Search Results (325)

Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed among humans and companion animals. Fecal samples from members of the university community at the Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá, Colombia, and their companion animals (pets) were analyzed to investigate a possible association between MP loads in humans and their dogs and/or cats. Structures compatible with microplastics were detected in the feces of 97.78% of humans and 100% of companion animals. No significant correlation was found between MP loads in humans and their companion animals (p = 0.6846), suggesting that exposure is not determined solely by the shared household environment. If the home were the dominant and exclusive source of exposure, a positive correlation between owners and their companion animals would be expected. Instead, the results indicate the existence of species-specific exposure routes. This exploratory study provides the first report of MP-like structures in fecal samples from humans and their companion animals in Colombia. Full article

Animal re-identification (Re-ID) asks whether two images show the same individual, a recognition task that fits naturally into applications such as reuniting lost pets with their owners. Existing methods report strong scores, but typically under a single seed, one mask granularity, and no query-time corruption analysis, leaving open whether the gains survive deployment. We propose a hierarchical framework decoupling localisation (a YOLOv8 soft-crop) from identity embedding: a dual-stream network fusing a frozen CLIP ViT-B/16 (learned projection) with a fine-tuned ViT-Base carrying L2-norm part attention, trained under ArcFace. On a combined cat+dog open-set benchmark of 173 identities, it attains Rank-1 0.9742/mAP 0.8597 over three seeds, surpassing a ViT-only ablation by +2.39 Rank-1 and +2.07 mAP. Open-set verification shows all configurations converge near 68% true acceptance at the strictest false-acceptance rate. A background-bias evaluation brackets the embedding’s background reliance between a bounding-box lower bound and a SAM-silhouette upper bound; a manual audit retains the reliable soft crop. A nine-corruption audit identifies down-sampling and motion blur as dominant. On PetFace, the architecture retrieves across 14,716 unseen identities and remains viable in a few-shot regime. A Descriptor Vector Exchange (DVE) extension is Pareto-dominated, traced to the ViT’s coarse feature map and architectural redundancy. Full article

Toxocara spp. infection is a neglected zoonotic disease associated with exposure to companion animals and contaminated environments. However, information regarding its seroprevalence and associated risk factors among cat owners in Thailand, particularly in remote island communities, remains limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine anti-Toxocara spp. IgG seropositivity and identify associated risk factors among cat owners in Koh Yao District, Phang Nga Province, Thailand. A total of 291 cat owners participated in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, serum anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies, and hematological parameters were collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with seropositivity. The overall prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG seropositivity was 34.36%. In the univariate analysis, failure to wash hands after cat contact was significantly associated with higher odds of seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–3.33; p = 0.011). This association remained significant in the multivariable logistic regression model. These findings indicate substantial exposure to Toxocara spp. among cat owners in this island community and highlight the importance of personal hygiene, particularly handwashing after cat contact, in reducing exposure to infective Toxocara eggs. Targeted health education programs and preventive interventions should be strengthened to reduce the risk of Toxocara spp. exposure in endemic communities. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance mediated by ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging concern in both human and veterinary medicine, with companion animals increasingly considered relevant within the One Health framework. This study aimed to investigate the fecal carriage of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex in cats from Italy and to characterize the strains by the phenotypic and genetic profile of ESBL production, virulent pathotypes, antibiotic resistance profile and biofilm production. Methods: Fecal samples collected from cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Milan (Italy) in 2020–2026 were bacteriologically and genetically analyzed. Results: All the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated [4/200 (2%, 95% CI: 0.06–3.94%)] were ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complex isolates harboring bla_CTX-M-15, bla_SHV, and bla_TEM genes. The isolates were detected with higher presence in cats with diarrhea and were found only in cats treated with antibiotics and hospitalized. All four ESBL-producing isolates were classified as the classical K. pneumoniae pathotype based on the negative string test results, the absence of reliable virulence genes used for pathotype identification (peg-344, iucA, rmpA and rmpA2), and the lack of K1 and K2 serotypes, despite the detection of terB and irp2 virulence genes in one and two isolates, respectively. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes were classified as multidrug-resistant, with resistance mainly observed to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, quinolones and folate antagonists. All four ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae complexes demonstrated biofilm-forming abilities, with two isolates showing weak adhesion, one moderate adhesion, and one strong adhesion. Conclusions: The detection of ESBL genes together with the MDR pattern, biofilm-forming capacity and selected virulence determinants suggests the potential epidemiological relevance of cats in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant K. pneumoniae complexes, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and prevention strategies in veterinary settings to provide information to pet cat owners and children who may interact with stray cats, in full implementation of the One Health approach. Full article

