Is leptospirosis something a cat can get?

Question

I watched the news video about it and saw only dogs getting it, Is is something a cat can get also? my cats dont go outside unless on a leash and supervised (we live next to a major road and I dont need them getting ran over or eaten by the animals that live in the woods behind my house) but it seems like a dog can pick it up pretty easily is this something I should be concerened about?

they only go outside like once in a blue moon so i dont believe they would be considered outdoor cats.

Answer 1

Yes, but the risk is very low.

Dogs can acquire leptospirosis by coming in direct contact with soil or water contaminated with animal urine. The most likely reservoirs of transmission are wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, and less likely, rats. It is extremely rare for cats to contract the disease.

You have a better chance of contracting it yourself.

Leptospirosis can be very difficult to diagnose with certainty so veterinarians must have an index of suspicion for the disease in all cases of acute kidney failure. This is especially important because of the risk of spread to humans.

Leptospirosis [lep-to-spy-RO-sis] is a potentially serious bacterial illness that is most common in the tropics. Leptospirosis can affect many parts of the body.

Infected wild and domestic animals pass leptospirosis-causing bacteria in their urine.

People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics.

To prevent leptospirosis, minimize contact with fresh water and mud that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Answer 2

Yup, they can get it, but only on very rare occasions. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira spp.

It is thought that perhaps the rodent populations could act as a maintenance host for the disease, that is, kinda like a reservoir for the bacteria. So cats MAY get infected if they ingest a rat that carries the bacteria. But i don't think you should too worried about it. It is however, a good idea to ensure that your cat's vaccination status is up to date since it's an outdoor cat.

If you have further concerns, do talk to your local vet about this. Also, try this link http://www.merckvetmanual.com and search for "Leptospirosis".

Answer 3

you can find information if you do a yahoo search on LEPTOSPIROSIS IN CATS....

i saw several articles.....

says it's rare in cats, but perhaps you might want to read some of the articles?

by the way, it's refreshing to know someone else who doesn't let their cats roam around alone outside.. it's not a good place for them to be, even if they want to !

Answer 4

WHo cares about your cat,
What you need to care about are the rats XD