Salmonella Poisoning in Cats

The severity of a Salmonella infection depends on the amount of bacteria in the system and the risk level of the cat.

Healthy cats typically carry Salmonella bacteria without showing symptoms because their immune system keeps the bacteria at a manageable level. In some cases, the bacteria reproduce too quickly for the body to keep up, causing symptomatic salmonellosis to develop.

In very severe cases, the bacteria travel from the gastrointestinal system into the rest of the body, infecting other systems. This is known as systemic salmonellosis.

Cats with the symptoms of salmonellosis such as fever, blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, or sores on the skin, require immediate veterinary attention.

In some cases, seemingly resolved episodes of salmonellosis reactivate due to stress or immunosuppression.

Infection with salmonella bacteria is very common in cats. Cats who are young, old, pregnant, or have underlying health issues such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) are more at risk of developing salmonellosis.

Other factors that increase the risk of salmonellosis developing include:

• Living in close proximity with many other cats such as in breeding operations, boarding houses, shelters, or feral cat colonies
• Recent hospitalization
• Experiencing stress such as moving house or major illness
• Use of antibiotics
• Eating a raw meat diet
• Roaming outdoors
• Hunting birds or rodents

Salmonellosis is caused by an overabundance of Salmonella bacteria in the intestines. Most cats are asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria.

The most common routes for exposure to Salmonella in cats are ingestion of contaminated raw meat and contact with surfaces that are contaminated with the feces from other infected animals.

Commercially processed cat foods are safe, but cats that are fed a raw diet or home-made food can contract salmonellosis from undercooked meat or other ingredients. Some prey that cats hunt, such as birds and rodents, are Salmonella carriers.

Cats who roam outdoors are at risk of coming into contact with surfaces that are contaminated with the feces of other animals that carry Salmonella. If the cat ingests or inhales the contaminated material, they become infected too.

Diagnostic tools include:

• Physical examination
• Fecal cultures
• Fecal examination
• Specific testing for Salmonella DNA
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• Bloodwork

Confirmed diagnosis of Salmonella requires identification of the bacteria.

Mild and moderate salmonellosis usually resolves on its own without treatment. The illness takes a few days to a few weeks to resolve. In cases where dehydration develops, the administration of fluids either orally or intravenously is required.

Severe cases of salmonellosis require antibiotics.

Cats with salmonellosis must be isolated from other pets in the house until the illness has run its course. Due to intermittent shedding of bacteria in the stool of recovered animals, it is recommended that isolation be continued for several weeks after symptoms resolve.

The prognosis in mild to moderate cases is excellent. The prognosis is more guarded for cats with severe or systemic salmonellosis.

Salmonellosis is a contagious disease that spreads through fecal contamination. Most animal species are at risk, including humans. There are no proven preventive measures for salmonellosis. Strategies to reduce the risk include:

• Regular veterinary check-ups to diagnose and treat possible underlying conditions early
• Keeping cats indoors to reduce exposure to contaminated meat and surfaces
• Feeding commercially produced cat food
• Avoiding feeding raw food diets

Salmonella infection is transmissible between cats and humans. Humans who are in close contact with ill cats should take precautions not to become infected. Strategies include:

• Routine, thorough hand washing after handling the cat or surfaces that have been in contact with the cat’s feces
• Disinfection of litter tray and any other surfaces that have been in contact with the infected cat’s feces

Infection with Salmonella bacteria is common among cats. Developing salmonellosis is uncommon.

• Benign neglect
• IV or oral fluids
• Antibiotics in severe cases