Shelter Cats Research Articles

Nationwide Seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis Antigen and Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in Shelter Cats in the United States, 2007–2011

Vector-borne infections persist as a significant issue in both human and animal health. Many of the most common vector-borne infections in the USA, especially tick-borne infections, are known to be zoonotic, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, and these infections may also negatively impact the health of infected animals. Convenient patient-side assays for the detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., and antigen of Dirofilaria immitis have allowed for the generation of robust and large-scale prevalence data in dogs. Data of similar scale and distribution are not available in cats, and most feline prevalence studies have evaluated a small sample size with limited geographic distribution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to B. burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., and D. immitis antigen among shelter cats across the USA, a population that is presumably at high risk for ectoparasitism and, consequently, exposure to vector-borne infections. In total, 2232 whole blood samples were collected from shelter cats across four regions of the USA—South, Northeast, Midwest, and West—and were evaluated using the Idexx SNAP® 4Dx® Test. Ectoparasites were also opportunistically collected from cats during blood collection and morphologically identified. The prevalence of at least one vector-borne infection was 2.60%, and the nationwide prevalence was 1.88% for B. burgdorferi, 0.54% for Anaplasma spp., 0.09% for Ehrlichia spp., and 0.55% for D. immitis. A total of 1120 ectoparasites were collected from 423 cats, including 27 ticks and 1093 fleas. Although the overall prevalence of the pathogens in this survey is relatively low, we observe that there is an increased exposure risk regionally for some agents, with geographic distributions in this study mostly coinciding with established human and canine distributions. Understanding these findings in an assumed non-protected population of cats allows us to extrapolate the risk to pet cats if they are not provided routine veterinary care, including a broad-spectrum parasite prevention program.

Assessment of the quality of life of cats affected by paraparesis/paraplegia and urinary retention, and their impact on caregivers.

In cats affected by severe thoracolumbar spinal cord pathologies, paraplegia and paraparesis, often accompanied by urinary retention, pose significant challenges, impacting both the cats' welfare and owners' lives. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of cats affected by these conditions, and to evaluate the social and familial implications for caregivers. The study was structured into two parts. The first part comprised direct observations of aspects of QoL in cats both in household and shelter settings, while the second part involved the distribution of questionnaires to cat owners and shelter operators. Cats with paraplegia/paraparesis and urinary retention can maintain a good QoL, with hindlimb mobility significantly influencing QoL scores. Shelter cats showed a comparable QoL to household cats, challenging the anecdotal beliefs that shelter cats with severe neurological impairments are destined to lead substandard lives. Operator surveys highlighted the feasibility of managing these cats in shelter environments, emphasising the importance of collaboration between caregivers and veterinary professionals. Likewise, owner surveys revealed a manageable time commitment for care, with most owners achieving proficiency in manual bladder expression within 1 month. Despite challenges, most of the owners reported positive experiences and did not contemplate euthanasia for their cats. Regular veterinary visits and occasional physiotherapy were common practices among caregivers. Owners who respond to the questionnaire and shelter operators have a high commitment to cats with paraplegia/paraparesis. Although the study acknowledges this potential bias, it suggests that dedicated care can ensure a good QoL for cats with severe spinal injuries, both in shelter and household settings. Effective communication between caregivers and veterinary professionals is essential for accurate information dissemination and optimal care provision. This research contributes to raising awareness of managing these conditions and emphasises the importance of collaborative care approaches in veterinary medicine.

Playing the Cards You’re Dealt: Implementing Feline Lifesaving Programs and Practices Despite Restrictive Ordinance Provisions

Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs enjoy strong public support in the U.S. These programs have been shown to successfully increase live release rates and decrease euthanasia rates of cats in animal shelters. However, local laws can impede the implementation of TNR programs. In cooperation with St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, this community case study describes the results of various programs and practices implemented to increase feline lifesaving despite restrictive ordinance provisions, as well as those associated with subsequent ordinance revisions. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services provided detailed data for the period of January 2015 through December 2023 (e.g. intake, live outcomes, and euthanasia) and information regarding various programs and practices related to feline lifesaving. The data was then examined for general trends. In addition, St. Tammany Parish’s Ordinance No. 21-4618, which includes both the original provisions and revised provisions, was examined for those likely to affect the shelter’s feline admissions and outcomes. The data suggests that the programs and practices implemented were associated with considerable increases in live outcomes for cats (from 26.4 to 95.4%) and corresponding reductions in euthanasia rates (from 71.1 to 3.0%). The adoption of revised ordinance provisions to reduce barriers for community cat management was associated with relatively little change; however, these provisions were generally positive in nature, removing an apparent requirement to impound at-large cats and facilitating the operation of a community cat program (CCP). This community case study illustrates the potential for animal shelters to substantially improve feline lifesaving regardless of possible legal impediments.