Aggression is a behavioral phenomenon observed not only in wild animals but also in companion animals, including the domestic cat. Although feline aggression represents a common welfare and public health concern, its genetic and environmental causes remain not fully understood. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the current evidence regarding the genetic and environmental factors associated with aggressive behavior in domestic cats. Original articles published in English between 2005 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus and PubMed using predefined search strategies. After a two-stage screening and eligibility assessment, 25 studies retrieved though the database searches met the inclusion criteria. One additional eligible study was identified through reference screening, resulting in a total of 26 included studies. No formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed. Findings were synthesized narratively because of the substantial heterogeneity in study design, behavioral assessment methods, and outcome measures. The available evidence indicates that feline aggression is influenced by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Associations have been reported with polymorphisms in genes such as OXTR and AR, chromosomal abnormalities, breed, sex, coat color, early-life experiences, owner management, and environmental conditions. Considerable variability in behavioral assessment methods and the absence of a universally accepted classification of feline aggression currently limit direct comparison across studies. Overall, feline aggression should be regarded as a multifactorial trait whose accurate interpretation requires consideration of both inherited and environmental influences. Full article

This retrospective study is intended to contribute to the ongoing investigations of antimicrobial resistance in companion animals by specifically examining the demographics, sex, rates of resistance, and multidrug resistance of bacteria isolated from urine samples of cats and dogs suspected of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Arizona, USA, between 2018 and 2023. Escherichia coli was the most isolated bacterium with an overall frequency of 43.4%, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (11.5%), Proteus mirabilis (10.7%), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (9.9%), Enterococcus faecium (6.9%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.3%). Each year, culture-positive canine urine samples were more frequent than positive feline samples, with summer months producing the majority of suspected UTI samples for dogs and cats. Age played a role for culture-positive urine samples only in female dogs, with no association between age or sex and the number of positive feline samples. Feline Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates demonstrated more resistance to penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitors than canines. The feline Enterococcus faecalis isolates also revealed significantly more resistance than canine isolates to penicillins + beta-lactamase inhibitors. In terms of multidrug resistance, a significant difference was found between the isolates of both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis and other bacterial species. These findings contribute to the relevant role antimicrobial surveillance plays in the prevention and control of UTI pathogens in companion animals. Because dogs and cats often are in close contact with their owners, they may be potential sources for human infection and a One Health concern. Full article

Cat-related injuries are a frequent reason for antirabies consultation, but long-term data on their epidemiology and management remain limited, particularly in European settings that have transitioned from endemic sylvatic rabies to officially rabies-free status. We retrospectively analysed registry data on all patients examined for cat-related injuries at the Zagreb Antirabies Clinic, the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies, between 1995 and 2025. Among 24,107 animal-related consultations, 3147 (13.1%) involved cats. Most patients were female (64.8%), and children under 18 years of age accounted for 14.7% of the patients. The offending cat had a known owner in 48.5% of cases and was unknown in 45.9%. Records associated with laboratory-confirmed rabid cats accounted for 4.8%, all from 1995 to 2012. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was administered to 37.6% of patients, and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) to 2.9%. Hospitalisation was rare (1.1%), while injuries most often involved the fist and fingers (59.5%). PEP administration was strongly associated with the rabies risk status of the offending cat, increasing from 8.7% for known-owner cats to 62.0% for unknown cats and approximately 87% for suspected or laboratory-confirmed rabid cats (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, animal status remained the principal factor independently associated with PEP (adjusted odds ratio for unknown versus known-owner cats approximately 18), whereas patient characteristics had limited effect. HRIG use declined below 1% in 2015–2025, paralleling the elimination of sylvatic rabies in Croatia. Continued structured exposure assessment remains relevant despite rabies-free status, particularly when cats are unknown or unavailable for observation. Full article

