Unlike companion cats raised at home, feral cats are more likely to be infected with parasites. Feral cats can transmit parasites not only to other cats but also to pets and people. This study was conducted to investigate prevalence intestinal parasites prevalence through the fecal examination of feral cats in Gunsan City. After making a suspension in Sheather's Sucrose solution, the feces were mixed and centrifuged, and then examined under a microscope. The results were revealed mostly unsporulated oocysts and sporulated oocysts of coccidia, followed by pinworm's eggs, which showed a relatively high infection rate. Scabies and mites were also found in the feces. Due to the behavioral characteristics of cats, they tend to remove the foreign objects from their fur through grooming, which is why a lot of hairs were observed in the feces, and it is thought that this is why scabies and mites were also found in the fecal examination results. The results of this study confirm that feral cats are exposed to those parasites. It is also thought that consideration should be given to expanding the TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-release) program, which can reduce the number of feral cats.

As increasing number of stray cats, it recently has more chance for stray cats to invade people area. Inevitably, the number of cases of inconvenience and damage caused by street cats is also increasing proportionally. Therefore, we investigated and analyzed the current status and implementation of TNR in Korea and suggested the direction in which Korea's policy should go. Domestic TNR has been implemented for about 20 years, but the ratio of stray cats to which TNR is applied insufficient and post-management after TNR is also insufficient. In the case of other countries, a large percentage of TNR is conducted by selecting TNR target cats based on scientific grounds and adoption or additional observation is carried out after TNR. Based on this strategy, the conditions for successful TNR need to expand the decision-making authority of veterinarians involved in TNR and actively invigorate subsequent solutions such as adoption. In addition, the policy should be improved in the way of expanding management and supervision after TNR through food service centers and shelters.

Long-term non-surgical contraceptive methods for cats, especially community cats, are of global interest for cost-effective and humane reasons. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based vaccine for immunocontraception and to confirm its safety in intact female cats. Recombinant Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2)-GnRH protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. We divided female cats into vehicle control group (n = 4) and two experimental groups (100 μg injection group [n = 7] and 1000 μg injection group [n=7]), and immunized them twice intramuscularly (0.2 mL/cat at zero week and 4 weeks later into the other leg). Breeding trials started on day 120. All control cats (n = 4/4), 71% of the 100 μg injection group (n = 5/7), and 57% of the 1000 μg injection group (n = 4/7) became pregnant within 203 days after the introduction of male cats. The 1000 μg injection group had significantly a longer median time to conception following treatment (166 days) than the control (17 days, p < 0.05). Average litter size was significantly lower in the 1000 μg GnRH-vaccinated cats (2.8 ± 0.7) than in the control cats (4.5 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). Injection site reactions were not observed in any cat. The E. coli-expressed STF2-GnRH vaccine did not provide contraception in a sufficient proportion of the cats. However, it might be effective to suppress fertility through infertility vaccines before inducing permanent infertility through the trap-neuter-return.

Feral cats are widely considered to be leading the potential impacts on public health. This study aimed to provide estimates of vital data for feral cats relating Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to establish strategies effectively to manage feral cats in Pyeongtaek. Thus, this study focused on estimating feral cat population in Pyeongtaek and conducted a comparative analysis of the data for feral cats in Seoul (2013). The number of feral cats was estimated from 23,069 to 26,655 in Pyeongtaek, 2019. In relation to human population, when comparing the number of feral cats of Pyeongtaek and Seoul, it ranged from 4.57% to 5.28%, and from 1.97% to 2.55% respectively. This showed that Pyeongtaek was higher than Seoul. Fewer kittens were found in high-density areas, which the TNR project is believed to be generally effective in controlling the number of feral cats. In conclusion, in urban and rural complexes such as Pyeongtaek City, the number of feral cats compared to the population was higher than that of Seoul City, and the TNR program is believed to be somewhat effective in controlling the number of feral cats. When implementing TNR, it is necessary periodically to investigate the population and reflect them in policymaking.

Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporin in Enterobacteriaceae is increasingly prevalent in South Korea. This study aims to explore the distribution of AmpC genes in Proteus mirabilis isolated from stray and hospital-admitted companion animals in South Korea. AmpC β-lactamases hold clinical significance due to its potential to facilitate antimicrobial resistance to cefoxitin, cefazolin, and most penicillins. A total of 163 bacterial isolates belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were collected from dogs (n = 158) and cats (n=5). Of them, 134 isolates were from hospital-admitted animals, while 29 isolates from stray animals. Boronic acid tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted for an initial screening to detect AmpC β-lactamase resistant P. mirabilis. Gene-specific PCRs were conducted to identify the type of AmpC genes, which include six groups (MOXM, CITM, DHAM, ACCM, EBCM, and FOXM), in the resistant isolates. The boronic acid disk tests revealed 45 (27.6%) positive isolates out of 163 isolates tested. Of these 45 isolates, six were determined to harbor the EBCM gene, 13 for CITM, one for FOXM, and one for DHAM by single detection PCR. No isolates carried for ACCM or MOXM. Thus, a total of 21 out of 163 isolates (12.9%) were demonstrated to possess AmpC genes. No isolates contain more than one group of AmpC gene family. A significantly higher percentage of P. mirabilis was found to possess AmpC genes compared to past studies. Therefore, the increasing trend in antimicrobial resistance in P. mirabilis indicates a dire need to monitor antimicrobial prescription in the veterinary field.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is caused by rabies virus and transmitted only in mammals. Domestic dogs are the most common reservoir of the virus, which is associated with more than 99% human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies in the world. Rabies is one of the most fatal diseases, but it is fully preventable in animals by vaccination. Serological test of rabies virus antibody for samples collected from dogs and cats in Seoul during 2017–2019 was carried out in this study. To investigate antibody seroprevalence of rabies virus for dogs and cats, 2,769 serum samples were taken from 2,408 dogs and 361 cats in various regions of Seoul during 2017– 2019. Antibodies to rabies virus were detected by an indirect ELISA. Of 2,769 tested animal sera, 934 (33.7%) were positive; 886 (36.8%) of 2408 dogs and 48 (13.3%) of 361 cats. Of 990 companion animals, 547 (55.3%) was positive and 387 (21.8%) of 1779 stray animals was positive. These results indicate that antibody seroprevalence to rabies virus is still not enough to prevent rabies and rabies vaccination is required to enhance the antibody seroprevalence for rabies. To improve the situation, much public awareness and policy is needed to prevent the rabies. In addition, reducing stray animals and keeping companion animals from contact with wild animals are indispensable for the prevention of rabies.

섬에 유입된 고양이(Felis catus)는 외래 포식자로서 섬 고유종의 멸종이나 절멸, 생물 다양성 감소 등의 직접적인 요인으로 작용할 수 있다. 본 연구는 제주도의 부속섬인 마라도(N 33° 07′, E 126° 16′)에 유입되어 서식하는 고양이의 개체군 현황과 행동권, 서식지 이용특성을 파악하기 위해 실시되었다. 2018년 3월부터 2018년 7월까지 직접관찰과 포획-재포획법을 통해 개체수 추정 결과, 번식 가능한 성체 총 20마리를 확인하였다. 이 중 10마리에 GPS 무선추적장치를 부착하여 추적한 결과 고양이의 행동권 크기는 12.05±6.99 ha (95% KDE: kernel density estimation), 핵심서식지 크기는 1.60±0.77 ha (50% KDE)로 나타났다. 성별에 따른 행동권과 핵심서식지의 크기는 통계적으로 유의하지 않았고, 10마리 중 8마리가 먹이획득이 쉬운 인간 거주지역을 핵심서식지로 이용하였다. 또한 마라도에 번식하는 멸종위기종인 뿔쇠오리(Synthliboramphus wumizusume)의 번식지에 5마리, 섬개개비(Locustella pleskei)의 번식지에 6마리가 접근하는 것을 각각 확인하였다. 본 연구는 마라도의 고양이 개체수와 행동권에 대한 정보를 최초로 파악하였으며, 특히 고양이 행동권 분석을 통해 철새와 멸종위기종에 대한 가해 가능성을 제시하였다. 철새와 멸종위기 조류의 서식지인 마라도에서 발생할 수 있는 고양이의 피해를 줄이기 위해 향후 고양이의 포식압, 고양이와 멸종위기 조류 개체군의 변동에 대한 모니터링에 관한 연구와 함께, 필요시 고양이 개체군 관리방안을 마련할 필요가 있을 것으로 판단된다.

