scholarly journals Characteristics of Plant Eating in Domestic Cats

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1853
Author(s):  
Benjamin L. Hart ◽  
Lynette A. Hart ◽  
Abigail P. Thigpen ◽  
Neil H. Willits
Keyword(s):  
Current Trend ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disturbance ◽  
Wild Felids

Plant eating by domestic cats is of interest to veterinarians and cat owners, especially with the current trend to keep cats totally indoors. Feline grass gardens are commonly provided to such cats as a reflection of cat owners believing in the need or desire of cats for eating plants. Two surveys with 1000 to 2000 returns from cat owners were launched over 10 years to test different hypotheses regarding plant eating. These hypotheses are that plant eating: (1) is a response to the cat feeling ill; (2) induces vomiting; (3) is a means of expelling hair balls from consumed hair. Additionally, a perspective acquired from observations of wild felids is that plant eating reflects an innate predisposition acquired from the ancestral cat. In this study, very few cats showed signs of illness before eating plants. However, 27 to 37 percent of cats, respectively in the two surveys, frequently vomited after eating plants, indicating that gastrointestinal disturbance may be related to vomiting in some cats. Young cats consumed plants more frequently than older cats and appeared ill and vomited less frequently in association with plant eating. Short-haired cats ate plants as frequently as long-haired cats, arguing against the hairball expelling hypothesis. Some guidelines for cat owners with indoor cats are provided.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic and wild felids as public health concerns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi ◽  
Rafael Calero-Bernal ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Rahimi ◽  
Abdol Sattar Pagheh ◽  
Mehdi Zarean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Global Status ◽  
The One ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

AbstractFelidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7–40.3) (I2 = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60–67.9) (I2 = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9–3.3) (I2 = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1–4.2) (I2 = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66–27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.

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.

scholarly journals Frequent cross-species transmissions of foamy virus between domestic and wild felids

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Kraberger ◽  
Nicholas M Fountain-Jones ◽  
Roderick B Gagne ◽  
Jennifer Malmberg ◽  
Nicholas G Dannemiller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Foamy Virus ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Simian Foamy Virus ◽  
Ideal System ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wild Felids

Abstract Emerging viral outbreaks resulting from host switching is an area of continued scientific interest. Such events can result in disease epidemics or in some cases, clinically silent outcomes. These occurrences are likely relatively common and can serve as tools to better understand disease dynamics, and may result in changes in behavior, fecundity, and, ultimately survival of the host. Feline foamy virus (FFV) is a common retrovirus infecting domestic cats globally, which has also been documented in the North American puma (Puma concolor). The prevalent nature of FFV in domestic cats and its ability to infect wild felids, including puma, provides an ideal system to study cross-species transmission across trophic levels (positions in the food chain), and evolution of pathogens transmitted between individuals following direct contact. Here we present findings from an extensive molecular analysis of FFV in pumas, focused on two locations in Colorado, and in relation to FFV recovered from domestic cats in this and previous studies. Prevalence of FFV in puma was high across the two regions, ∼77 per cent (urban interface site) and ∼48 per cent (rural site). Comparison of FFV from pumas living across three states; Colorado, Florida, and California, indicates FFV is widely distributed across North America. FFV isolated from domestic cats and pumas was not distinguishable at the host level, with FFV sequences sharing &gt;93 per cent nucleotide similarity. Phylogenetic, Bayesian, and recombination analyses of FFV across the two species supports frequent cross-species spillover from domestic cat to puma during the last century, as well as frequent puma-to-puma intraspecific transmission in Colorado, USA. Two FFV variants, distinguished by significant difference in the surface unit of the envelope protein, were commonly found in both hosts. This trait is also shared by simian foamy virus and may represent variation in cell tropism or a unique immune evasion mechanism. This study elucidates evolutionary and cross-species transmission dynamics of a highly prevalent multi-host adapted virus, a system which can further be applied to model spillover and transmission of pathogenic viruses resulting in widespread infection in the new host.

scholarly journals Wild Felids Blood Group System

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3533
Author(s):  
Ana Silvestre-Ferreira ◽  
Josep Pastor
Keyword(s):  
Blood Group ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Type A ◽  
Blood Groups ◽  
Blood Type ◽  
Blood Group System ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Blood Types ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Wild Cats

Wild felids and domestic cats share the AB blood group. However, there have been few studies regarding the characterization and prevalence of the different blood types in wild animals. The erythrocyte membrane glycolipids of the wild cats correspond to the major disialoganglioside patterns observed in domestic cats. Like in domestic cats, type A blood seems to be the most common, although wild felid species seem to exhibit one single blood type. Of the species studied, the wild domestic cats, and the Panthera and ocelot lineages, all had type A blood; the Puma lineage showed almost exclusively type B blood. The prevalence of wild felids blood types show that there seems to be variation between species, but not within species, and no evidence of geographical variation has yet been found, showing apparently no genetic variability. The presence of alloantibodies has also been demonstrated, so the risk of life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis is a possibility. Like in other species, the recognition of wild felids blood groups is clinically relevant, as it can also be important in establishing phylogenetic relationships within the Felidae family. We will review the current knowledge on this topic and give insights into the wild felids blood groups potential for zoo transfusion medicine and phylogenetic studies in order to help support reintroduction projects and to preserve genetic diversity.