Low intestinal parasite prevalence in Finnish pet dogs and cats

BackgroundThis study updates the knowledge of current canine and feline endoparasitic prevalence in Finland. The previous studies reported intestinal worm prevalence of 5.9% in dogs and 7.1% in cats. We also determined the anthelmintic regime and background data of dogs and cats concerning Toxocara spp. infection. Altogether 664 canine and 379 feline (including 46 shelter cats’) fecal samples from over six-month-old animals were examined with quantitative Mini-FLOTAC method using zinc sulfate with a specific gravity of 1.35. Of these samples, 396 canine and 89 feline samples were analyzed using the Baermann method for nematode larvae. A fenbendazole efficacy study was conducted with 12 animals positive for Toxocara spp.ResultsEndoparasites were found in the feces of 3.5% of dogs, 3.6% of pet cats, and 41.3% of shelter cats. The most common findings in dogs were strongylid (1.7%) and Toxocara canis (0.9%) eggs. Trematode (0.4%), Eucoleus spp. (0.3%), taeniid (0.2%), and Trichuris vulpis (0.2%) eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts (0.2%) were also detected. One dog (0.2%) was positive for Crenosoma vulpis based on the Baermann method. Toxocara cati (3.3%), taeniid (0.6%), and trematode (0.3%) eggs were found in pet cats’ samples. The findings in shelter cat samples were T. cati (34.8%), Eucoleus spp. (13.0%), Cystoisospora spp. oocysts (10.9%), taeniids (8.7%), and Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia hammondii oocysts (2.2%). Fenbendazole efficacy was adequate in all treated animals, except one cat. The background data revealed 31.2% of dogs being dewormed less than once a year or never. Under twelve-month-old dogs and dogs that were dewormed twice a year were most likely to be T. canis- infected. Shelter cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats, cats that were dewormed two to four times a year, and cats with a history of parasitic infections were most likely to be T. cati infected.ConclusionsThe prevalence of pet canine and feline intestinal parasites in Finland is low, particularly the Toxocara spp. prevalence. In free-roaming cats Eucoleus spp. is surprisingly prevalent. The parasite control strategies reported do not follow the ESCCAP guidelines. Typically, owners deworm their pets only once a year or less frequently.

Molecular detection and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. from shelter dogs and cats in Van, Turkey: First report of ST10 in cats and ST1, ST10 and ST30 in dogs

Molecular detection and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. from shelter dogs and cats in Van, Turkey: First report of ST10 in cats and ST1, ST10 and ST30 in dogs

Retrospective Comparison of Polymerase Chain Reaction and Culture-Based Identification for Diagnosis of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton Spp. in Shelter Cats and Dogs

Retrospective Comparison of Polymerase Chain Reaction and Culture-Based Identification for Diagnosis of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton Spp. in Shelter Cats and Dogs

The Occurrence of Chlamydia felis in Cats and Dogs in Hungary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many human infections are zoonoses, creating a worldwide public health challenge. Among Chlamydia species, Chlamydia felis is the leading cause of conjunctivitis in cats and is a prominent zoonotic species. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk of chlamydiosis in cats and dogs in Szeged, Hungary, and surrounding areas. The total nucleic acids from conjunctival swab samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic animals were extracted using an automated nucleic acid extraction system. After that, DNA was amplified by pan-chlamydia PCR. Bacterial and fungal cultures were also performed to detect other microorganisms. Of the 93 animals, 32 (34.4%) were positive for pan-chlamydia PCR. The positivity rates were 33.3% (26/78) in cats and 40.0% (6/15) in dogs. Furthermore, the positivity rates were 37.2% (16/43) in the cat shelter, 42.4% (14/33) in the veterinary clinic, and 11.7% (2/17) in household pets. In total, 103 species were identified through culture-based examinations, including 97 (94.2%) bacterial and 6 fungal (5.8%) species. From both human and animal health perspectives, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the circumstances of chlamydiosis, given the global impact of zoonotic diseases.