African pygmy hedgehogs (APHs) are increasingly kept as companion animals, yet evidence-based nutritional recommendations for this species remain limited. Commercial cat or kitten diets are still commonly used by owners and veterinarians in practice, despite being formulated exclusively for domestic cats rather than for hedgehogs with omnivorous–insectivorous feeding habits. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between dietary regimen and serum biochemical parameters associated with renal function in APHs. Blood samples were collected from 19 client-owned APHs aged 12–68 months: 10 hedgehogs fed a commercial kitten diet and 9 fed a commercial APH-specific diet. Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium were measured, and the nutritional composition of the two diets was compared using manufacturer declarations and targeted laboratory analyses. Hedgehogs fed the commercial kitten diet had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.0133), creatinine (p = 0.0279), and phosphorus (p = 0.0279) concentrations than those fed the APH-specific diet, whereas serum calcium concentrations did not differ significantly (p = 0.3846). These differences occurred despite similar dietary phosphorus content, while the commercial kitten diet had higher declared fat and lower fiber content. The findings suggest that dietary regimen may be associated with alterations in renal biochemical profiles in APHs and support the use of species-appropriate diets in clinical practice. Full article

This online survey of 1330 veterinarians and 5071 cat owners across 14 countries aimed to identify drivers, barriers and unmet needs regarding feline vaccination compliance. Veterinarians and cat owners differed on the perceived value of vaccination; 16% of cat owners cited vaccination as a key contributor to feline health compared with 69% of veterinarians. Cat owners reported that 71% of their cats had seen a veterinarian within the previous year and 65% were previously vaccinated, aligning with veterinarian-reported compliance rates of 77% for core vaccines. Primary vaccination drivers for cat owners were the desire to maintain their cat’s health (62%) and a veterinarian’s recommendation (57%); veterinarians perceived vaccine reminders (71%) as the top driver. Owners who elected not to vaccinate their cats believed vaccines were unnecessary for healthy (27%) or indoor cats (27%). This aligned with veterinarian-reported barriers: lack of client understanding (53%), vaccine misinformation (51%) and antivaccine attitudes (51%). Most cat owners (58%) cited their veterinarian as their primary vaccine information source. However, only 23% of veterinarians report discussing the importance of vaccination with cat owners. Cat owners prioritized low side effects (88%), multi-antigen protection (86%) and >1 year of protection (86%; 74% want 3 years). Concerning price and compliance, 87% (61% yes, 26% maybe) would pay more for long-lasting protection, and 91% (66% yes, 25% maybe) of vaccinating owners would attend annual wellness visits even when vaccination is not due. By addressing educational gaps, communicating the role vaccines play in feline health, and understanding cat owner concerns and preferences, veterinarians have an opportunity to improve feline vaccination compliance. Full article

Background: Veterinary staphylococcal species, including the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) and Staphylococcus schleiferi, colonize and infect companion animals (pets) and humans. This study investigated the longitudinal colonization prevalence of veterinary staphylococci among pets, their humans, and household environments to identify factors associated with carriage and to characterize antibiotic susceptibility trends. Methods: Children with community-onset Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), their household contacts, and pets were enrolled in the “Staph Hygiene Intervention for Eradication (SHINE)” trial. At five study visits over 9 months, humans, pets, and household surfaces were swabbed for staphylococcal species detection and health information was collected. Results: The 104 households containing pets comprised 459 humans and 178 pets (136 dogs and 42 cats). Veterinary staphylococci were recovered from 110 pets (62%), 39 (9%) humans, and environmental surfaces in 55 (53%) households. SIG was the most commonly recovered veterinary staphylococci. Ninety percent of colonized humans were colonized with the same staphylococcal species as their pet. In multivariable analyses, dogs were more likely to be colonized than cats and a higher burden of environmental surface contamination was associated with pet and human colonization. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant veterinary staphylococci was low, but resistance to multiple other antibiotics was common among these methicillin-resistant isolates. Conclusions: Carriage of the same staphylococcal species and temporal colonization patterns between companion animals and their owners may suggest cross-species sharing, with the environment serving as a reservoir. Full article

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are locally invasive and aggressive tumors that occur spontaneously in humans, dogs, and cats. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive ablation technology that has been explored in canine but not feline STS. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the in vivo safety and feasibility of HIFU ablation for feline STS and to investigate the impact of HIFU on the acute immunological response. Client-owned cats diagnosed with spontaneous STS were recruited. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen, and tumor were performed prior to treatment for staging and treatment planning. A commercially available HIFU unit (Echopulse, Theraclion, Malakoff, France) was used to target portions of solid tumors before standard-of-care surgical resection. Ablation efficacy and local immunological response were characterized using histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments. Acute safety was monitored with physical examinations, owner reports, and CBC/serum biochemistry. Multiplex serum cytokine levels were used to evaluate the systemic immune response. A total of three cats diagnosed with STS were recruited and treated. No significant adverse events attributed to HIFU treatment were noted in this pilot study. In treated areas, hemorrhage as well as coagulative and lytic necrosis were observed microscopically and were more extensive than in untreated tissues. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of serum MCP-1 after HIFU treatment, but no significant changes in any other analytes. No differences in the infiltration of CD3-, CD79a-, or IBA1-positive cells were noted between treated and untreated samples. Overall, findings suggested that HIFU may offer a viable alternative to conventional therapies for feline STS, with pilot results showing effective tumor ablation in cats with STS without significant adverse events. Some preliminary evidence of immunomodulation following treatment was observed, but HIFU as an immunotherapeutic treatment option needs to be further investigated. Full article

