Wild Cat Diseases

In October 2009 the Humane Society of the United States estimated there were more than 50 million feral cats living in colonies within the United States. A feral cat is one that is living in a wild, untamed, or undomesticated status. This differs from a stray cat that most likely has human companions but has temporarily wandered from that home. Feral or wild cats pose significant enough public health concerns that many large municipalities have begun population control programs, in which the animals are temporarily captured, spayed, or neutered via volunteer veterinary programs and returned to their wild colony.

  1. Rabies

    • This acute viral infection affects the central nervous system and is fatal if left untreated. Although most house cats are vaccinated against it, wild or feral cats not receiving medical treatment simply are not. This is changing as wildlife managers in states such as Ohio, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Texas are injecting oral vaccines into food stores left for consumption by feral cat colonies, according to the "Save A Cat" website.

    Fleas

    • Wild cats don't get flea dips or have a human companion putting a flea collar around their necks. If you are attempting to "tame" wild or feral cats, do not bring them into your cattery without first addressing the flea issue. Fleas spread quickly and will distract you from making a successful domestication. Fleas can also carry a number of diseases that affect both cats and humans.

    Feline Leukemia Virus

    • According to information presented by the University of Arizona, feline leukemia is "responsible for more deaths in cats than any other single cause." Discovered in the 1960s, this virus is passed from cat to cat via bodily fluids such as saliva, nasal discharge, urine, and feces. Bites and scratches, common among wild cats engaged in territorial fighting, are also vectors by which the disease spreads.

    Feline Panleucopenia

    • As with feline leukemia, the only way to avoid this viral and highly contagious pathogen is via vaccination. Still, as with feline leukemia, a vaccination is not a sure-fire guarantee of safety. This virus is highly resistant to disinfectants and heat. It causes adult cats to lose their appetite, vomit, and become lethargic. Pregnant females can pass it to their unborn kittens, causing brain damage. Cats that do survive this disease are left with compromised immune systems.

    Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

    • This retrovirus is closely related to the human immunodeficiency virus. At this time, it is believed this virus only affects wild cats, according to information presented by the University of Arizona. This virus is transferred when saliva from an infected cat is injected via a bite into a non-infected feline. It is common among male wild cats because of their increased tendency toward territorial fighting.