You've probably heard of leptospirosis, right? This disease is one of the main reasons for concern among the population, since it can affect both domestic and wild animals as well as humans themselves. However, it is much more common to hear about leptospirosis in dogs than in cats. Why is this, after all? What is the incidence of leptospirosis in cats? How is it like?Can you identify the disease in kittens? See everything we've discovered about leptospirosis in cats!

Leptospirosis in animals: what you need to know about the disease

According to veterinarian Felipe Ramires, from São Paulo, leptospirosis is an important zoonosis widespread worldwide, caused by a bacterium called Leptospira. It mainly affects cattle, horses and pigs, but can also affect dogs and cats (the latter group to a lesser extent). "There are already studies that show that cats can acquire leptospirosis if there is theIn addition, contact with water contaminated by the urine of other infected animals can also trigger leptospirosis. But, in any case, it is important to emphasize that, although cats can develop and transmit the disease, they are not able to acquire it naturally - it is always transmitted by other animals, mainly byAs Felipe points out, it is important to pay extra attention to pets, since like dogs, cats can also transmit leptospirosis to humans.

Leptospirosis in cats: most common clinical symptoms

It is not very difficult to identify leptospirosis in cats. Symptoms that are quite common in these cases are vomiting and dehydration. Lack of appetite, fever and changes in the color of the mucous membranes can also happen initially. "The mucous membranes and skin become yellowish, which we call lipterice," explains the veterinarian. If there is any suspicion of the disease (especially if the animal has hadcontact with rodents, floods or sewage recently) and based on the clinical signs, the guardian should seek professional help immediately. Animals affected by leptospirosis need urgent hospitalization, as this is a disease that can lead to death and also poses risks to humans.

Leptospirosis: cat can die if not treated

First of all, the guardian needs to keep in mind that leptospirosis is a disease that has a rapid evolution and that can be fatal if not treated promptly. "Animals that are diagnosed with the condition, that have clinical signs characteristic of leptospirosis or that have had contact with other animals (such as rodents, for example) or with floods can die of kidney failure", he warnsTherefore, if you have a cat that fits any of the situations mentioned, you should urgently take it to the veterinarian to start the most appropriate treatment. In addition, if you have other pets at home, it is essential to isolate them from the infected cat to avoid contagion.

Learn how to prevent leptospirosis in cats

According to veterinarian Felipe, the prevention of leptospirosis in cats is mainly due to the hygiene of the places where these animals stay. It is also important to avoid the accumulation of rubble, garbage and any other place where there may be rodents, since felines are infected mainly from the ingestion of these small animals. "Always keep the pussies in clean places, prevent them from being infected," he said.feeding on rodents or having contact with flood water and sewage are the main forms of prevention".