Domestic Cats Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology and risk analysis for asymptomatic infection with feline enteric coronavirus in domestic and stray cats in Japan.

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) causes subclinical infection; therefore, asymptomatic cats can act as transmitters of FECoV. However, there have been few studies on the prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan. In this study, we used a nested RT-PCR assay targeting the S gene of FECoV to test 319 normal fecal samples from stray cats and domestic cats in Japan between 2019 and 2020. Seventy-five samples tested positive, and the presence of FECoV in domestic cats was significantly associated with age (p<0.01), but not with gender, breed, or living in a multi-cat household. The results provide insights into the current prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan.

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumour in the orbit of a domestic shorthair cat (Felis catus)

AbstractA 13‐year‐old, domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of left‐sided exophthalmos, epiphora and third eyelid elevation of approximately 4‐month duration. Based on ophthalmic exam findings, a retrobulbar mass was suspected. Computed tomography of the head revealed a fluid to soft‐tissue, non‐contrast‐enhancing mass caudoventral to the left globe. Based on these findings, a retrobulbar abscess was considered the most likely differential, while a neoplastic mass could not be completely excluded. The mass and left globe were surgically excised via a modified lateral orbitotomy and exenteration. Histopathology and special staining of the mass was consistent with an orbital primitive neuroectodermal tumour, while the globe was unremarkable.

Whiskers in the city: domestic cat predation in Ecuadorian coastal cities and associated factors

Whiskers in the city: domestic cat predation in Ecuadorian coastal cities and associated factors

SARS-CoV-2 within-host population expansion, diversification and adaptation in zoo tigers, lions and hyenas.

SARS-CoV-2 rapidly adapts to new hosts following cross-species transmission; this is highly relevant as novel within-host variants have emerged following infection of susceptible wild and domestic animal species. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 transmission from animals (e.g., white-tailed deer, mink, domestic cats, and others) back to humans has also been observed, documenting the potential of novel animal-derived variants to infect humans. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 evolution and host-specific adaptation during an outbreak in Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), African lions (Panthera leo), and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) at Denver Zoo in late 2021. SARS-CoV-2 genomes from longitudinal samples collected from 16 individuals were evaluated for within-host variation and genomic signatures of selection. The outbreak was likely initiated by a single spillover of a rare Delta sublineage subsequently transmitted from tigers to lions to hyenas. Within-host virus populations rapidly expanded and diversified. We detected signatures of purifying and positive selection, including strong positive selection in hyenas and in the nucleocapsid (N) gene in all animals. Four candidate species-specific adaptive mutations were identified: N A254V in lions and hyenas, and ORF1a E1724D, spike T274I, and N P326L in hyenas. These results reveal accelerated SARS-CoV-2 adaptation following host shifts in three non-domestic species in daily contact with humans.

Episotological monitoring of coronavirus enteritis in cats

Feline coronavirus enteritis is widespread throughout the world and is known to cause disease in both domestic and wild feline species. In some individuals, the viral disease is a consequence of infectious peritonitis. To study the prevalence of feline coronavirus enteritis in the world, a literature analysis was performed using resources such as the Google Scholar website, the scientific portal ResearchGate, the official website of the U.S. government, the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and the international journal Sciencedirect. The epizootiological characteristics of infectious peritonitis in cats were studied taking into account the nosological profile, breeds, age, and seasonality. Outpatient admission records for the years 2022 and 2023 were used. We analyzed 535 cats for infectious diseases during this period. It was found that panleukopenia was diagnosed in 200 cats (37%) during this period, followed by rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus infection) in 137 (25.6%) animals. Calicivirus infection was the third most common. 90 (17%) cats became ill with it. 15 cats fell ill with feline coronavirus enteritis (infectious peritonitis), which is 3%. In the structure of viral diseases of cats coronavirus enteritis is in: Australia - 34-54%, Croatia - 42%, Czech Republic - 63%, Galapagos and Falkland Islands - 0%, France 17%, Germany - 62%, Greece - 10-19%, Italy - 19-51%, Great Britain - 20-65%, USA - 56%, China - 12.7%, Japan - 31-67%, Korea - 7-14%, Malaysia - 70-90%. Coronavirus enteritis in cats is not very common in the nosological profile of infectious diseases in Ukraine and according to our researches it is 3%. Panleukopenia was the first disease in 200 cats (37%), followed by rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus infection) in 137 (25.6%) animals. Calicivirus infection was the third most common. 90 (17%) cats had this infection. We found that 7 breeds of cats (British Shorthair, Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Devon Rex, Metis, Bengal, Maine Coon) suffered from infectious peritonitis. At the same time, cats of the Maine Coon and Metis breeds got sick the most. It was found that the peak of clinical manifestation of the disease is observed in October and November. The disease is difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate of 37.5%. The disease was more severe in cats with dry form. They were twice as likely to die as cats with a wet form. Cats between 3 and 6 months of age were most affected by infectious peritonitis, accounting for 33.34% of the age structure. The disease was also more frequent in cats aged 9 months to 2 years