Association of Socioeconomic Status and Reasons for Companion Animal Relinquishment.

It is important to understand the reasons for companion animal relinquishment to help reduce the financial and ethical problems arising from too many dogs and cats in shelters. This study investigates the socioeconomic factors and reasons behind companion animal relinquishment in Australia, utilizing data from five animal shelters, over a five-year period (Financial Year 2018/19 to 2022/23). Descriptive statistics reveal that the median Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) decile of companion animal guardians who relinquished their companion animal was decile 4 out of 10, indicating that they live in areas of lower-than-average socioeconomic status. Cats accounted for 59.4% and dogs for 40.6% of all relinquishments, with more relinquishments from lower socioeconomic deciles (1-5) (cats: 62.6%, dogs: 65.8%). The median age of relinquished cats was 5 months and dogs 16 months, with human factor-related issues (e.g., Housing, Financial Constraints, Human Healthcare) cited in 86% of cases. Descriptive analysis for the five financial years shows a declining trend in numbers of relinquishments, with housing issues (31.2%) identified as the primary reason, followed by ownership decisions (16.2%), financial constraints (11.2%), and human health issues (10.4%). Comparing the reasons for relinquishment between lower (decile 1-5) and higher (decile 6-10) socioeconomic status demonstrated that financial difficulties were a more common reason in lower vs. higher socioeconomic groups, while human health and family-related issues are more common in higher vs. lower socioeconomic groups. These findings highlight the critical role of socioeconomic factors in understanding why people relinquish their companion animals, which can inform targeted interventions to support companion animal welfare across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Feline vector-borne haemopathogens in Türkiye: the first molecular detection of Mycoplasma wenyonii and ongoing Babesia ovis DNA presence in unspecific hosts

BackgroundCats are hosts and reservoirs for many haemopathogens such as piroplasms, Rickettsia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, which are transmitted by various vector arthropods and some of which have a zoonotic concern. Although it is noteworthy that the rate of ownership of companion animals has increased in Türkiye in recent years and that cats account for a large proportion of these animals, there is limited research on the vector-borne infectious agents carried by them. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive molecular epidemiological data and molecular characterization of feline vector-borne haemopathogens (FVBHs), including piroplasms, anaplasmataceae, rickettsias, haemoplasmas, and Bartonella species in Türkiye. In total, 250 feline blood samples were collected from client-owned cats (n = 203) and shelter cats (n = 47) brought to the Small Animal Hospital of Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty.ResultsOverall, 40 (16%) cats were found to be infected with at least one of the investigated haemopathogens and piroplasm, Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. prevalence was 1.6%, 11.2%, and 4.8%, respectively. No Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in the investigated feline samples. Sequence analysis revealed that all four piroplasms belonged to Babesia ovis with a 97.93–99.82% nucleotide sequence identity to 18S rRNA gene sequences from Spain and Türkiye, while some sequenced hemoplasmas were Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Mycoplasma wenyonii, and Bartonella spp. were Bartonella henselae and Bartonella koehlerae species. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were also detected in 4 cats (1.6%) in this study, where single infections were predominant.ConclusionThis study provides valuable information on zoonotically important feline vector-borne hemopathogens in Türkiye, some of which have received attention under the One Health perspective, and is the first molecular epidemiological study to demonstrate the presence of Babesia ovis, the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA, the causative agent of bovine haemotropic mycoplasmosis, in cats. Further studies on the roles of such pathogens detected in unspecific hosts and the host specificity of the vectors that transmit them will contribute to the elucidation of this situation.

Integrative Treatment Combining Yin Qiao San with Doxycycline for Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Shelter Cats: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Integrative Treatment Combining Yin Qiao San with Doxycycline for Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Shelter Cats: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial

Postoperative monitoring of ovariohysterectomy carried out with two types of surgical sutures in shelter cats and differences in selected blood parameters between shelter and pet cats

