Shelter Cats in Australia

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Understanding Chronic Respiratory Disease in Cats

Johnson, L.R. and P.H. Kass, Effect of sample collection methodology on nasal culture results in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 645-649.

Feline chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease in cats with an unknown etiology. A number of studies have indicated that most cases of upper respiratory disease in the cat are complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently employed to treat feline CRS. This study evaluated the effect of sampling method on culture results in 44 cats. The results indicated that aerobic and anaerobic cultures were positive significantly more often from nasal flush samples than from tissue biopsy samples. Culture results did not differ for Mycoplasma species between flush and biopsy samples though there was discordancy in 8 of 44 sample pairs for Mycoplasma species. This indicates that a failure to culture Mycoplasma species from a nasal flush might not be a true reflection of the absence of Mycoplasma species in the nasal cavity since a tissue sample may be required for isolation of the organism. Nasal flush is the preferred technique though for determining presence in feline nasal disease of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Berryessa, N.A., et al., Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008. 233(7): p. 1084-1089.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruch-Gallie, R.A., et al., Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 542-550.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Johnson, L.R. and P.H. Kass, Effect of sample collection methodology on nasal culture results in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 645-649.

Feline chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease in cats with an unknown etiology. A number of studies have indicated that most cases of upper respiratory disease in the cat are complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently employed to treat feline CRS. This study evaluated the effect of sampling method on culture results in 44 cats. The results indicated that aerobic and anaerobic cultures were positive significantly more often from nasal flush samples than from tissue biopsy samples. Culture results did not differ for Mycoplasma species between flush and biopsy samples though there was discordancy in 8 of 44 sample pairs for Mycoplasma species. This indicates that a failure to culture Mycoplasma species from a nasal flush might not be a true reflection of the absence of Mycoplasma species in the nasal cavity since a tissue sample may be required for isolation of the organism. Nasal flush is the preferred technique though for determining presence in feline nasal disease of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Berryessa, N.A., et al., Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008. 233(7): p. 1084-1089.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruch-Gallie, R.A., et al., Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 542-550.
>> PubMed Abstract

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The Taming of the Cat

Driscoll CA, Clutton-Brock J, Kitchener AC, O'Brien SJ. The Taming of the cat. Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became housecats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought. Sci Am. 2009 Jun;300(6):68-75.

Unlike other domestic species, cats seem to contribute little to human survival, so the question of when and how cats were tamed has been unsolved. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Egyptians were the first to tame cats, about 3600 years ago. However, more recent genetic and archaelogical evidence may push that date back to about 10,000 years ago, and place cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture had its roots. Most likely, cats began to live near people to take advantage of food scraps and rodents. Now, in the 21st century, about one-third of American households have cats, and more than 600 million cats live among humans worldwide. [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Vigne JD, Guilaine J, Debue K, Haye L, Gérard P. Early taming of the cat in
Cyprus. Science. 2004 Apr 9;304(5668):259.
>> Science Magazine

Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Driscoll CA, Clutton-Brock J, Kitchener AC, O'Brien SJ. The Taming of the cat. Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became housecats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought. Sci Am. 2009 Jun;300(6):68-75.

Unlike other domestic species, cats seem to contribute little to human survival, so the question of when and how cats were tamed has been unsolved. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Egyptians were the first to tame cats, about 3600 years ago. However, more recent genetic and archaelogical evidence may push that date back to about 10,000 years ago, and place cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture had its roots. Most likely, cats began to live near people to take advantage of food scraps and rodents. Now, in the 21st century, about one-third of American households have cats, and more than 600 million cats live among humans worldwide. [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Vigne JD, Guilaine J, Debue K, Haye L, Gérard P. Early taming of the cat in
Cyprus. Science. 2004 Apr 9;304(5668):259.
>> Science Magazine

Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Response of Kittens to Vaccination

Jas, D., C. Aeberle, et al. (2009). Onset of immunity in kittens after vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Vet J 182(1): 86-93.

Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus are all significant and common pathogens of cats, and are highly contagious in susceptible populations. Cats are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, but the time it takes following vaccination for protection to develop in the kitten has not been examined in depth. Induction of a rapid immune response is critical in high-risk environments such as shelters. These investigators examined the level of protection in kittens one week after vaccination with a combination vaccine containing live strains of feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and Chlamydophila, and inactivated feline calicivirus, as well as recombinant FeLV component. A recombinant rabies vaccine was also given. Kittens were specific pathogen free, thus there was no maternal antibody to interfere with vaccine response. They were challenged one week (FPV, FHV, FCV), three weeks (FPV), or four weeks (FHV and FCV) after vaccination. Clinical parameters were measured, and antibody levels and virus shedding was assessed. Kittens appeared to be protected from severe disease by one week post-vaccination, and virus shedding was also significantly reduced as compared to non-vaccinated controls. No difference in clinical parameters was noted whether kittens were challenged at one week or three to four weeks post vaccination. While a single vaccination with FPV induced rapid antibody production, two vaccinations with FCV and FHV were required for a similar response. While maternal antibodies will interfere with vaccinal response if present, this study shows that without maternal antibodies, vaccinal response occurs rapidly. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dawson, S., K. Willoughby, et al. (2001). A field trial to assess the effect of vaccination against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopenia virus in 6-week-old kittens. J Feline Med Surg 3(1): 17-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1. J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Jas, D., C. Aeberle, et al. (2009). Onset of immunity in kittens after vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Vet J 182(1): 86-93.

Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus are all significant and common pathogens of cats, and are highly contagious in susceptible populations. Cats are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, but the time it takes following vaccination for protection to develop in the kitten has not been examined in depth. Induction of a rapid immune response is critical in high-risk environments such as shelters. These investigators examined the level of protection in kittens one week after vaccination with a combination vaccine containing live strains of feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and Chlamydophila, and inactivated feline calicivirus, as well as recombinant FeLV component. A recombinant rabies vaccine was also given. Kittens were specific pathogen free, thus there was no maternal antibody to interfere with vaccine response. They were challenged one week (FPV, FHV, FCV), three weeks (FPV), or four weeks (FHV and FCV) after vaccination. Clinical parameters were measured, and antibody levels and virus shedding was assessed. Kittens appeared to be protected from severe disease by one week post-vaccination, and virus shedding was also significantly reduced as compared to non-vaccinated controls. No difference in clinical parameters was noted whether kittens were challenged at one week or three to four weeks post vaccination. While a single vaccination with FPV induced rapid antibody production, two vaccinations with FCV and FHV were required for a similar response. While maternal antibodies will interfere with vaccinal response if present, this study shows that without maternal antibodies, vaccinal response occurs rapidly. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dawson, S., K. Willoughby, et al. (2001). A field trial to assess the effect of vaccination against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopenia virus in 6-week-old kittens. J Feline Med Surg 3(1): 17-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1. J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

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The Importance of Microchips

Lord LK, Ingwersen W, Gray JL, Wintz DJ. Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jul 15;235(2):160-7.

This study characterized 7,704 microchipped animals entering 53 animal shelters between August 2007 and March 2008. Of this number, strays made up slightly more than half (53%), with the remainder designated as owner-relinquished animals (41.9%) and other (5.1%). The results showed that animal shelters were able to find the owners of three-fourths of stray dogs and cats with microchips. The ability to find owners was higher in dogs, animals that were purebred, and animals that were spayed or neutered. Animal shelters had a much higher likelihood of finding an owner when the owner information was in the shelter’s own database or registered with a microchip registry. The high rate of return of microchipped animals supports microchipping as a valuable permanent pet identification method. The results also emphasized the importance of the registration process in successfully reuniting pets and owners. The study demonstrated the importance of scanning animals more than one time and the need for proper technique. It was suggested veterinary clinic staff should scan microchipped animals during each wellness examination to ensure the microchip is still functional and has not migrated. Additionally, the study indicated the importance of personnel at animal shelters to scan owner-relinquished animals and verify ownership via a microchip registry. The person relinquishing the animal may not be the rightful owner. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W, Fisher RA. Sensitivity of commercial
scanners to microchips of various frequencies implanted in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1729-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Jun 15;230(12):1835-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Lord LK, Ingwersen W, Gray JL, Wintz DJ. Characterization of animals with microchips entering animal shelters. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jul 15;235(2):160-7.

This study characterized 7,704 microchipped animals entering 53 animal shelters between August 2007 and March 2008. Of this number, strays made up slightly more than half (53%), with the remainder designated as owner-relinquished animals (41.9%) and other (5.1%). The results showed that animal shelters were able to find the owners of three-fourths of stray dogs and cats with microchips. The ability to find owners was higher in dogs, animals that were purebred, and animals that were spayed or neutered. Animal shelters had a much higher likelihood of finding an owner when the owner information was in the shelter’s own database or registered with a microchip registry. The high rate of return of microchipped animals supports microchipping as a valuable permanent pet identification method. The results also emphasized the importance of the registration process in successfully reuniting pets and owners. The study demonstrated the importance of scanning animals more than one time and the need for proper technique. It was suggested veterinary clinic staff should scan microchipped animals during each wellness examination to ensure the microchip is still functional and has not migrated. Additionally, the study indicated the importance of personnel at animal shelters to scan owner-relinquished animals and verify ownership via a microchip registry. The person relinquishing the animal may not be the rightful owner. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W, Fisher RA. Sensitivity of commercial
scanners to microchips of various frequencies implanted in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1729-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Jun 15;230(12):1835-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Predictors of Feline Kidney Disease

Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Potential Treatment for FIP

Legendre, A.M. and J.W. Bartges, Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 624-626.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a baffling and clinical important disease of cats caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus. Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, veterinarians are faced with a frustrating dilemma because there are no individual tests that are reliable for the diagnosis of FIP, the clinical picture is highly variable, and there is no known effective treatment. Polyprenyl immunostimulant (PI) is an investigational veterinary biologic manufactured by Sass & Sass, Inc and is comprised of a mixture of phosphorylated, linear polyisoprenols. This case series from the University of Tennessee describes three cats with the dry (non-effusive) form of FIP treated with PI. The cats were treated with varying doses of the drug, and by both subcutaneous and oral routes. Two of the three cats were still on treatment and were alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. The investigators conclude that further studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PI for the treatment of FIP are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Full text article

Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Legendre, A.M. and J.W. Bartges, Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 624-626.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a baffling and clinical important disease of cats caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus. Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, veterinarians are faced with a frustrating dilemma because there are no individual tests that are reliable for the diagnosis of FIP, the clinical picture is highly variable, and there is no known effective treatment. Polyprenyl immunostimulant (PI) is an investigational veterinary biologic manufactured by Sass & Sass, Inc and is comprised of a mixture of phosphorylated, linear polyisoprenols. This case series from the University of Tennessee describes three cats with the dry (non-effusive) form of FIP treated with PI. The cats were treated with varying doses of the drug, and by both subcutaneous and oral routes. Two of the three cats were still on treatment and were alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. The investigators conclude that further studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PI for the treatment of FIP are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Full text article

Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

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