Urethral obstruction due to pseudomembranous cystitis in a domestic shorthair cat

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with acute onset lethargy, anorexia, stranguria, dysuria without micturition. Routine blood tests demonstrated hyperkalaemia, azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bi‐compartmentalised urinary bladder, with intravesical mineralised septa. The patient was diagnosed with urethral obstruction secondary to pseudomembranous cystitis. Following initial medical management, an exploratory celiotomy and cystotomy were performed, which revealed a complete fluid‐filled intravesical pseudomembranous sac, which extended via a long thin pedicle into the proximal urethra. The pseudomembranous sac was excised. Cystotomy and abdominal wound closure were routine. Post‐operative stranguria resolved with medical management within 9 days. Bacterial culture of the urinary bladder wall demonstrated no growth. Histopathology confirmed a pseudomembrane, which was composed predominantly of eosinophilic proteinaceous material and extravasated erythrocytes, with some neutrophils and cellular debris. Four months post‐operatively, no recurrence of the clinical signs has been reported.

Wild Cats on the Internet: The Role of Social Media in Popularising Caracals in South Africa

ABSTRACT In the digital age online platforms provide new models of engagement between science and society. Garnering sufficient involvement in conservation relies largely on communicating the aims and findings of research projects. Here, the role of social media in understanding the ecology of an elusive wildcat, the caracal (Caracal caracal), in Cape Town, South Africa is explored. There has been sustained growth in the Urban Caracal Project’s social media following since its inception in 2014 (>16,800 followers on Facebook; > 7,300 on Instagram). The public has made valuable contributions to core research aims, including reporting of sightings and mortalities. Encounters with Cape Town’s caracals are positive experiences with social media revealing positive attitudes and care for the species. Social media has been a launchpad for other forms of media engagement, enhancing the project’s scientific and outreach reputation. The project’s success and appeal likely stems from the phenomenon of “cats on the internet,” relying on the use of domestic cats in popular meme culture. Using an aesthetic species, such as the caracal, is an effective way to capture public attention to communicate the importance of conserving urban wildlife. These findings highlight the use of smaller carnivores as flagship conservation species for rapidly urbanizing areas.

The effect of concurrent clopidogrel and omeprazole administration on clopidogrel metabolism and platelet function in healthy cats.

Some studies in humans show that the concurrent use of clopidogrel and omeprazole decreases plasma clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) concentrations and clopidogrel antiplatelet effects. Whether this drug interaction occurs in cats is unknown. We hypothesized that administration of clopidogrel with omeprazole would decrease plasma CAM concentrations and decrease clopidogrel antiplatelet effects in healthy cats. Ten domestic cats. In this 2-sequence, 2-period, 2-treatment randomized crossover study, healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive clopidogrel only (18.75 mg PO q24h) or clopidogrel with omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q12h) for 10 days, followed by a 2-week washout period, and then the opposite treatment for another 10 days. Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture on days 0, 5, and 10. Plasma CAM concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Platelet function was evaluated using Plateletworks, Multiplate Analyzer, and Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PFA-100). Multiplate Analyzer and PFA-100 detected no difference in platelet function between days or treatment groups. Plateletworks detected a significant difference (P < .001) in platelet function from day 0 to 5 and day 0 to 10 in both treatment groups but no difference between treatment groups. Plasma CAM concentrations were significantly lower on day 10 (P < .02) in cats receiving both medications versus clopidogrel only. Concurrent omeprazole and clopidogrel administration was associated with altered pharmacokinetics on day 10, but no difference in pharmacodynamics between the 2 treatment groups. The short-term use of clopidogrel and omeprazole does not seem to alter platelet function significantly.