BackgroundReduction of inflammation and early detection of complications after surgical procedures are important objectives for proper veterinary practice. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between shelter and pet female cats in selected acute-phase parameters scheduled to ovariohysterectomy. Postoperative monitoring after ovariohysterectomy with the same laboratory parameters was performed in shelter cats, in which two different types of surgical sutures were used for the entire procedure. The experimental group comprised 40 female cats from animal shelters (‘shelter cats,’ n = 40). These cats were divided into two subgroups: group A (n = 20) operated on with absorbable sutures and group NA (n = 20) operated on with non-absorbable sutures. In addition, the same parameters were evaluated in pet female cats (n = 19). Blood was collected from shelter cats immediately before surgery (term 0), at 24 and 72 h (terms 1 and 3, respectively), and at 7 and 14 days (terms 7 and 14, respectively) after ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples from the pet cat group were collected only once.ResultThe mean haptoglobin concentration before ovariohysterectomy in pet cats was significantly lower than that in shelter cats. Fibrinogen concentration was significantly lower in pet cats than in cats from group A. Serum albumin, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma-globulin concentrations were significantly higher in the shelter cats than in the pet cats. Subcutaneous tissue thickening at the site of the postoperative wound was observed in five patients cats (25%) in group A, and two (10%) cats in the NA group.ConclusionThese results indicate that ovariohysterectomy leads to local and general inflammatory responses. The majority of cats from animal shelters suffered from subclinical inflammation.

Causes of shelter cats mortality in the Czech Republic

Awareness of the causes of mortality in shelter cats can contribute to its effective reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of mortality in cat shelters in the Czech Republic, taking into account the age of the animals and their length of stay in the shelter facilities until natural death or euthanasia. A cooperation with two private no-kill shelters in the Czech Republic was established. The subject of the study were records of 3047 cats admitted to the selected shelters in the period from 2013 to 2023. A total of 357 (11.7 %) out of 3047 cats died or had to be euthanized in two monitored shelters. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the cat mortality was found between the two shelters (11.5 % and 12 %). The median length of stay of cats in the shelter until death or euthanasia was 23 days. The highest mortality was recorded in the youngest cats (≤ 6 months). The most common causes of death or euthanasia of cats in both shelters were feline infectious peritonitis (21.6 %), panleukopenia (18.5 %) and upper and lower respiratory tract infections (17.5 %). Adult and older cats were significantly (p < 0.05) more prone to death due to renal failure and cancer than young animals and kittens. The results of the study contribute to the knowledge on the health of cat population in shelters in the Czech Republic and can serve as a basis for further work that will target mortality reduction strategies in at-risk categories.

Renal alterations in cats (Felis catus) housed in shelters and affected by systemic AA-amyloidosis: Clinicopathological data, histopathology, and ultrastructural features.

AA-amyloidosis is frequent in shelter cats, and chronic kidney disease is the foremost cause of death. The aims were to describe kidney laboratory and microscopic findings in shelter cats with AA-amyloidosis. Cats were included if kidney specimens were collected post-mortem and laboratory data were available within 6 months before death. Renal lesions were evaluated with optical and electron microscopy. Mass spectrometry was used to characterize amyloid. Nine domestic short-hair cats were included; 4 females and 5 males with a median age of 8 years (range = 2-13). All cats had blood analyses and urinalyses available. Serum creatinine concentrations were increased in 6 cats and symmetric dimethylarginine was increased in all of the cats. All of the cats had proteinuria. Eight of 9 cats had amyloid in the medulla, and 9 had amyloid in the cortex (glomeruli). All cats had amyloid in the interstitium. Six cats had concurrent interstitial nephritis and 1 had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. All cats had extrarenal amyloid deposits. Amyloid was AA in each case. In conclusion, renal deposition of amyloid occurs in both cortex and medulla in shelter cats and is associated with azotemia and proteinuria. Renal involvement of systemic AA-amyloidosis should be considered in shelter cats with chronic kidney disease. The cat represents a natural model of renal AA-amyloidosis.

Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma spp. from the upper respiratory tract and conjunctival infections in shelter cats

Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma spp. from the upper respiratory tract and conjunctival infections in shelter cats

The Impact of Environmental Enrichment on the Cortisol Level of Shelter Cats.

Enriching cats' living environment in shelters is crucial in reducing their stress. Easier access to resources allows cats to display natural behavior. This study aimed to assess whether cats staying in an enriched environment would be less stressed than cats staying in a standard environment. The first group consisted of cats living in an environment with fewer resources (standard environment)-103 cats. The second group consisted of cats living in an enriched environment-76 cats. The research material consisted of hair collected to determine the cortisol level. The results indicate that cats from a more enriched environment have almost half the level of cortisol in hair than cats from an environment with fewer resources (0.059 ng/mg vs. 0.101 ng/mg; p = 0.000001).

