Cat Facts
June 23, 2026
R Is For …
compiled by Nancy Kerr
Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animals via bites or scratches. In the United States, cats are the most commonly reported domestic animals diagnosed with rabies, often contracting it from wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Vaccination and early intervention are critical since it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Ringworm (also known as dermatophytosis) is not caused by actual worms. It is a common fungal infection affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It often causes hair loss, scaly lesions, and sometimes asymptomatic carriage. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected humans, contaminated objects, or soil. Fungal spores can survive on surfaces like bedding, carpets, and grooming tools for up to 18 months, making environmental contamination a significant factor. Immunosuppressed cats are more susceptible, even without open wounds.
Roundworms (also known as nematodes or ascarids) are common tubular intestinal parasites that can cause health issues, especially in kittens. They are transmitted through eggs in the environment or from mother to kitten. They live freely in a cat’s intestines, feeding on partially digested food. The most common species affecting cats are Toxocara cati and Tox scaris leonine, which grow to 3-6 inches long and resemble spaghetti noodles in the stool. While adult cats may show few symptoms, kittens are particularly vulnerable – heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth, poor coat condition, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even intestinal blockages.
Rodent Ulcers (also known as indolent ulcers or eosinophilic ulcers) are well-defined, red sores on a cat’s lips caused by an overactive immune response, often linked to allergies. For more information: https://cfa.org/cat-talk/rodent-ulcer/
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which affects cats when infected ticks bite them. Varieties include the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick, which are primarily found in North America, including areas with high tick populations such as the Rocky Mountains. Cats are not highly susceptible compared to dogs, and indoor cats are very unlikely to be exposed. Transmission between cats or from cats to humans does not occur, as infection requires a tick bite from an infected tick.
Regurgitation is the act of involuntarily expelling swallowed food from the esophagus out of the mouth. It can be identified by the tubular shape of the ejected matter as well as the passivity of the process. Vomiting is the more common term, and both mean the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. However, unlike vomiting (when partially digested food comes out), regurgitating cats expel undigested food and substances. When a cat regurgitates undigested food, it can be a sign of underlying health problems, such as anatomical abnormalities, gastrointestinal issues, and difficultly swallowing.