Ethogram of the Domestic Cat

The existing domestic cat literature predominantly contains lists detailing its behaviour. However, these lists are neither specific enough for domestic cats nor general enough for all behaviours on a macro level of the domestic cat. Furthermore, the majority of studies lack illustrations. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive ethogram of the domestic cat and scalable schematic representations of the behaviour units. We evaluated observational data from free-roaming cats and cats from private households using ad libitum and focal animal sampling (video material 55.31 h, n = 170 animals). In addition, we used the leading literature and detailed anatomical studies to create systematic categories and morphologically correct drawings. A total of 117 discrete behaviours were recorded and divided into 12 categories. The description of each behaviour includes a name, a word definition, an ethological classification and a schematic illustration (excluding the category devoted to vocalisations). An ethogram is needed to better understand the behavioural repertoire of healthy domestic cats and to facilitate the design phase of further investigations. This document can help to better distinguish species-appropriate behaviours and body postures from those behaviours and poses that indicate chronic pain, stress or discomfort.

Somatic GNAQ, CTNNB1, and CACNA1C Mutations in Cat Aldosterone-Secreting Tumors.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of human hypertension. Somatic mutations in KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, and ATP2B3 are found in at least 80% of aldosterone-producing adenomas, which cause unilateral PA in humans. Somatic mutations have been identified infrequently in 7 other genes; few of these were known to play a role in aldosterone secretion before the discovery of their mutations. Interrogating somatic mutations in the domestic cat, in which spontaneous PA is also known to occur, might improve the understanding of normal adrenal gland physiology and the pathophysiology of PA. DNA and RNA extracted from tissue from 13 cats with unilateral aldosterone-secreting tumors, including 8 carcinomas and 5 adenomas, underwent whole genome sequencing, targeted Sanger sequencing, and RNA sequencing. Single-nucleotide substitution variants were filtered to select those with a predicted deleterious effect on protein function and a suspected role in aldosterone secretion. Probable functional somatic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (n=8) were found in 3 adenomas and 2 carcinomas. Mutations with predicted significant effects were identified in 2 genes also mutated in human PA; GNAQ and CTNNB1, and in a residue of CACNA1C analogous to a common CACNA1D mutation. In contrast to humans, CACNA1C expression was much greater than CACNA1D in both feline tumor and nontumor adrenal tissue. No mutations were identified in KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, or ATP2B3. Similar mutations were identified in cats to those found in humans. It is, therefore, likely that both species have shared underlying selection pressures for mutations that increase aldosterone secretion.

Fecal bile acid dysmetabolism and reduced ursodeoxycholic acid correlate with novel microbial signatures in feline chronic kidney disease.