When cat rescue fails — Part 1. Lion-clip shaving, enilconazole bathing and oral itraconazole treatment failed to control an iatrogenic Microsporum canis outbreak in a shelter: but a novel ophytrium-chlorhexidine shampoo and mousse treatment succeeded in the home

OBJECTIVE: To identify the reason(s) for failure to prevent repeated nosocomial dermatophyte infection of shelter cats and to present alternative strategies which are less stressful to the cats and humans involved. ANIMALS: The Dorset branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) seized 30 of 32 Persian cats from a cat breeder on the 2nd of August 2019 and put them into Ashley Heath RSPCA shelter. Two cats and three dogs were left at home. All 30 cats were returned to their guardian in July 2020. Three cats died between 2020 and 2022, leaving 29 cats which were seized on the 8th of March 2022 and put into two RSPCA shelters. The dogs were not seized. Four cats were later euthanased. METHODS: RSPCA Animal Treatment Reports along with photographs used for evidence in the court case against the breeder and the veterinary records of their primary veterinary surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Clinical signs of dermatophytosis occurred on the index_ _case one week after dematting with clippers in August 2019. _Microsporum canis_ (_M. canis) _was cultured from 27 of 30 (90%)_ _cats on the 39th day of the Ashley Heath shelter stay in 2019. _M. canis_ infection could only have been acquired while in RSPCA care because the incubation period from infection to development of clinical signs for _M. canis_ is one to three weeks, and there was no history of ringworm in their home. Efforts to control the ringworm outbreak in the shelter included lion clipping, weekly enilconazole bathing and oral itraconazole (EI treatment) for five or seven weeks until culture negative. Six cats became culture positive again in 2020. Cats were housed in pairs in 2019 to 2020 and singly in 2022, therefore transmission was indirect (i.e. via fomites). Two cats remained positive when the cats were returned to their guardian in 2020, all 30 were treated with a single ophytrium-chlorhexidine (Douxo S3 Pyo) shampoo followed by ophytrium-chlorhexidine mousse rubbed into their fur for three weeks. It was reasonable to conclude that the ophytrium-chlorhexidine treatment had cleared the _M. canis_ infection for the following six reasons: first no cat developed clinical signs of dermatophytosis during the 20 months in their home. Second, no obvious ringworm lesions were seen on the photographs taken for evidence and third, no veterinary surgeon noted in the records any lesions suspicious of dermatophytosis during the examination of the cats within days of them being seized again in March 2022. Fourth: no positive dermatophyte results were produced as evidence during the trial (ringworm charges against the owner were dropped). Fifth: three of four dermatophyte tests performed on EI untreated cats were negative and samples from the positive cat were after three months in the shelter. Sixth: no EI treatment was administered until the cats had been in the shelters again for two and a half months. Nevertheless, shelter staff assumed ringworm infection from the arrival of the cats in 2022 and again subjected them to the stressful shaving/bathing/itraconazole protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of ophytrium-chlorhexidine for treatment and prevention of _M. canis _in cats. We recommend shelter staff be trained in basic barrier nursing and be educated regarding the difference between true dermatophyte infection versus fomite carriage.

Development of a Targeted NGS Assay for the Detection of Respiratory Pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 in Felines.

Acute respiratory diseases in felines can be attributed to a diverse range of pathogens. The recent emergence of novel viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, has also been associated with respiratory ailments in cats and other pets, underscoring the need for a highly sensitive diagnostic assay capable of concurrently detecting multiple respiratory pathogens. In this study, we developed a targeted next generation sequencing panel using Ion Torrent Ampliseq technology to detect multiple respiratory pathogens, including recent SARS-CoV-2 variants and Feline herpesvirus-1, Feline calicivirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasmopsis (previously Mycoplasma) felis, and Chlamydia felis. A PCR amplification-based library preparation, employing primers designed for pathogen target regions, was synthesized and divided into two pools, followed by sequencing and assembly to a repertoire of target pathogen genomes. Analytical sensitivity was assessed based on Ct values from real-time PCR for the corresponding pathogens, indicating an equivalent detection limit. Most of the pathogens under study were positively identified to a limit of approximately Ct 36, whereas for Feline herpesvirus-1 and SARS-CoV-2, positive reads were observed in samples with a Ct of 37. Based on a limited number of samples, the diagnostic sensitivity values for the SARS-CoV-2, Feline herpesvirus-1, and M. felis samples were 100% with no false negative results. The diagnostic specificity of SARS-CoV-2, Feline herpesvirus-1, Feline calicivirus, and C. felis were 100%. Importantly, none of the target primers exhibited non-specific amplification, ensuring the absence of false positive results for other pathogens within the study. Additionally, the assay's specificity was validated by cross-referencing the raw sequencing data with established databases like BLAST, affirming the high specificity of the targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) assay. Variations in the sequencing reads of different pathogens were observed when subjected to diverse extraction methods. Rigorous assessment of the assay's reliability involved reproducibility across testing personnel and repeated runs. The developed assay's clinical applicability was tested using samples submitted to the diagnostic laboratory from cat shelters and suspected cases. The developed targeted next-generation sequencing methodology empowers the detection of multiple respiratory pathogens manifesting similar clinical symptoms while offering confirmation of results through genome sequencing.

