Owned cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised may carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats, even when they receive veterinary care, regular meals and shelter.
Study results* show that how people manage their pets plays a major role in shaping disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Researchers highlight that strategies designed to reduce the ecological impacts of free-roaming cats can simultaneously deliver substantial benefits for public health and biodiversity.
Source: Vet Practice, May 6, 2026. Link. The pathogens noted in the study include well-known agents such as Toxoplasma gondii, roundworms, Bartonella sp. and Leptospira sp..
Researchers were surprised that owned outdoor cats were comparable to feral cats for overall infection risk.”
*Study: Outdoor roaming of owned cats elevates risk of zoonotic pathogen exposure: A global synthesis, PLOS Pathogens, April 20, 2026. Link.
INSIGHTS: As veterinary teams work to increase their reach with owned cats, these findings make lifestyle questions and client education even more important when screening new and repeat patients.
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