Microbial-derived secondary bile acids (SBAs) are reabsorbed and sensed via host receptors modulating cellular inflammation and fibrosis. Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs with progressive renal inflammation and fibrosis, mirroring the disease pathophysiology of human CKD patients. Prospective cross-sectional study compared healthy cats (n = 6) with CKD (IRIS Stage 2 n = 17, Stage 3 or 4 n = 11). Single timepoint fecal samples from all cats underwent targeted bile acid metabolomics. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using DADA2 with SILVA taxonomy characterized the fecal microbiota. CKD cats had significantly reduced fecal concentrations (median 12.8 ng/mg, Mann-Whitney p = 0.0127) of the SBA ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) compared to healthy cats (median 39.4 ng/mg). Bile acid dysmetabolism characterized by <50% SBAs was present in 8/28 CKD and 0/6 healthy cats. Beta diversity significantly differed between cats with <50% SBAs and > 50% SBAs (PERMANOVA p < 0.0001). Twenty-six amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with >97% nucleotide identity to Peptacetobacter hiranonis were identified. P. hiranonis combined relative abundance was significantly reduced (median 2.1%) in CKD cats with <50% SBAs compared to CKD cats with >50% SBAs (median 13.9%, adjusted p = 0.0002) and healthy cats with >50% SBAs (median 15.5%, adjusted p = 0.0112). P. hiranonis combined relative abundance was significantly positively correlated with the SBAs deoxycholic acid (Spearman r = 0.5218, adjusted p = 0.0407) and lithocholic acid (Spearman r = 0.5615, adjusted p = 0.0156). Three Oscillospirales ASVs and a Roseburia ASV were also identified as significantly correlated with fecal SBAs. The gut-kidney axis mediated through microbial-derived SBAs appears relevant to the spontaneous animal CKD model of domestic cats. This includes reduced fecal concentrations of the microbial-derived SBA UDCA, known to regulate inflammation and fibrosis and be reno-protective. Microbes correlated with fecal SBAs include bai operon containing P. hiranonis, as well as members of Oscillospirales, which also harbor a functional bai operon. Ultimately, CKD cats represent a translational opportunity to study the role of SBAs in the gut-kidney axis, including the potential to identify novel microbial-directed therapeutics to mitigate CKD pathogenesis in veterinary patients and humans alike.

Study on sentinel hosts for surveillance of future COVID-19-like outbreaks

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has the potential to evolve independently. In this study, we distinguished several sentinel animal species and genera for monitoring the re-emergence of COVID-19 or the new outbreak of COVID-19-like disease. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic data from human and nonhuman mammals in the taxonomic hierarchies of species, genus, family and order of their host. We find that SARS-CoV-2 carried by domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic cat (Felis catus), mink (Neovison vison), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) cluster closely to human-origin viruses and show no differences in the majority of amino acids, but have the most positively selected sites and should be monitored to prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 caused by novel variants of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses from the genera Panthera (especially lion (Panthera leo)), Manis and Rhinolophus differ significantly from human-origin viruses, and long-term surveillance should be undertaken to prevent the future COVID-19-like outbreaks. Investigation of the variation dynamics of sites 142, 501, 655, 681 and 950 within the S protein may be necessary to predict the novel animal SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Rabies in Cats-An Emerging Public Health Issue.

Human rabies cases today are predominantly associated with infection from rabid domestic dogs. Unlike dogs, a common global reservoir species that perpetuates rabies viruses (RABV) within their populations, domestic cats are much less frequently reported or vaccinated. Epidemiologically, cats are important vectors of lyssaviruses but are not viral reservoirs. Typically, cats are incidental hosts only, infected with the predominant lyssavirus in their geographic locale. Human cases associated with rabid cats have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas. As adept, solitary hunters, wild and domestic felids are at risk of lyssavirus infection based upon interactions with infected prey, such as bats, or from transmission by other mesocarnivores, such as rabid dogs, foxes, jackals, raccoons, and skunks. Current veterinary vaccines provide safe and effective immunity in cats against phylogroup I lyssaviruses, such as RABV, but not against divergent lyssaviruses in phylogroups II-IV. With the focus upon the global elimination of canine rabies, the emergence of rabies in cats represents a concerning trend. Clearly, education about the occurrence of rabies in cats needs to be improved, as well as the routine vaccination of cats to reduce the associated risks to public health, agriculture, and conservation biology from a One Health perspective.

