Cat Facts

May 12, 2026

Q is for …

compiled by Nancy Kerr

Ragdoll queen with her kittens.

Q fever, primarily caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, is an infectious disease which is commonly found in livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats; however, cats and other domestic animals can harbor this bacterium and potentially transmit it to humans.

Qualitative research in the context of cats involves exploring the subjective experiences and behaviors of these animals. It is often used to understand the emotional and behavioral response of cats to various stimuli. This approach can provide insight into the temperament and personality of cats, which is crucial for their well-being and interaction with humans.

Quantitative research in the context of cats focuses on measurable data and statistics. It is used to test hypotheses, identify patterns, and make predictions about cat behavior. This method can be particularly useful for assessing the temperament of cats in shelters or for research purposes. It offers a structured way to analyze and generalize cat behavior data.

Queen is a female cat who goes into heat and becomes pregnant or is nursing kittens.

Queening is a term used for when a female cat gives birth.

Quarantine is used for cats who may have been exposed to disease but are not showing symptoms, versus isolation, which is for cats showing active signs of illness. During quarantine, cats must be kept strictly indoors and isolated from other pets and people. This will help stop potential disease transmission while allowing for careful observation of any emerging symptoms. Cat quarantine requirements vary depending on the situation, location, and reason for isolation. For rabies exposure cases, quarantine typically lasts 45 days for vaccinated cats, while unvaccinated cats may face longer periods of up to six months. International travel quarantine requirements differ significantly by country, with some countries requiring extensive preparation and documentation.

Nancy Kerr

Nancy Kerr has been involved with CFA since 1999, working with Norwegian Forest Cats since 2005, and contributing writer and copy editor for Cat Talk since 2019. For her Cat Talk articles, she has won multiple Certificates of Excellence awards and a Muse award in the annual Cat Writers’ Association contest. When she is not writing or hanging out with her Wegies, she works as a university network administrator.