The interaction between the cardiac and renal systems is important in determining blood pressure and blood volume, both of which play a role in the vasomotor system and fluid balance. Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) occurs as a result of a disparity in correlation between the two. In veterinary medicine, cardiovascular-renal axis disorder (CvRD) lacks pathologically and etiologically specific data, but shares common pathophysiological patterns with CRS and CvRD in humans. CvRD is structural or functional damage caused by diseases of the heart or kidneys, or toxins or drugs, resulting in the disruption of normal interactions between these organs and the destruction of one or both organs. The aim of this study is to compare the long-term changes in various indicators, including hypertension, proteinuria and echocardiographic parameters, before and after administration of telmisartan in cats with CvRD. This study found a clear gradual decrease in Urine protein to creatinine (UP/C) ratio and left atrium (LA) diameter in cats with CvRD, after administration of telmisartan. UP/C ratio (p<0.001) was found to decrease significantly over time, after administration of telmisartan. UP/C ratio before telmisartan administration was 0.39 ± 0.255 (Day 0) and 0.29 ± 0.056 on day 30 (Day 30), 0.28 ± 0.040 on day 60 (Day 60), and 0.20 ± 0.128 on day 90 (Day 90) after administration, respectively. LA diameter before telmisartan administration was 17.9 mm ± 1.6 before telmisartan administration (Day 0) and 17.4 mm ± 1.8 on day 30 (Day 30), 16.1 mm ± 1.6 on day 60 (Day 60), and 15.7 mm ± 1.7 on day 90 (Day 90) after administration, respectively. Oral administration of telmisartan to cats with CvRD is effective in improving proteinuria and LA diameter, which is a positive aspect of long-term survival in cats with CvRD.

The number of cats requiring treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) continues to increase, and the knowledge regarding its management is constantly evolving. The pathological lesions of HCM include hypertrophy of the left ventricle, which causes abnormalities in the relaxation function of the heart. This phenomenon increases the stiffness of the ventricular muscle, thereby reducing the ability of the left ventricle to fill with blood during diastole. This is accompanied by an increase in ventricular filling pressure and left atrial pressure. HCM in cats is characterized by concentric hypertrophy and atrial enlargement. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) also involves a narrowed left ventricular outflow tract, and in humans, it is generally perceived to be a more serious disease. However, unlike in humans, HCM and HOCM in cats do not result in significantly different survival times. Heart murmurs, gallop rhythms, arrhythmias, cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure (CHF), ATE, and cardiac sudden death (CSD) have all been associated with HCM. Although the presence of a heart murmur is a characteristic feature of heart disease, it may be a functional one, which is defined as “dynamic right ventricular outflow track obstruction” (DRVOTO) in cats. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the presence of HCM based on the existence of a heart murmur alone. ATE typically affects one or both hind limbs, resulting in acute paralysis and severe pain, consistent with lower motor neuron disease. The clot, which is formed in the left atrium of the heart, travels to an artery and becomes an ATE, which then blocks the blood flow and impairs circulation, causing infarction. Therefore, ATE in cats is a serious condition. This review describes the results of the latest research on HCM and ATE, the most common heart conditions in cats.

Angiotensin receptor blockers, such as telmisartan, are considered effective in the treatment of hypertension and proteinuria due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. It selectively blocks the AT1 receptor and does not affect the AT2 receptor, thus effectively blocking the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. This study aims to compare over time the changes in various indicators, including systemic hypertension and proteinuria, before and after the administration of telmisartan in cats with CKD. Decrease in blood pressure (BP) (p<0.001) and urine protein to creatinine (UP/C) ratio (p<0.001) were found to be statistically significant over time after the administration of telmisartan. BP and the UP/C ratio were 160 ± 22.2 and 0.50 ± 0.647 before telmisartan administration (Day 0), 150 ± 21.0 and 0.27 ± 0.487 on the 30th day (Day 30), 150 ± 17.0 and 0.25 ± 0.376 on the 60th day (Day 60), and 140 ± 17.8 and 0.15 ± 0.233 on the 90th day (Day 90) after administration, respectively. BP and UP/C were statistically significantly lower in cats with CKD over time at each time point from Day 0 to Day 90 at 30 day intervals. Especially after 90 days of telmisartan administration, the improvement of BP and UP/C were estimated to be about 20 mmHg and 0.35, respectively. In conclusion, the oral administration of telmisartan to cats with CKD is effective in improving BP and proteinuria, which has a positive effect on long-term survival in cats with CKD.

