The catscape: spatial manifestation of a pet cat population with outdoor access

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bischof ◽  
Nina Rosita Hansen ◽  
Oyvind Skarsgard Nyheim ◽  
Astrid Kisen ◽  
Lillian Prestmoen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Spatial Behavior ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Utilization Distribution ◽  
Position Data ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Free Ranging

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is the most popular companion animal and the most abundant carnivore globally. It is also a pet with an immense ecological footprint, because even non-feral and food-subsidized cats are prolific predators. Whereas knowledge about the spatial behavior of individual domestic cats is growing, we still know little about how a local population of free-ranging pet cats occupies the landscape. Using a citizen science approach, we GPS-tagged 92 pet cats with outdoor access living in a residential area in southern Norway. The resulting position data allowed us to construct both individual home range kernels and a population-level utilization distribution. Our results reveal a dense predatory blanket that outdoor cats drape over and beyond the urban landscape. It is this population-level intensity surface - the catscape - that potential prey have to navigate. There were almost no gaps in the catscape within our residential study area and therefore few terrestrial refuges from potential cat predation. However, cats spent on average 79% of their outdoor time within 50 meters to their owner's home, which suggests that the primary impact is local and most acute for wildlife in the vicinity to homes with cats. We discuss the catscape as a conceptual and quantitative tool for better understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of domestic cats.

scholarly journals Bovine herpesvirus 4 DNA is not detected in free-ranging domestic cats from California, Colorado or Florida

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott Chiu ◽  
Ryan M Troyer ◽  
Michael R Lappin ◽  
Sue VandeWoude
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Bovine Herpesvirus ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Bovine Herpesvirus 4 ◽  
Herpesvirus 4 ◽  
Free Ranging

Objectives Several studies have reported that domestic cats can be naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV4). Cats experimentally inoculated with BHV4 developed clinical signs involving the urinary tract, leading to the hypothesis that natural infection with BHV4 may be associated with feline lower urinary tract diseases. However, the question of whether BHV4 infection is common in cats remains equivocal. In this study, we sought to determine whether BHV4 is a common natural infection of domestic cats in the USA. Methods We used a sensitive nested PCR protocol specific to the BHV4 thymidine kinase gene to screen free-ranging domestic cat blood DNA samples (n = 101) collected from California, Colorado and Florida. Results Cats within this cohort were positive for seven other common pathogens of domestic cats, demonstrating the relatively high exposure of this population to endemic feline infections. In contrast, all domestic cat blood samples were negative for BHV4, while BHV4-containing tissue culture extracts were strongly positive. Conclusions and relevance BHV4 has been detected in tissues of latently infected cattle, though viral DNA is typically also detected in peripheral blood cells throughout infection. Our results suggest that persistent presence of BHV4 DNA in the blood of domestic cats is either rare or non-existent. We thus conclude that BHV4 is unlikely to be a major pathogen of cats.

Do prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) change their activity and space use in response to domestic cat (Felis catus) excreta?

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Keane ◽  
Phillip J. Long ◽  
Yasmeen Fleifil ◽  
Nancy G. Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Space Use ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Microtus Ochrogaster ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Prairie Voles ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Odor Cues ◽  
Risk Of Predation

AbstractBehavioral changes that reduce the risk of predation in response to predator-derived odor cues are widespread among mammalian taxa and have received a great deal of attention. Although voles of the genus Microtus are staples in the diet of many mammalian predators, including domestic cats (Felis catus), there are no previous studies on vole space utilization and activity levels in response to odor cues from domestic cats. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate responses of adult prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in semi-natural habitats to odor cues from domestic cat excreta. Contrary to expectations, neither adult males or females showed significant changes in space use or willingness to enter traps in response to cat odors. One hypothesis to explain our results are that prairie voles have not co-evolved with domestic cats long enough to respond to their odors. Other possible explanations include whether levels of odors in the environment were sufficient to trigger a response or that the perceived risk of predation from odor cues alone did not outweigh relative costs of changing space use and activity levels. Future studies should consider multiple factors when determining what cues are sufficient to elicit antipredatory behavior.

scholarly journals Patterns of variation in the rDNA cistron within and among world populations of a mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse).

Genetics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-550
Author(s):  
W C Black ◽  
D K McLain ◽  
K S Rai
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Restriction Map ◽  
Repeat Region ◽  
Molecular Drive ◽  
Nontranscribed Spacer ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
The World ◽  
Ribosomal Cistron

Abstract A restriction map was constructed of the ribosomal cistron in a mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse). The 18s, 28s and nontranscribed spacer (NTS) regions were subcloned and used to probe for intraspecific variation. Seventeen populations were examined throughout the world range of the species. No variation was detected in the coding regions but extensive and continuous variation existed in the NTS. The NTS consisted of two nonhomologous regions. The first region contained multiple 190-bp AluI repeats nested within larger XhoI repeats of various sizes. There was a large number of length variants in the AluI repeat region of the NTS. No repeats were found in the second region and it gave rise to relatively fewer variants. An analysis of NTS diversity in individual mosquitoes indicated that most of the diversity arose at the population level. Discriminant analysis was performed on spacer types in individual mosquitoes and demonstrated that individuals within a population carried a unique set of spacers. In contrast with studies of the NTS in Drosophila populations, there seems to be little conservation of spacers in a population. The importance of molecular drive relative to drift and selection in the generation of local population differentiation is discussed.

