Presence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic Cats in Istanbul, Turkey, Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic

Recent studies demonstrated that domestic cats can be naturally and experimentally infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies within the domestic cat population in Istanbul, Turkey, before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, from 155 cat sera analyzed, 26.45% (41/155) tested positive in the spike protein-ELISA (S-ELISA), 28.38% (44/155) in the receptor-binding domain-ELISA (RBD-ELISA), and 21.9% (34/155) in both, the S- and RBD-ELISAs. Twenty-seven of those were also positive for the presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV). Among the 34 SARS-CoV-2-positive sera, three of those were positive on serum neutralization assay. Six of the 30 cats before COVID-19 and 28 of the 125 cats during COVID-19 were found to be seropositive. About 20% of ELISA-positive cats exhibited mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal signs and skin lesions. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocyte, and platelet numbers were low in about 30% of ELISA-positive cats. The number of neutrophils and monocytes were above normal values in about 20% of ELISA-positive cats. The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase levels were high in 23.5% ELISA-positive cats. In conclusion, this is the first report describing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S and RBD) in cats in Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the risk for domestic cats to contract SARS-CoV-2 from owners and/or household members with COVID-19. This study and others show that COVID-19-positive pet owners should limit their contact with companion animals and that pets with respiratory signs should be monitored for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

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

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines8040772 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 772

Author(s):

Anna Michelitsch ◽

Donata Hoffmann ◽

Kerstin Wernike ◽

Martin Beer

Keyword(s):

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Large Scale ◽

Close Contact ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Human Infection ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Transmission Cycle

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

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Environmental Aspects of Domestic Cat Care and Management: Implications for Cat Welfare

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2016/6296315 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Judith L. Stella ◽

Candace C. Croney

Keyword(s):

Companion Animals ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Felis Silvestris ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Environmental Aspects ◽

Felis Silvestris Catus ◽

Human Animal Bond ◽

The Us ◽

Large Populations ◽

Human Animal

Domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) are the most commonly kept companion animals in the US with large populations of owned (86 million), free-roaming (70 million), research (13,000), and shelter (2-3 million) cats. Vast numbers of cats are maintained in homes and other facilities each year and are reliant on humans for all of their care. Understanding cat behavior and providing the highest quality environments possible, including positive human-cat interactions, based on research could help improve the outcomes of biomedical research, shelter adoptions, and veterinary care, as well as overall cat welfare. Often, however, cats’ needs are inadequately met in homes and some aspects may also not be well met in research colonies and shelters, despite the fact that similar problems are likely to be encountered in all of these environments. This paper provides a brief overview of common welfare challenges associated with indoor housing of domestic cats. Essential considerations for cage confinement are reviewed, along with implications of poor cat coping, such as weakening of the human-animal bond and relinquishment to shelters. The important role that environmental management plays in cat behavior and welfare outcomes is explored along with the need for additional research in key areas.

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Transcriptome dynamics in developing testes of domestic cats and impact of age on tissue resilience to cryopreservation

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-021-08099-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Olga Amelkina ◽

Andreia M. da Silva ◽

Alexandre R. Silva ◽

Pierre Comizzoli

Keyword(s):

Adult Development ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Initial Response ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Dna Integrity ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Juvenile Period ◽

Physiological Conditions ◽

Juvenile Sample ◽

Before And After

Abstract Background Fundamental knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms in developing testicular tissues is critical to better understand gonadal biology and responses to non-physiological conditions. The objective of our study was to (1) analyze transcriptome dynamics in developing testis of the domestic cat and (2) characterize age effects on the initial response of the tissue to vitrification. Tissues from adult and juvenile cats were processed for histology, DNA integrity, and RNA sequencing analyses before and after vitrification. Results Transcriptomic findings enabled to further characterize juvenile period, distinguishing between early and late juvenile tissues. Changes in gene expression and functional pathways were extensive from early to late juvenile to adult development stages. Additionally, tissues from juvenile animals were more resilient to vitrification compared to adult counterparts, with early juvenile sample responding the least to vitrification and late juvenile sample response being closest to adult tissues. Conclusions This is the first study reporting comprehensive datasets on transcriptomic dynamic coupled with structural analysis of the cat testis according to the age and exposure to cryopreservation. It provides a comprehensive network of functional terms and pathways that are affected by age in the domestic cat and are either enriched in adult or juvenile testicular tissues.

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Pre- and post-weaning diet alters the faecal metagenome in the cat with differences in vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism gene abundances

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/srep34668 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Wayne Young ◽

Christina D. Moon ◽

David G. Thomas ◽

Nick J. Cave ◽

Emma N. Bermingham

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Species ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Pet Food ◽

Pet Owners ◽

Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact ◽

Metabolism Gene

Abstract Dietary format, and its role in pet nutrition, is of interest to pet food manufacturers and pet owners alike. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of pre- and post-weaning diets (kibbled or canned) on the composition and function of faecal microbiota in the domestic cat by shotgun metagenomic sequencing and gene taxonomic and functional assignment using MG-RAST. Post-weaning diet had a dramatic effect on community composition; 147 of the 195 bacterial species identified had significantly different mean relative abundances between kittens fed kibbled and canned diets. The kittens fed kibbled diets had relatively higher abundances of Lactobacillus (>100-fold), Bifidobacterium (>100-fold), and Collinsella (>9-fold) than kittens fed canned diets. There were relatively few differences in the predicted microbiome functions associated with the pre-weaning diet. Post-weaning diet affected the abundance of functional gene groups. Genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, metabolism, and transport, were significantly enriched in the metagenomes of kittens fed the canned diet. The impact of post-weaning diet on the metagenome in terms of vitamin biosynthesis functions suggests that modulation of the microbiome function through diet may be an important avenue for improving the nutrition of companion animals.

