), or approximately 4 city blocks, from home. Over 80% of cats enrolled in the TYHP did not require intake to the shelter, and over 30% had a confirmed RTO outcome through the TYHP. While this was very similar to the 28% adult RTO rate reported during the same period for adult cats with intake to the shelter, the TYHP provided a valuable tool to RTO cats without microchips and reduced shelter intake of adult stray cats by 10%.

Employing digital PCR for enhanced detection of perinatal Toxoplasma gondii infection: A cross-sectional surveillance and maternal-infant outcomes study in El Salvador.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted in utero, resulting in fetal chorioretinitis and other long-term neurological outcomes. If diagnosed early, pregnancy-safe chemotherapeutics can prevent vertical transmission. Unfortunately, diagnosis of acute, primary infection among pregnant women remains neglected, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Clinically actionable diagnosis is complex due to the commonality of infection during childhood and early adulthood which spawn long-last antibody titers and historically unreliable direct molecular diagnostics. The current study employed a cross-sectional T. gondii perinatal surveillance study using digital PCR, a next generation molecular diagnostic platform, and a maternal-fetal outcomes survey to ascertain the risk of vertical toxoplasmosis transmission in the Western Region of El Salvador. Of 198 enrolled mothers at the time of childbirth, 6.6% had evidence of recent T. gondii infection-85% of these cases were identified using digital PCR. Neonates born to these acutely infected mothers were significantly more likely to meconium aspiration syndrome and mothers were more likely to experience labor and delivery complications. Multivariable logistic regression found higher maternal T. gondii infection odds were associated with the presence of pet cats, the definitive T. gondii host. In closing, this study provides evidence of maternal T. gondii infection, vertical transmission and deleterious fetal outcomes in a vulnerable population near the El Salvador-Guatemala border. Further, this is the first published study to show clinical utility potential of digital PCR for accurate diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis cases.

Multidrug-resistant phenotypes of genetically diverse Escherichia coli isolates from healthy domestic cats.

Β-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli are a widely distributed source of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), for animals and humans. Little is known about the sensitivity profile and genetic characteristics of E. coli strains isolated from domestic cats. We report a cross-sectional study that evaluated E. coli strains isolated from domestic cats in Panama. For this study the following antibiotics were analyzed: ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate cefepime, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, imipenem, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. The data obtained were classified as resistant, intermediate, or sensitive. MDR strains were established when the strain presented resistance to at least one antibiotic from three or more antimicrobial classes. Forty-eight E. coli isolates were obtained, of which 80% presented resistance to at least one of the antibiotics analyzed, while only 20% were sensitive to all (p = 0.0001). The most common resistance was to gentamicin (58%). Twenty-nine percent were identified as multidrug-resistant isolates and 4% with extended spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype. The genes blaTEM (39%), blaMOX(16%), blaACC (16%) and blaEBC (8%) were detected. Plasmid-mediated resistance qnrB (25%) and qnrA (13%) are reported. The most frequent sequence types (STs) being ST399 and we reported 5 new STs. Our results suggest that in intestinal strains of E. coli isolated from domestic cats there is a high frequency of AMR.

Investigation of the epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from cats and dogs in China from 2021 to 2023

Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is recognized as a leading cause of respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. However, epidemiological data on Bb in dogs and cats in China are still limited, and there is no commercially available vaccine. Live vaccines containing Bb that are widely used abroad are generally effective but can establish latency and potentially reactivate to cause illness in some immunodeficient vaccinated recipients, raising safety concerns. In this study, 34 canine-derived and two feline-derived Bb strains were isolated from 1809 canine and 113 feline nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from eight provinces in China from 2021 to 2023. The PCR results showed that the percentage of positive Bb was 22.94% (441/1922), and more than 90% of the Bb isolates had four virulence factor-encoding genes (VFGs), namely, fhaB, prn, betA and dnt. All the isolated strains displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype. The virulence of 10 Bb strains isolated from dogs with respiratory symptoms was tested in mice, and we found that eight isolates were highly virulent. Furthermore, the eight Bb isolates with high virulence were inactivated and intramuscularly injected into mice, and three Bb strains (WH1218, WH1203 and WH1224) with the best protective efficacy were selected. Dogs immunized with these three strains exhibited strong protection against challenge with the Bb field strain WH1218. Ultimately, the WH1218 strain with the greatest protection in dogs was selected as the vaccine candidate. Dogs and cats that received a vaccine containing 109 CFU of the inactivated WH1218 strain showed complete protection against challenge with the Bb field strain WH1218. This study revealed that Bb is an important pathogen that causes respiratory diseases in domestic dogs and cats in China, and all the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The present work contributes to the current understanding of the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes of Bb in domestic dogs and cats. Additionally, our results suggest that the WH1218 strain is a promising candidate safe and efficacious inactivated Bb vaccine.