Testicular effects of a postnatal GnRH antagonist in domestic cats

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gnrh Antagonist ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Cellular Debris ◽  
Reduced Height ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Luminal Area ◽  
Germinal Cells

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the histological effects of two high postnatal doses of the potent third-generation GnRH antagonist, acyline in the domestic cat testicle. Secondly, the physical, endocrine, and steroidogenic findings of this pharmaceutical protocol are also reported. Twelve postnatal littermate male kittens were administered acyline in a dose of 2.2 mg/100 g SC weekly for 2 weeks (ACY; n = 6), or placebo (PL; n = 6). All the animals were followed up until puberty when they were castrated. Serial faecal samples were collected until the age of 10 weeks for testosterone (T) measurement. The kittens achieved puberty without either age (236.5 ± 19.7 vs. 221.7 ± 23.7 days) or body weight (3.05 ± 0.15 vs. 2.78 ± 0.28 kg, P > 0.05) differences between ACY and PL, respectively. Acyline suppressed faecal T concentrations for 3 weeks (P < 0.01). From the fourth week on, both groups had low concentrations up to the end of the follow-up period (P > 0.05). Histological assessment of the testes showed that ACY cats presented a reduced height of the epithelium (P < 0.01) due to the diminished number of germinal cells accompanied by an enlarged luminal area (P < 0.01) with cellular debris (P < 0.01). The immunostaining of P450c17 also appeared partially diminished in ACY testes.

scholarly journals Hip Fracture Types in Canadian Men and Women Change Differently with Age: A Population-Level Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. CMAMD.S38531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard G. Crilly ◽  
Marita Kloseck ◽  
Selam Mequanint
Keyword(s):  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Administrative Database ◽  
Fracture Type ◽  
Discharge Abstract Database ◽  
Fracture Types

Background We have previously reported a gender difference in the occurrence of hip fracture type with age in our local population. In the current report, we have explored this phenomenon in a Canadian population using five years of data from a national administrative database. We have compared community-dwelling and institutionalized individuals to determine if frailty is important and has a differential effect on the type of hip fracture experienced. Methods Hospitalization records from 2005 to 2009, in which the most responsible diagnosis, that is the diagnosis causing the admission to hospital, was a hip fracture, were obtained from the Discharge Abstract Database of the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Hip fracture type was identified using the Canadian Classification of Health Interventions and the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA). Hip fracture proportions were calculated for the study period and stratified by age group and sex. Results The relative proportion of intertrochanteric fractures in women rose from 35% in the youngest group (55–59 years) to 51% in the oldest group (84+ years; P < 0.0001). In men, the proportions remain relatively stable (47% and 44%, respectively). Community and institutionalized patients showed the same pattern. Conclusions The change in the proportion of the two hip fracture types that occur in women but not men may point to differences in the etiology and consequently the approaches to prevention for the two fracture types. Level of frailty did not seem to be important.

scholarly journals Platynosomum fastosum (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in a domestic cat in northeastern Brazil: high fluke burden and associated lesions Infecção por Platynosomum fastosum (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) em gato doméstico no nordeste do Brasil: alta carga parasitária e lesões associadasdoi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.775.p198-202.2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Roberta Da Rocha Braga ◽  
Djan Zanchi ◽  
John Allyson Andrade Oliveira ◽  
André Costa Teixeira ◽  
Luciano Pamplona de Góes Cavalcanti
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Cystic Duct ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Precursor Lesions ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Associated Lesions ◽  
Biliary Ducts

Introduction: Platynosomum fastosum is a dicrocoeliid fluke that infects birds and mammals, especially wild and domestic cats. Case report: A middle-aged male domestic cat was euthanized and examined. Its clinical features had included apathy, emaciation, hepatomegaly and mild jaundice on the mucosae. At necropsy, we noticed enlarged liver and dilated gallbladder. After opening the gallbladder lengthwise, multiple whitish flattened ellipsoidal structures were observed and identified as P. fastosum. The larger parasites were found in gallbladder, with significant different size from cystic duct and intrahepatic biliary ducts (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed fluke-induced suppurative cholecystitis and chronic cholangitis. Precursor lesions of cholangiocarcinoma were reported. Conclusion: This report was part of the first prevalence survey of P.fastosum in municipality of Maracanaú, state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil.

scholarly journals A Molecular Survey on Neglected Gurltia paralysans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus Infections in Domestic Cats (Felis catus) from Southern Chile

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1195
Author(s):  
Natasha Barrios ◽  
Marcelo Gómez ◽  
Macarena Zanelli ◽  
Lisbeth Rojas-Barón ◽  
Paulina Sepúlveda-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus ◽  
Factors Associated

