Can cats be infected with tuberculosis? - briefly
Yes, cats can be infected with tuberculosis, typically through exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments.
Can cats be infected with tuberculosis? - in detail
Yes, cats can be infected with tuberculosis, although it is relatively rare. Tuberculosis in cats is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which includes Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria can infect cats through various routes, including ingestion of contaminated food, inhalation of aerosolized bacteria, or direct contact with infected animals or humans. Cats are more commonly infected with Mycobacterium bovis, which is often associated with consuming raw milk or meat from infected cattle or wildlife. Symptoms of tuberculosis in cats can vary but typically include weight loss, lethargy, respiratory distress, coughing, and the presence of non-healing skin lesions or abscesses. Diagnosis is challenging and often requires a combination of clinical signs, imaging, bacterial culture, and molecular testing. Treatment is complex and involves long-term antibiotic therapy, but the prognosis can be poor due to the chronic and resistant nature of the disease. Preventing tuberculosis in cats involves minimizing exposure to infected animals or contaminated materials, ensuring proper hygiene, and avoiding feeding raw or unpasteurized animal products. Additionally, cats with suspected tuberculosis should be isolated to prevent potential transmission to humans or other animals, as zoonotic transmission is possible, particularly with Mycobacterium bovis.