Worrying about the health of cats means observing and understanding when they need help, even when it is a silent disease, such as leishmaniasis. According to veterinarian Roberto dos Santos Teixeira, a reference in leishmaniasis in Rio de Janeiro, this condition is caused by a protozoan called a leishmania. leishmania infantum Leishmaniasis is popularly known for affecting dogs and humans, but many guardians have wondered if cats can also contract this disease. For further clarification, we talked to the general practitioner Roberto, who tells you everything you need to know about leishmaniasis in cats below!

Leishmaniasis: can cats be affected by the disease?

Contrary to popular belief, leishmaniasis is a disease that can affect both dogs and cats, although the incidence in felines is much lower. As it is a parasitic disease and is transmitted by mosquitoes, the veterinarian explains that it is possible to contract it in the same way as dogs. "The mosquito bites the infected animal and, from the moment it bites another animal, it transmits it to another animal.the disease for him," she explains.

How does feline leishmaniasis manifest itself?

According to Roberto, leishmaniasis in cats can be asymptomatic in certain cases, i.e. have no apparent symptoms, making it difficult to perceive the disease. But it can also present some signs. Among them, the most common are:

- Anemia

- Nasal bleeding

- Skin lesions

- Slimming

- Eye damage such as conjunctivitis

- Ulcers

It is worth noting that, regardless of the presence of symptoms, it is essential to consult a veterinarian regularly so that a general analysis of the animal's health can be carried out. Only then can you be sure that your four-legged friend is not at any risk.

The diagnosis of leishmaniasis

To confirm whether or not the cat has leishmaniasis, the veterinarian will probably order some more specific blood tests. According to Roberto, the specific serology serves to capture the antibodies of the pet, which is precisely what will indicate the presence or absence of the disease in your body. These tests are necessary because, as mentioned, theFeline leishmaniasis does not always present clear symptoms.

Treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis in cats

Vaccine, leishmaniasis and treatment are unfortunately words that do not go together, as there is no cure for this disease in cats. "There are palliative treatments, but they are not enough," clarifies the veterinarian. That is, they are measures that help to improve the cat's quality of life and that can inhibit the clinical symptoms of the disease, but that will not treat leishmaniasis itself. The catremains a carrier of the pathology and can serve as a source of contamination for other animals.

As for prevention, there is not much to do either. Ideally, felines should be able to avoid contact with the mosquito that transmits the disease. However, as Roberto explains, the repellents used to prevent leishmaniasis are not suitable for felines. This is because these products have a substance in their composition that is toxic to cats.