Gurltia paralysans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are neglected metastrongyloid nematode species which infect domestic and wild cats in South American countries and in Chile, but no epidemiological studies on concomitant infections have been conducted in Chile so far. The aim of this study was not only to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant infections, but also to identify epidemiological risk factors associated with of G. paralysans and A. abstrusus infections in urban domestic cats (Felis catus) from Southern Chile. Blood samples from clinically healthy domestic cats from three cities of Southern Chile—Temuco, Valdivia, and Puerto Montt—were analyzed by an experimental semi-nested PCR protocol. A total of 171 apparently healthy domestic cats in Temuco (n = 68), Valdivia (n = 50), and Puerto Montt (n = 53) were sampled and analyzed. A total of 93 domestic cats (54.4%) were positive for G. paralysans, and 34 (19.9%) were positive for A. abstrusus infections. From those animals, 34 (19.9%) were co-infected. Cats positive with G. paralysans were found in all three cities; 47.2% in Puerto Montt, 48% in Valdivia, and 64.7% in Temuco. Levels of infection for A. abstrusus in the population under study were 4% (Valdivia), 10% (Puerto Montt), and 32.4% (Temuco). The present large-scale epidemiological study confirmed the presence of these neglected nematodes in domestic cat populations in Southern Chile, and described the possible risk factors associated with feline gurltiosis and aelurostrongylosis.

scholarly journals Identification of domestic cat hepadnavirus from a cat blood sample in Japan

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuki Takahashi ◽  
Yasuyuki Kaneko ◽  
Akiko Shibanai ◽  
Shushi Yamamoto ◽  
Ayana Katagiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Blood Sample ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Hepatic Cancer ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Hepatic Diseases ◽  
B Virus ◽  
The Impact

The hepatitis B virus (Hepadnaviridae) induces chronic hepatitis and hepatic cancer in humans. A novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) was recently identified in several countries, however, the DCH infection status of cats in Japan is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the DCH infection rate of 139 cat samples collected in Japan. We identified one positive blood sample (0.78%) from a 17-year-old female cat with chronically elevated alanine aminotransferase. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the DCH strain identified in this study is genetically distinct from strains in other countries. Further investigations are required to elucidate the evolution of DCH and the impact of DCH infection on hepatic diseases in domestic cats.

scholarly journals Handling of Scabies in Domestic Cat at Q-one Petklinik Surabaya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Bagus Uda Palgunadi ◽  
Katarina Kole Grace Wangge ◽  
Lailia Dwi Kusuma Wardhani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Condition ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
The Body ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Scabies Mite ◽  
Facial Area

Background: Scabies is a skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies is transmitted through direct contact with animals affected by scabies or contact with the source of scabies mite in area of cat lives. Purpose: This study aims to determine the management of scabies at Q-One PetKlinik Surabaya. Method: Handling domestic cats affected by S.scabiei began with an interview with the  owner and examinated with the physical condition of cats, and observed the body that was infected with S.scabiei. Scrabbing on scabs was conducted in the cat’s body which was located in the facial area, and followed by microscopic examination to observe the S.scabiei mite. Results: During April 2021, there were 13 domestic cats affected by scabies. Treatment for scabies was by administrated drugs containing 5% Permethrin. Cats were also given supportive therapy by grooming with antiectoparasite shampoo after two weeks from being given drugs. Conclusion: Handling cases of scabies in domestic cats at Q-One PetKlinik Surabaya is performed by cleaning the scab, applying an ointment containing 5% permethrin, and giving anti-histamine and anti-parasitic as well as providing supportive therapy in the form of grooming using shampoo containing anti-ectoparasites.

scholarly journals Sex determining of cat embryo and some feline species

Zygote ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Ciani ◽  
Natascia Cocchia ◽  
Maria Rizzo ◽  
Patrizia Ponzio ◽  
Gennaro Tortora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Wild Felids

SummarySex identification in mammalian preimplantation embryos is a technique that is used currently for development of the embryo transfer industry for zootechnical animals and is, therefore, a resource for biodiversity preservation. The aim of the present study was to establish a rapid and reliable method for the sexing of preimplantation embryos in domestic cats. Here we describe the use of nested PCR identify Y chromosome-linked markers when starting from small amounts of DNA and test the method for the purpose of sexing different species of wild felids. To evaluate the efficiency of the primers, PCR analysis were performed first in blood samples of sex-known domestic cats. Cat embryos were produced both in vitro and in vivo and the blastocysts were biopsied. A Magnetic Resin System was used to capture a consistent amount of DNA from embryo biopsy and wild felid hairs. The results from nested PCR applied on cat blood that corresponded to the phenotypical sex. Nested PCR was also applied to 37 embryo biopsies and the final result was: 21 males and 16 females. Furthermore, β-actin was amplified in each sample, as a positive control for DNA presence. Subsequently, nested PCR was performed on blood and hair samples from some wild felines and again the genotyping results and phenotype sex corresponded. The data show that this method is a rapid and repeatable option for sex determination in domestic cat embryos and some wild felids and that a small amount of cells is sufficient to obtain a reliable result. This technique, therefore, affords investigators a new approach that they can insert in the safeguard programmes of felida biodiversity.

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