The underground cat: burrow use by female black-footed cats (Felis nigripes)

The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is the smallest and one of the rarest cats in Africa. Endemic to the semi-arid regions of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, this nocturnal carnivore spends daytime in burrows, thus avoiding high temperatures and diurnal predators. Despite the importance of burrows, den usage has never been studied in detail for this species. Here we report on the frequency with which female black-footed cats use burrows of different dimensions and compared with burrow availability. The entrances of 50 dens, used by five radio-collared black-footed cats over four weeks, were scanned with LiDAR to measure tunnel width (mean = 15.2 ± 3.9 cm) and height (mean = 13.9 ± 3.6 cm). Of these, 98% (n = 49) most closely matched the dimensions of springhare (Pedetes capensis) burrows. Each cat used a mean of 11.6 den sites and spent a mean of 2.0 consecutive days in a den before selecting a new one. When kittens reached an age of 44–50 days, mothers switched from using a den for a mean of six days-per-den, to changing dens every day. Our results suggest that female black-footed cats are reliant upon springhares to provide suitable daytime refugia and maternity dens in southern Namibia. Further studies should be conducted to determine what den sites are selected in the absence of springhare, and whether localised persecution of springhare impacts the survival of black-footed cats.

Elucidating genetic variability between randomly bred domestic cats and Persian domestic cats from different geographical locations using microsatellite markers.

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a newly evolved species in the family Felidae that has developed some great features among mammals. It is critical to conserve these species and prevent inbreeding from reducing their genetic diversity by understanding their genetic relationships and applying the information to breeding management. The diverse population was an excellent choice for studying genetic diversity and inbreeding phenomena. To conduct this research, 128 individuals from 8 populations, including Azerbaijan, Persian, Ahar, Uermia, Tehran, Karaj, Turkish and Shop cat (both genders), were randomly selected from different geographical regions. We selected eight STR markers with different chromosomal locations based on polymorphism and observed allele numbers in the next step. DNA extraction was performed using tail hair root, PCR and electrophoresis, and gel staining was performed according to routine laboratory protocol. For statistical analysis, CONVERT versions POPGENE, ARLEQUIN GenAlEx and R script analysis. Remarkably, our results showed that 23 alleles were identified in 128 samples. The highest number of alleles belonged to the FCa096 locus (eight alleles) in the Persian population, followed by FCa045 (seven alleles) in the Persian and Ahar populations. Another new finding is that the lowest number of alleles belonged to the 35 and FCa77 locus (two alleles). In addition, pairwise differentiation between and within populations was examined using the genetic distance index. Overall, the results showed that the degree of differentiation within the population is high in the Turkish population compared to other population groups and lower in the Azerbaijan population. In addition, principal component discriminant analysis-based analysis based on the ADAGENET package shows the distribution of samples by geographical location. The results show that genetic mixing between populations is high. On this basis, we conclude that randomly bred domestic cats have a higher level of diversity than Persian domestic cats. This is an interesting topic for future work.

Desmoid fibromatosis following surgery of an intradural spinal lipoma in a young cat

BackgroundIntradural lipomas have been previously reported in individuals with spinal dysraphism; however, they have not been reported in cats with an intact spinal canal. Desmoid tumors are a rare finding in veterinary medicine, and there is no prior description of these tumors invading the spinal cord. Furthermore, the etiopathogenesis remains debated, with trauma, such as surgical intervention of an intradural structure, potentially contributing to its development.Case descriptionA 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was presented initially with progressive proprioceptive ataxia. The MRI identified an intradural compressive lesion at the cranio-cervical junction, confirmed as a lipoma by histopathology. Despite surgical removal, postoperative complications led to the cat's euthanasia. Postmortem examination revealed invasion of a desmoid tumor at the surgical site.ConclusionsThis case highlights the rarity of intradural lipomas in this location and the unusual complication of desmoid tumor invasion. It underscores the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms and potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for similar cases and suggests that these findings may be added to the list of potential post-surgical complications.

Toxoplasma gondii Exposure and Dietary Habits of Two Sympatric Carnivores in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Southern Chile.