Trauma is a major cause of emergency presentation in small animal practice, and accurate early assessment is essential for prognosis. The Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score is widely applied in Western veterinary settings but has been less frequently evaluated in Asian veterinary institutions. This prospective observational study assessed the prognostic value of the ATT score and of relevant clinical variables in 184 dogs and cats presenting with traumatic injuries to a university veterinary teaching hospital in Thailand. ATT scores, clinicopathological parameters, and management variables were analyzed in relation to survival outcome. The overall mortality rate was 35.3%. Higher ATT scores, lower blood pH, lower ionized calcium concentrations, and increasing age were independently associated with non-survival (p < 0.05). An ATT score ≥ 5 was associated with increased odds of non-survival (OR = 4.207, 95% CI: 1.903–9.301), yielding a sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 40.3% for identifying high-risk patients. Among animals with documented surgical indications, those that did not undergo surgery demonstrated higher mortality than those receiving surgical intervention; however, this finding should be interpreted cautiously because treatment allocation was influenced by clinical stability and owner-related factors. These results demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the ATT score as a triage instrument when interpreted in context with clinical laboratory parameters, age, and treatment responses. Full article

While the health benefits of pet ownership are well-documented, research on co-sleeping with pets has yielded conflicting results, often contrasting objective sleep disturbances with subjective satisfaction. This study examined the association between dog or cat co-sleeping and well-being across two age groups: adults and youths. Data were collected through two cross-sectional online surveys involving adults (n = 2675) and youths (n = 1050). Participants reported their pet ownership, co-sleeping status, and well-being using the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare WHO-5 scores among three groups: non-owners, owners who do not co-sleep, and co-sleepers. In adults, dog co-sleepers exhibited significantly higher well-being scores compared to non-owners (p = 0.025). However, no significant associations were observed in the youth sample. These findings suggest that while pet co-sleeping is often perceived as disruptive, it may be positively associated with subjective well-being in adult populations. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the causal relationship and the specific mechanisms underlying this “pet effect” in the context of shared sleep environments. Full article

Humans have always been curious about what animals are trying to communicate, especially our closest companions—dogs and cats. While we often rely on instinct and observation to understand their needs and feelings, this method can be inaccurate or limited. This research introduces a new computational model designed to translate the behaviors of dogs and cats into simple, human-readable messages. By combining data from their body language, sounds, facial expressions, and movements, the model uses advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques to identify what the animal might be feeling or trying to express. We collect and analyze real-world behavioral data from pets, then train the system to interpret signals like barking, meowing, tail movements, or posture changes. The final output could be a sentence or voice alert that helps pet owners understand things like “I’m hungry,” “I’m scared,” or “I want to play.” This approach not only improves how we care for pets but also enhances emotional connection and communication between humans and animals. It opens new doors for technology in pet care, training, and veterinary support. Full article

Given the growing popularity of pet ownership, this study aimed to examine the effects of pet owners’ tourism constraints on learned helplessness, travel avoidance with pets and behavioural intentions to travel with pets. The relationship between learned helplessness and travel avoidance with pets was also analysed. More importantly, the serial paths from pet owners’ tourism constraints to travel intentions with pets were tested. Considering the importance of decision-making style (i.e., head vs. heart), it was used as a moderator. Data were collected in Türkiye from 341 pet owners who owned at least one dog, one cat, or both. Data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM. The results showed that the indirect effects of the pet’s specific constraints, the pet’s interpersonal constraints, and the pet’s structural constraints on behavioural intention to travel with pets via learned helplessness and travel avoidance were significant. However, decision type did not have a moderating role. Both pet attachment and guilt over leaving pets alone had positive and significant effects on behavioural intention to travel with pets. The findings contributed to the understanding of both pet owners’ tourism constraints and learned helplessness through examining serial mediation paths. Full article