Mycoplasma (M.) felis and M. canis is related with pneumonia or conjunctivitis in domestic cats and several diseases in a variety of other animals, including lower respiratory tract disease or pleuritis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays has been reported as an easy and useful method. It could be conducted even on nasal swab samples as a non-invasive rapid testing tools for large numbers of Mycoplasma species. However, PCR assays have to conduct multiple assays because of a lot of Mycoplasma species. Therefore, it need to perform several tests and reveal time consuming procedures. In this study, we developed a sensitive and specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects simultaneously two species like as M. felis and M. canis. The simultaneous detection of M. felis and M. canis primers were used to differentiate two mycoplasma species. The target DNA fragments were specifically amplified M. felis and M. canis PCR with 16S ribosomal DNA primers. Single and mixed Mycoplasma species DNA templates were submitted to validate the specificity of the multiplex PCR. The corresponding specific DNA products were amplified for each pathogen. The detection limit of the developed multiplex PCR is 102 pg with M. felis and M. canis DNA. Furthermore, the developed multiplex PCR detected successfully M. felis in feline nasal specimens. The multiplex PCR assay provides a novel tool for simultaneous detection and differentiation of M. felis and M. canis in cats.

Recently, several companies have released H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test kits. However, there is little information about the usefulness of HpSA testing for Helicobacter felis, which is the major Helicobacter species in cats. The aim of the present study was to compare diagnostic methods for diagnosis of H. felis with HpSA tests and PCR assay using cat stools or gastric mucosa. Male cats (n=6) were infected with H. felis ATCC 49179 (1.0 × 109 CFU /cat) by intragastric inoculation two times at 3-day intervals, and stool specimens of cats were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after infection for HpSA testing and H. felis-specific PCR. For the results, sensitivities of the HpSA test and PCR analysis were 50.0% and 83.3% respectively. Cats were sacrificed 21 days after H. felis inoculation, and gastric tissues were homogenized. All gastric biopsy specimens were positive based on a rapid urease test (RUT) (6/6, 100%) and PCR (6/6, 100%). Based on these results, the HpSA kit is useful and effective for monitoring H. felis infection using stool specimens. If an HpSA test could be made with H. felis antibodies in the future, its sensitivity could be increased further. Further, PCR assay could be successfully used to detect H. felis in stools. Application of this HpSA kit and PCR assay can be utilized as a non-invasive strategy to identify H. felis in cats.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is recognized as the most common feline cardiac disease. Several studies have evaluated the population characteristics and survival time of cats with HCM; however, these reports included large numbers of asymptomatic HCM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and survival time of cats with symptomatic HCM admitted to emergency service. Medical records were examined to verify clinical diagnosis of HCM. Asymptomatic cats diagnosed with HCM were also excluded from the study. From a total of 13 cats, eight were classified in the arterial thromboembolism (ATE) group while the other five were in the congestive heart failure (CHF) group. Middle-aged (6 years, range 1.4~7 years) male cats (53.8%) were included in this study. Pelvic limb paralysis, depression, and respiratory distress were common clinical signs found in symptomatic HCM cats. Hematologic evaluation found that enzymes related to muscle damage and tissue necrosis were elevated in both groups and highly elevated in the ATE group. Left atrium was remarkably enlarged in ATE group cats. The median survival time of cats in the ATE group was significantly shorter than that of cats in the CHF group (P=0.002). Prospective investigation based on a large population would be required to clarify the effects of various factors on prognosis of HCM cats.

Cats form social groups in which individuals recognize each other, and the cohesiveness of the group is maintained by a variety of amicable behaviors. We are aimed to provide the available knowledges about the prevention and correction methods for the behavior problems in cats through literature review. As the results, The behavior problems of cats may occur between group members and between group members and non-group members. Within the domestic environment, the behavior problems of cats may become a problem when it is directed at house-mates or humans. Differential diagnosis and treatment of various problems of the behavior problems of cats are discussed.

This work was undertaken in order to study the developmental competence of nuclear transfer cat embryo with fetal fibroblast and adult skin fibroblast as donor nuclei. Oocytes wererecovered by mincing the ovaries in Hepes-buffered TCM199 and selected the cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with compact cumulus cell mass and dark. Homogenous ooplasm were cultured for maturation in TCM199 + 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 12 hours and used as a source of recipient cytoplast for exogenous somatic nuclei. In Experiment 1, we evaluated the effect donor cell types on the reconstruction and development of cloned embryos. Fusion, first cleavage and blastocyst developmental rate was not different between fetal fibroblast and adult skin cell (71.2 vs. 66.8; 71.0 vs. 57.6; 4.0 vs. 6.1 %, P<0.05). In Experiment 2, cloned embryos were surgically transferred into the oviducts of recipient queens. One of seven recipient queens was delivered naturally 2healthy cloned cats and 1 stillborn from fetal fibroblast cell of male origin after 65 days embryo transfer. One of three recipient queens was delivered naturally 1 healthy cloned cat from adult skin cell of female after 65 days embryo transfer. The cloned cats showed genotypes identical to the donor cell lines, indicating that adult somatic cells can be used for feline cloning.