Evaluation of feline heartworm disease based on gross necropsy, serology, pulmonary histopathology, and radiographic evidence in adult shelter cats in northeastern Alabama

Background: Veterinary knowledge regarding feline heartworm has been increasing significantly over the past two decades. Necropsy surveys of shelter cats have shown feline adult heartworm infection prevalence to be 5–20% of the rate in unprotected dogs; however, other studies have shown feline heartworm antibody prevalence up to 33%, reflecting higher exposure rates and potential immature adult infections. Thus, the true prevalence of feline heartworm infection is likely underestimated due to the limitations of current diagnostic techniques, inadequate testing protocols, and the high likelihood of cats exhibiting transient clinical signs or dying without confirmation of infection. Diagnosing Feline Heartworm Disease (FHWD), also referred to as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD), is one of the conundrums of veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and characterize the occurrence of Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease [HARD] in shelter cats, naturally-infected with D.immitis.MethodsFifty shelter cats slated for euthanasia between December 2009 and June 2010 were investigated by gross necropsy, radiography, serology, and lung histopathology using techniques that have been established in experimental models of cat heartworm infection. The relationship between pulmonary vascular disease and serological markers for heartworm was also examined using correlations and statistical modeling. Serology included standard heartworm antigen test and a commonly used heartworm antibody test. Also included were heat-treated heartworm antigen test and two additional heartworm antibody tests previously evaluated on experimentally-infected cats.ResultsNone of the cats were heartworm antibody (HW Ab) positive on a commonly used HW Ab test used by many reference laboratories even though 20% of the study cats were heartworm antigen (HW Ag) positive on heat-treated samples. Two additional HW Ab test were positive on 26% and 22% of the study cats. The combination of heat-treated HW Ag, HW Ab tests, and histopathology indicated 34% of the study cats had HARD.ConclusionsUtilizing both, the above tests, and thoracic radiographs, enhanced the ability to predict vascular disease, possibly caused by infection with immature and adult heartworms and supported the premise that cats develop heartworm disease at the same rate as dogs.Graphical

Challenges and opportunities in human dimensions behind cat-wildlife conflict.

Because global anthropogenic activities cause vast biodiversity loss, human dimensions research is essential to forming management plans applicable to biodiversity conservation outside wilderness areas. Engaging public participation is crucial in this context to achieve social and environmental benefits. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding how a balance between conservation and public demands can be reached and how complicated sociocultural contexts in the Anthropocene can be incorporated in conservation planning. We examined China's nationwide conflict between free-ranging cats (owned cats that are allowed to go outdoors or homeless cats living outdoors) and wildlife to examine how a consensus between compassion and biodiversity conservation can help in decision-making. We surveyed a random sample of people in China online. Over 9000 questionnaires were completed (44.2% response). In aggregate, respondents reported approximately 29 million free-ranging owned cats and that over 5 million domestic cats per year become feral in mainland China. Respondents who were cat owners, female, and religious were more likely to deny the negative impacts of cats on wildlife and ongoing management strategies and more supportive of stray cat shelters, adoption, and community-based fund raising than nonowners, male, and nonreligious respondents (p<0.05). Free-ranging cat ownership and abandonment occurred less with owners with more knowledge of biodiversity and invasive species than with respondents with less knowledge of these subjects (p<0.05). We recommend that cat enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists participate in community-based initiatives, such as campaigns to keep cats indoors. Our study provides a substantially useful framework for other regions where free-ranging cats are undergoing rapid expansion.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in Household and Shelter Cats in Almaty, South-Eastern Kazakhstan

Prevalence of <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> in Household and Shelter Cats in Almaty, South-Eastern Kazakhstan