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

Mammalia ◽

10.1515/mammalia-2020-0012 ◽

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.

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The Population Diversity of Candidate Genes for Resistance/Susceptibility to Coronavirus Infection in Domestic Cats: An Inter-Breed Comparison

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10060778 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 778

Author(s):

Jana Bubenikova ◽

Leona Vychodilova ◽

Karla Stejskalova ◽

Jan Futas ◽

Jan Oppelt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Candidate Genes ◽

Single Gene ◽

Differential Susceptibility ◽

Snp Markers ◽

Population Diversity ◽

Population Substructure ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Breed Comparison ◽

Feline Coronavirus

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a complex pathogen causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Host genetics represents a factor contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Differential susceptibility of various breeds to FIP was reported with controversial results. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic diversity of different breeds on a panel of candidate genes potentially affecting FCoV infection. One hundred thirteen cats of six breeds were genotyped on a panel of sixteen candidate genes. SNP allelic/haplotype frequencies were calculated; pairwise FST and molecular variance analyses were performed. Principal coordinate (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analyses were used to infer population structure. Interbreed differences in allele frequencies were observed. PCoA analysis performed for all genes of the panel indicated no population substructure. In contrast to the full marker set, PCoA of SNP markers associated with FCoV shedding (NCR1 and SLX4IP) showed three clusters containing only alleles associated with susceptibility to FCoV shedding, homozygotes and heterozygotes for the susceptibility alleles, and all three genotypes, respectively. Each cluster contained cats of multiple breeds. Three clusters of haplotypes were identified by PCoA, two clusters by STRUCTURE. Haplotypes of a single gene (SNX5) differed significantly between the PCoA clusters.

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Testicular effects of a postnatal GnRH antagonist in domestic cats

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/004.2021.00052 ◽

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.

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Dilemmas Associated with Rehousing Homeless People Who Have Companion Animals

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1995.77.3.851 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 77 (3) ◽

pp. 851-857 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Randall S. Singer ◽

Lynette A. Hart ◽

R. Lee Zasloff

Keyword(s):

Companion Animals ◽

Homeless People ◽

Initial Visit ◽

Normative Sample ◽

Veterinary Clinic ◽

Men And Women ◽

Pet Owners ◽

Homeless Men ◽

Beck Hopelessness Scale

66 individuals were given a questionnaire during their initial visit to a veterinary clinic for homeless pet owners. Among the 35 men and 31 women, 32 had been homeless for 6 mo. or less and were termed the acutely homeless subgroup, and 34 had been homeless multiple times or for more than 6 mo. and were termed the chronically homeless subgroup. In responding to the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, both men and women participants had significantly higher mean scores on attachment to their pets than did the scale's standardization population. Participants did not differ from the normative sample of adults on the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Both men and women participants stated a preference for being rehoused. 93% of men and 96% of women said that housing would not be acceptable if pets were not allowed. 61% of the men and 33% of the women stated they would be willing to live anywhere pets were allowed except in a shelter Reluctance to live in a shelter was significantly greater among chronically homeless men than other subgroups, and they also had low desire to be rehoused. A majority of the participants had been refused housing because they had pets. Attempts to rehouse homeless individuals who have pets are likely to be unsuccessful unless accommodation for pets is included.

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Utility of acute phase proteins as biomarkers of transport stress in ewes and beef cattle

Italian Journal of Food Safety ◽

10.4081/ijfs.2015.4210 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Francesco Fazio ◽

Vincenzo Ferrantelli ◽

Antonello Cicero ◽

Stefania Casella ◽

Giuseppe Piccione

Keyword(s):

Beef Cattle ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Acute Phase Proteins ◽

Animal Health ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Amyloid A ◽

Repeated Measures Analysis ◽

Before And After ◽

Rest Time ◽

Transport Stress

The effect of transport on serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), Fibrinogen and white blood cells (WBC) was evaluated in 10 ewes and 10 beef cattle. All animals were transported by road for 6 h over a distance of about 490 km with an average speed of 80 km/h. Blood samples, collected via jugular venepuncture, were obtained before and after transport as well as after 12, 24 and 48 h rest time. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of sampling time on SAA, Hp, and WBC in ewes and beef cattle. Based on these results, Hp and SAA levels, together with WBC, may be useful indicators of animal health and welfare and in predicting the risk assessment in meat inspection.

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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

Journal of Health & Biological Sciences ◽

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.

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