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, may infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans and carnivores. Our study focused on alien-invasive American minks (Neogale vison) and domestic cats (Felis catus) in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile. The main goal was to investigate the relationship between their dietary habits and T. gondii exposure in the Valdivia River watershed. To detect T. gondii exposure, blood serum samples from 49 domestic cats and 40 American minks were analyzed using an ELISA, and stable isotope analysis of δ15N and δ13C from vibrissae was performed to determine the dietary habits of both species. Relationships between T. gondii exposure and dietary habits were explored using generalized linear mixed-effects models. American minks that were T. gondii seropositive exhibited a broader prey range compared to seropositive domestic cats, with minimal dietary overlap between the two groups. Exposure of domestic cats to T. gondii had no significant association with any isotope value or prey item in their diet. In American minks, we found a positive and significant association between the proportion of Domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the diet and high δ15N values with T. gondii exposure. This suggests that domestic species prey related to anthropogenic areas, and the consumption of high-trophic-level prey, may contribute to T. gondii exposure in American minks. Conversely, contrary to previous hypotheses, consumption of rodents showed no significant association with T. gondii exposure in either species. Our findings emphasize the importance of further research to investigate trophic interactions in the transmission dynamics of T. gondii in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest.

Spitz-like tail carriage in two domestic cats

Domestic cats use visual cues to communicate with conspecifics and humans. This includes the position and movement of the tail. The tail up signal (i.e. tail held vertically with the tip curled) has been identified as a friendly greeting signal between cats and from cats to humans. We present here a report of two cats unable to display the classic tail up signal due to Spitz-like (curled) tail characteristics, a morphology not previously reported in the scientific literature. The cats, a British Shorthair (Mn, 2 y) and Domestic Longhair (Fn, 8.5 y), belonged to different households and were participants in a study of intraspecific social interactions. Video recordings show the cats displaying normal tail movements (waving, swishing, twitching) and position when the tail was hanging down. However, once the tail was raised to a vertical position, it immediately curled over the back. This Spitz-like tail posture was displayed both when greeting people and other cats. It had reportedly been present since adoption. There was no underlying medical history of injury or pain to indicate this was an acquired state. We suggest this Spitz-like tail is a spontaneously occurring anomaly, that does not seem to noticeably impair the cats’ communicative abilities, as normal affiliative behaviours were observed during interactions with the cohoused cat. We discuss the significance of this finding in relation to the formation of social bonds and the signalling of affiliative intent.

Molecular Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Pyometra in Domestic Cats (Felis catus).

Pyometra is a major reproductive disorder affecting female cats. Characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, it can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. This pathology primarily occurs in adult cats during diestrus, but can also affect younger felines, often due to inappropriate administration of hormonal medications. While the etiopathogenesis of pyometra is better understood in bitches, few studies have addressed the molecular factors involved in feline pyometra. Therefore, this review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive discussion of pyometra in cats, focusing on the regulation of molecular factors described in this species, including hormonal, redox, immunological, and growth factors. Understanding the regulation of these factors in pyometra is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis in domestic cats and for improving diagnosis and identifying novel therapeutic approaches.

Cats: The New Challenge for Rabies Control in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.

The growing population in Yucatan has led to the expansion of construction in the Mayan jungle for tourist spaces, residential areas, and agriculture. Recently, rabies cases in cats (Felis catus) have increased in the state. This study aimed to perform antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies viruses in felines and to present the spatial distribution and environmental features of the areas where these cases were reported. The ArcGIS software and R were employed to generate maps depicting the geographic locations of rabies cases in cats. A total of nine feline rabies cases occurred during the period 2003-2022. Three antigenic variants were detected: dog-related RVV1 (n = 1); vampire bat variant RVV3 (n = 1); and the canine-originated atypical variant (n = 7). Cases reported in Merida (n = 4) and Muna (n = 4) were localized to urban areas, while Cuncunul (n = 1) was rural. This study highlights the concerning resurgence of rabies infections in cats, emphasizing the looming threat of its reintroduction in dogs should vaccination rates diminish. The genetic affinity between the atypical variant and the canine virus underscores the urgent need for vigilance in maintaining high vaccination coverage across all susceptible species.