Morphological evaluation of adult domestic cat testicular biopsy after vitrification.

Testicular biopsies (9 mm3) from domestic cats (n = 10) submitted to orchiectomy were submitted to equilibrium vitrification in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) alone or combined with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as intracellular cryoprotectants, and sucrose or trehalose as extracellular cryoprotectants. The samples were vitrified with 40% EG or 20% EG + 20% DMSO, plus 0.1 M or 0.5 M of sucrose or trehalose. The study was divided into Step 1 and Step 2. In Step 1, intratubular cells (spermatogonia, spermatids, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells) were quantified and classified as intact or degenerated (pyknotic and/or vacuolated cells). Cryodamage of seminiferous cords was determined by spermatogonia and Sertoli cell scoring of nuclei alterations, tubular basement membrane detachment, epithelium shrinkage, and tubular measures (total area, epithelium area, larger and smaller diameter, and height of the epithelium). In Step 2, Hoechst 33342 stain and propidium iodide (PI) fluorescent stain were used to assess the cell viability of the four best experimental groups in Step 1. The effect of treatments on all analyses was accessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Fisher's post hoc test at P < 0.05 significance was considered. In Step 1, the mean percentage of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells morphological integrity did not show a difference when using both sugars at different concentrations, but their morphology was more affected when DMSO was used. EG use associated with 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose positively affected spermatocyte and spermatid morphology, respectively. The larger diameter and epithelium height of seminiferous tubules were increased using DMSO plus 0.5 M sucrose and DMSO plus 0.1 M trehalose. The changes in spermatogonial/Sertoli nucleoli visualization were best scored in the EG groups, while the nuclei condensation was lower with sucrose. The basement membrane was satisfactorily preserved with 0.1 M sucrose. In Step 2, the percentage of cell viability was higher when EG plus 0.1 M sucrose was used. Therefore, DMSO's negative effect on the vitrification of testicular biopsies of adult domestic cats was evident. The EG plus 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose associations are the most suitable CPAs to preserve the testicular histology structure of adult domestic cats in vitrification.

Prevalence and risk factors for gingivitis in a cohort of UK companion cats aged up to 6 years.

Prospectively collected data were used to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis in a cohort of companion cats aged up to 6 years and to investigate factors associated with the risk of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years. Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of domestic cats (the Bristol Cats Study), using owner-completed questionnaires and veterinary surgeon-completed oral health scores. Prevalence estimates of veterinary-reported gingivitis for cats aged up to 6 years old (n = 1534) were calculated for different age groups. Cat signalment, diet and dental care were assessed for association with gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years (n = 317) using univariable and multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of gingivitis increased with age and ranged from 24.5% (<12 months old) to 56.3% (5 to 6 years old). Odds of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years were higher in cats fed a wet only or mixed wet/dry diet compared to dry only (odds ratio: 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 5.1), cats not reported to hunt compared to reported hunters (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 4.2), cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age 6 months compared to reported non-dribblers (odds ratio: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 8.4) and cats with orange variants in their coat colour compared to non-orange cats (odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 5.3). These results will help veterinary surgeons identify cats that may be at a greater risk of gingivitis and provide an evidence base to inform dietary and oral healthcare recommendations aimed at promoting gingival health in cats.