Practical application of laparoscopic oviductal artificial insemination for the propagation of domestic cats and wild felids

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Hereditary Disease ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Sand Cat ◽  
Ovarian Follicular Growth

AI was first reported in cats almost 50 years ago but, unlike AI in other domesticated animals (e.g. dogs, cattle, horses), has not been widely used for routine propagation by veterinarians or breeders. Anatomical and physiological challenges with cats have hindered the efficiency of AI using standardised transcervical approaches applied to other species. Development of laparoscopic oviductal AI (LO-AI) has helped overcome some of these barriers and, during the past 7 years, produced high pregnancy percentages (&gt;70%) in domestic cats using both fresh collected and frozen–thawed semen and resulted in the birth of full-term offspring in three cat hereditary disease models and six wild cat species (ocelot, Pallas’s cat, fishing cat, sand cat, tiger, clouded leopard). The standard approach involves exogenous gonadotrophin treatment (typically equine chorionic gonadotrophin followed by porcine LH) to induce ovarian follicular growth and ovulation, with laparoscopic visualisation of the oviductal ostium for direct intraluminal insemination with low numbers of spermatozoa. Similar ovarian synchronisation and insemination approaches have been used with wild felids, but frequently must be refined on a species-by-species basis. From a practical perspective, LO-AI in domestic cats now has adequate efficiency for applied use as a reproductive service in veterinary practices that possess basic laparoscopy expertise.

scholarly journals Characterization of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from captive wild felids with bacteremia

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1014-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vania M. Carvalho ◽  
Lika Osugui ◽  
Ariela P. Setzer ◽  
Rodrigo P. G. Lopez ◽  
Antonio F. Pestana de Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Pathogenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Tract Infections

Diseases caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in wild felids are rarely reported. Although urinary tract infections are infrequently reported in domestic cats, such infections when present are commonly caused by ExPEC. The present work characterized ExPEC strains isolated from 2 adult felines, a snow leopard ( Panthera uncia) and a black leopard ( Panthera pardus melas), that died from secondary bacteremia associated with urinary tract infections. Isolates from both animals were classified into the B2 phylogenetic group and expressed virulence genotypes that allowed them to cause severe disease. In addition, strains from the black leopard showed multidrug resistance.

scholarly journals Transmission pathways and spillover of an erythrocytic bacterial pathogen from domestic cats to wild felids

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (19) ◽  
pp. 9779-9792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Kellner ◽  
Scott Carver ◽  
Valeria Scorza ◽  
Clifton D. McKee ◽  
Michael Lappin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Transmission Pathways

scholarly journals Two Tales of Cytauxzoon felis Infections in Domestic Cats

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Lei Wang ◽  
Ting-Ting Li ◽  
Guo-Hua Liu ◽  
Xing-Quan Zhu ◽  
Chaoqun Yao
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Cytauxzoon Felis ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Different Strains

SUMMARY Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease that affects wild felids as well as the domestic cat; it is caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon. Cytauxzoon felis is the species of major concern, whose transmission occurs via the bite of an infected tick. Cytauxzoonosis of the domestic cat has historically been considered uniformly fatal, with a short course of illness, and most domestic cats die within 9 to 15 days postinfection. However, increasing evidence of domestic cats surviving C. felis infection suggests the existence of different strains with various levels of pathogenicity. Although wild felids are considered natural reservoirs for this parasite, a number of studies suggest that domestic cats that have survived nonlethal infections may serve as an additional reservoir. The current article comprehensively reviews the parasite and its life cycle, geographic distribution, genetic variability, and pathogenesis, as well as host immunology and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infection in the domestic cat. This information should provide a basis for better understanding the parasite as well as the pathogenesis of the disease.

scholarly journals Pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis): morphologic and immunophenotypic characterization - case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1116
Author(s):  
A.R. Oliveira ◽  
F.M.A.M. Pereira ◽  
D.O. Santos ◽  
T.P. Carvalho ◽  
L.L. Soares-Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Metastatic Carcinoma ◽  
Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Leopardus Pardalis ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Conducting Airways ◽  
Alveolar Parenchyma

ABSTRACT Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasia that usually arises from conducting airways or alveolar parenchyma. It has rarely been described in wild felids, with no previous reports in ocelots. In domestic cats it is a very aggressive neoplasm with a high metastatic rate that usually evolves to death. This report aimed to describe a pulmonary adenocarcinoma in a captive and senile ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), with a thorough morphologic and immunophenotypically characterization, evidencing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon in a high metastatic carcinoma, an important feature rarely described in veterinary medicine, even in domestic cats.

scholarly journals Mammomonogamus nematodes in felid carnivores: a minireview and the first molecular characterization

Parasitology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 145 (14) ◽  
pp. 1959-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbora Červená ◽  
Kristýna Hrazdilová ◽  
Peter Vallo ◽  
Jennifer Ketzis ◽  
Pompei Bolfa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Dna Markers ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Geographic Origin ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
The Family ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Mitochondrial And Nuclear Markers

AbstractFive of the 13 known species of Mammomonogamus have been described in members of the family Felidae, including domestic cats, making felids the most frequent hosts of Mammomonogamus. The occurrence of Mammomonogamus in felids is geographically scattered and information on the life cycle and other aspects of infections is lacking. The paucity of data opens the questions on possible conspecificity of some of the described species of Mammomonogamus and on the existence of possible reservoirs for infections in domestic cats in geographically isolated endemic foci of infection. To test such hypotheses, we compared sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear markers obtained from Mammomonogamus adults or eggs collected from domestic cats in three geographically distant localities. Based on morphology, geographic origin and site of infection, the worms examined can be referred to as Mammomonogamus ierei and Mammomonogamus auris. Phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA markers showed monophyly of the genus Mammomonogamus and suggested the existence of at least two species in cats. Review of the literature, the existence of several species and the discontinuous geographic distribution of Mammomonogamus infections in domestic cats suggest an historical spillover of infection from wild reservoirs, presumably wild felids.

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