MAILBOX: Stray cats are a health hazard

Submitted by pekwan on Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Thursday, November 5th, 2009 02:21:00

I SHARE Lau Bing’s concern on stray cats and the health hazards of the faeces, as published in Malay Mail on Nov 2.

People normally don’t bother about stray cats since they are considered relatively harmless, unlike dogs which can be intimidating. However, not many realise that, compared to the dogs, stray cats tend to move freely in close proximity to human activities and in the process, contaminate a large portion of the environment with their hazardous droppings.

Cat faeces are known to harbour several disease-causing organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungus) that can be easily transmitted to humans directly or indirectly via food and water contamination.

One particular parasitic protozoa is Toxoplasma gondii. Humans, especially the immuno-compromised and pregnant mothers, are at a high risk of getting infected. Although the disease (toxoplasmosis) is usually self-limiting, it has been known to cause serious medical complications, especially in pregnant women.

In view of the obvious health hazards of stray cats, I urge the relevant authorities to take the necessary humane measures to reduce the stray cat (including stray dog) population in the country.

Those who keep cats as pets should be more responsible and ought to ensure their cats are regularly examined by a vet.

S. Param
Ipoh

Comments

The average domestic cat can have 4.25 kittens, and 2.1 litters per year according to Dr. Niels Pedersen in Feline Husbandry; 1/3 will be dead by the age of one year, with most of the deaths occuring at birth, or shortly thereafter. Further studies have been shown for 1000 unowned or stray cats, in a 3 year life span, 333 will die annually, 350 will be female, whereby 97% of mature (approx. 6 months or older) females are capable of reproduction. This means, 340 litters will be born 2 times per year ( ie. 350 x 97% = 969 kittens per cycle x 2 cycles per year. THis mean, there could be 1938 new kittens per year, per 1000 unowned cats. Imagine if you have 10 stray cats in ONE backlane, approx 9 kittens will be added in a year. WE NEED A Trap / Test / Vaccinate / Alter / Release Programs .

Submitted by Stray cats are a nuisance on Thursday, November 5th, 2009.

Submitted by Stray cats are a nuisance on Thursday, November 5th, 2009.

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