Effects of Phyllanthus niruri antiseptic skin cream on surgical wounds in Felis catus after ovariosalpingohysterectomy

Studies highlight the cost-effectiveness and lower adverse effects of herbal remedies than allopathic medicines, making them attractive amidst growing microbial resistance concerns. This investigation explored the in vitro antiseptic properties of Phyllanthus niruri alcoholic extract (EA) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Candida albicans. Various in vitro methods were employed, including disk diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC). A skin cream formulation using P. niruri was developed, undergoing in vivo trials on ten feline subjects post-ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH). Felines were treated with P. niruri skin cream (100mg/ml), with 0.1% aqueous chlorhexidine as the positive control. Skin assessments included hyperemia, crust, edema, and exudation. Inhibition was observed in vitro at various EA concentrations, and cytotoxicity analysis showed no harm. The P. niruri skin cream at 100mg/ml exhibited consistent outcomes, with a minor deviation from the fifth day onwards, without compromising therapeutic efficacy (Tukey test, p &lt; 0.05). The formulation demonstrated stable physical-chemical properties with no adverse feline reactions. These findings suggest the skin cream's in vivo antimicrobial potential as a future antiseptic alternative.

Genomic analysis of the first multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing high-risk clonal lineage Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 isolated from a cat with urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are pervasive in human and veterinary medicine, notably affecting companion animals. These infections frequently lead to the prescription of antibiotics, contributing to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This escalating concern is underscored by the emergence of a previously undocumented case: a high-risk clone, broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae ST147 strain, denoted USP-275675, isolated from a cat with UTI. Characterized by a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, whole genome sequencing exposed several antimicrobial-resistance genes, notably blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1B, blaSHV-11, and blaOXA-1. ST147, recognized as a high-risk clone, has historically disseminated globally and is frequently associated with carbapenemases and extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Notably, the core-genome phylogeny of K. pneumoniae ST147 strains isolated from urine samples revealed a unique aspect of the USP-276575 strain. Unlike its counterparts, it did not cluster with other isolates. However, a broader examination incorporating strains from both human and animal sources unveiled a connection between USP-276575 and a Portuguese strain from chicken meat. Both were part of a larger cluster of ST147 strains spanning various geographic locations and sample types, sharing commonalities such as IncFIB or IncR plasmids. This elucidates the MDR signature inherent in widespread K. pneumoniae ST147 strains carrying these plasmids, highlighting their pivotal role in disseminating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Finally, discovering the high-risk clone K. pneumoniae ST147 in a domestic feline with a UTI in Brazil highlights the urgent need for thorough AMR surveillance through a One Health approach.

A new Finnish flavor of feline coat coloration, "salmiak," is associated with a 95-kb deletion downstream of the KIT gene.

Cats with a distinctive white hair pattern of unknown molecular cause have been discovered in the Finnish domestic cat population. Based on the unique appearance of these cats, we have named this phenotype salmiak ("salty licorice"). The use of a commercially available panel test to genotype four salmiak-colored cats revealed the absence of all known variants associated with white-haired phenotypic loci: full White (W), Spotting (Ws) and the Birman white Gloves associated (wg) allele of the KIT proto-oncogene (KIT) gene. Whole-genome sequencing on two salmiak-colored cats was conducted to search for candidate causal variants in the KIT gene. Despite a lack of coding variants, visual inspection of the short read alignments revealed a large ~95 kb deletion located ~65 kb downstream of the KIT gene in the salmiak cats. Additional PCR genotyping of 180 domestic cats and three salmiak-colored cats confirmed the homozygous derived variant genotype fully concordant with the salmiak phenotype. We suggest the newly identified variant be designated as wsal for "w salmiak".

Characterizing the blood microbiota in healthy and febrile domestic cats via 16s rRNA sequencing

This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.

Dermatophytosis in domestic cats: Identification, and treatment in an Indian context

The surge in domestic cat adoption across India, particularly the rising preference for high-pedigree cats, coupled with environmental factors, has resulted in increased incidence of dermatophytosis among feline companions. Despite this growing concern, there is a noticeable scarcity of studies in India delving into the etiological factors contributing to dermatophytosis in cats. This disease is a threat to animal health and carries public health significance, given that cats are recognized reservoir hosts for Microsporum canis, a common dermatophyte affecting humans and animals. This study endeavours to identify the dermatophytes affecting cats and establish a standardized therapeutic regimen while accounting for the local stigma surrounding the regular bathing of cats. The study involved the examination of 82 cats presenting dermatological lesions, when subjected to cultural examination in dermatophyte test medium revealed 36 afflicted with dermatophytes. Isolates were presumptively identified by staining using lactophenol cotton blue, Chicago sky blue 6B, and Calcofluor white stains. Molecular-level identification of the isolates was confirmed through PCR-RFLP, amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence of 16 s rDNA, followed by restriction digestion using the Mva1 enzyme. Among the thirty-six isolates, 29 were identified as M. canis, while the remaining 7 were M. gypseum. The cases were categorized into five groups and treated with Lime Sulphur dip, 4 % chlorhexidine shampoo, a shampoo containing 2 % miconazole and 4 % chlorhexidine, oral itraconazole alone, and a combination of oral itraconazole with lime-Sulphur dip. Statistical analysis revealed that the response was notably swifter with lime Sulphur dip when considering only topical therapy. Moreover, the mycological cure was most expeditious when combining Lime Sulphur dip with oral itraconazole. These findings underscore the pivotal role of topical biocides in feline dermatophytosis treatment, potentially reducing the reliance on specific antifungals and thereby contributing to the mitigation of antimicrobial resistance emergence.

