Leptospirosis in Cats
Although rare, cats can contract leptospirosis, a bacterial infection usually found in still, contaminated water. Leptospirosis is most commonly transmitted when cats drink water infected with diseased urine or eat an infected animal. Cats don't always show symptoms, but they are either non-specific or related to kidney damage when they do. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, and increased thirst. Your vet will diagnose leptospirosis by performing a physical examination and tests. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning humans can contract the disease, so it's essential to be very careful around an infected cat.
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that can damage the nervous system, reproductive system, eyes, liver, and kidney through the causative bacteria Leptospira. Leptospirosis is commonly transmitted when eats an infected rat or drinks infected urine, most commonly found in still, surface water in humid environments. Cats
can generally produce enough antibodies to fight the disease, but some cases of leptospirosis can be fatal if untreated.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Cats
Cats don't always present symptoms of leptospirosis, but when they do, the symptoms are wide-ranging and highly dependent on the strength of your cat's immune system. Cats are less likely to show signs of leptospirosis than other animals infected with the disease.
If your cat has a weak or compromised immune system, it will likely show symptoms of leptospirosis. Symptoms are usually relative to the damage leptospirosis has caused to your cat's organs. For example, symptoms of kidney dysfunction like increased thirst will be present in a cat with a kidney impacted by leptospirosis. Non-specific symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss may also occur. If you suspect your cat is sick, especially with symptoms related to kidney failure, visit your vet.