Human cat borne rabies as the new epidemiology of the disease in the Andes mountains.

Rabies virus (RABV) is the etiologic agent of rabies, a fatal brain disease in mammals. Rabies circulation has historically involved the dog has the main source of human rabies worldwide. Nevertheless, in Colombia, cats (Felis catus) have become a relevant species in the epidemiology of rabies. To characterize rabies cases in humans in Colombia in the last three decades in the context of the epidemiology of the aggressor animal. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal epidemiological study of human rabies caused by cats' aggression, collecting primary and secondary information. Variables considered included the demography of the patient, symptoms, information about the aggressor animal as the source of infection and the viral variant identified. We found that the distribution of rabies incidence over the years has been constant in Colombia. Nevertheless, between 2003 and 2012 a peak of cases occurred in rural Colombia where cats were the most frequent aggressor animal reported. Most cats involved in aggression were unvaccinated against rabies. Cat's clinical signs at the time of the report of the human cases included hypersalivation and changes in behaviour. Human patients were mostly children and female and the exposure primarily corresponded to bite and puncture lacerations in hands. The RABV lineage detected in most cases corresponded to variant 3, linked to the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). The geographical presentation of cat borne RABV in humans occurred along the Andes mountains, epidemiologically known as the rabies red Andean corridor. By finding cats as the primary source of rabies spillover transmission in Colombia, this report highlights the importance of revising national rabies control and prevention protocol in countries in the Andes region. Our results demonstrate that rabies vaccination for outdoor cats needs to prioritize to reduce the number of rabies-related human deaths.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) of Comminuted Radial Fractures Using a Locking Plate Contoured on a 3D-Printed Model of the Feline Antebrachium: A Cadaveric Study.

(1) Background: Due to the unique structural and functional characteristics of the forelimb in cats, fractures of the radius and ulna are best repaired using internal fixation and stabilization in accordance with AO principles. This study presents the results of reduction of 42 cadaveric comminuted feline radial fractures reduced by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). (2) Methods: Radius fractures were created on 21 pairs of forelimbs with intact bones. MIPO was then performed using two locking bone plates pre-contoured on 3D-printed bone models of the antebrachium of a male and a female cat. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were taken, and radius length and anatomical lateral distal radial angle (aLDRA) were measured. (3) Results: All fractures were classified as complex diaphyseal fractures of the radius. The radial bone length did not change significantly after surgery (F1,18 = 0.01, p = 0.933). However, the aLDRA was modified after surgery (F1,18 = 7.51, p = 0.013), but this change was only observed in females, in whom the aLDRA was significantly reduced (p = 0.035) compared to the value determined by the shape of the plate. In males, the pre- and postoperative aLDRA values were similar (p = 0.824). In 40 cases, alignment, adjacency of bone fragments, and apparatus were judged to be satisfactory. In two cases, the plate was fixed to the proximal radius and distal ulna due to misidentification of the distal radius. In both cases, revision surgery and correct fixation of the radius gave proper alignment, adjacency, and apparatus. (4) Conclusion: A pre-contoured plate on a 3D-printed model of the male and female domestic cat antebrachium was suitable for the reduction and stabilization of comminuted radial fractures in a cohort of domestic cat cadavers without the need to print individual antebrachial bone models for each patient.

Fatty acid composition and biophysical characteristics of the cell membrane of feline spermatozoa

Sperm membrane composition and biophysical characteristics play a pivotal role in many physiological processes (i.e. sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fusion with the oocyte) as well as in semen processing (e.g. cryopreservation). The aim of this study was to characterize the fatty acid content and biophysical characteristics (anisotropy, generalized polarization) of the cell membrane of domestic cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected from 34 adult male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation, the fatty acid content of some of the samples (n = 11) was evaluated by gas chromatography. Samples from other individuals (n = 23) were subjected to biophysical analysis: membrane anisotropy (which is inversely proportional to membrane fluidity) and generalized polarization (describing lipid order); both measured by fluorimetry at three temperature points: 38 °C, 25 °C and 5 °C. Spermatozoa from some samples (n = 10) were cryopreserved in TRIS egg yolk-glycerol extender and underwent the same biophysical analysis after thawing. Most fatty acids in feline spermatozoa were saturated (69.76 ± 24.45%), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was relatively low (6.12 ± 5.80%). Lowering the temperature caused a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in generalized polarization in fresh spermatozoa, and these effects were even more pronounced following cryopreservation. Anisotropy at 38 °C in fresh samples showed strong positive correlations with viability and motility parameters after thawing. In summary, feline spermatozoa are characterized by a very low PUFA content and a low ratio of unsaturated:saturated fatty acids, which may contribute to low oxidative stress. Cryopreservation alters the structure of the sperm membrane, increasing the fluidity of the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer and the lipid order in the hydrophilic portion. Because lower membrane fluidity in fresh semen was linked with better viability and motility after cryopreservation, this parameter may be considered an important factor in determination of sperm cryoresistance.

Update on feline calicivirus: viral evolution, pathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and control.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a prevalent and impactful viral pathogen affecting domestic cats. As an RNA virus, FCV exhibits high mutability and genetic plasticity, enabling its persistence within cat populations. Viral genetic diversity is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infections and mild oral and upper respiratory tract diseases to the potential development of virulent systemic, and even fatal conditions. This diversity poses distinctive challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases caused by FCV. Over the past four decades, research has significantly deepened understanding of this pathogen, with an emphasis on molecular biology, evolutionary dynamics, vaccine development, and disease management strategies. This review discusses various facets of FCV, including its genomic structure, evolution, innate immunity, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and approaches to disease management. FCV remains a complex and evolving concern in feline health, requiring continuous research to enhance understanding of its genetic diversity, to improve vaccine efficacy, and to explore novel treatment options.

Xanthinuria in a familial group of Munchkin cats and an unrelated domestic shorthair cat.

Four confirmed cases of xanthinuria in cats, and one suspected case based on pedigree analysis, were identified. Clinical presentations varied and included haematuria, pollakiuria, dysuria, and urethral and ureteral obstruction. All cats had upper urinary tract uroliths. Diagnosis was obtained through infrared mass spectrometry of uroliths or urine. Clinical signs commenced at 3-8 months of age and reduced in all cats in the medium to long term after the introduction of a protein-restricted diet. Four cats were castrated males and one was a spayed female. Cases consisted of four Munchkin pedigree cats and one unrelated domestic shorthair cat. All four affected Munchkin pedigree cats were related, with three cases full siblings and the fourth case a half-sibling. No connection to the Munchkin pedigree could be established for the domestic shorthair cat. A candidate causative genetic variant (XDH p.A681V) proposed for this cat was excluded in the Munchkin family. All affected cats presented diagnostic challenges and routine urinalysis was insufficient to obtain a diagnosis. Cases of feline xanthinuria may be underdiagnosed due to situations where uroliths cannot be retrieved for analysis and there is an inability to make a diagnosis using crystal morphology alone on routine urinalysis. Metabolic screening of urine may provide an effective mechanism to confirm xanthinuria in suspected cases where uroliths are inaccessible or absent. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs and urethral obstruction developing secondary to xanthine urolithiasis. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management. Four closely related Munchkin cats and one domestic shorthair cat were found with a suspected genetic disease causing high levels of xanthine in their urine. The case series looks at similarities and differences in their clinical signs, as well as difficulties experienced in obtaining a correct diagnosis. All cats had upper urinary tract stones and required metabolic testing of the stones or urine to diagnose. All cats were young when their clinical signs started and were on a high-protein diet. Four cats were desexed males and one was a desexed female. A genetic variant that may have caused the disease in the domestic shorthair cat was ruled out in the Munchkin family. Cases of high xanthine levels in feline urine may be underdiagnosed as the stones may not be accessed for testing. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management.