Cat Facts

August 20, 2026

T Is For …

compiled by Nancy Kerr

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, yellow or brown deposit on a cat’s teeth that forms when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and food particles) hardens on the teeth. The hardening process occurs when minerals from saliva deposit into the plaque. Tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque, and if left untreated can lead to serious dental problems. Regular dental hygiene for cats is essential to help prevent tartar buildup.

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can attach to cats, potentially spreading diseases, and should be removed promptly and carefully. They are arachnids, related to spiders and scorpions, with eight legs as adults and six legs in the larval stage. They do not jump or fly; instead, they crawl onto cats when the animal brushes past grass, leaves, or woodland areas where ticks are waiting. Cats that spend time outdoors, especially in long grass or woodlands, are at higher risk. While ticks are most active from spring through early fall (typically April through September), they can be active any time temperatures are above 45°F/7°C, though some species can be active at slightly lower temperatures.

Trench mouth, also known as necrotizing gingivitis, is a bacterial infection that affects a cat’s gums. Symptoms include swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, and mouth discomfort. Regular dental care and veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent the recurrence of trench mouth and other oral health issues in cats. While trench mouth itself is not directly linked to cancer, it is critical to have any new lumps evaluated by a veterinarian to determine their cause and seriousness.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It can be contracted through undercooked meat or contaminated food or contact with cat feces (handling cat litter). Transmission during human pregnancy can affect the baby. Most people infected with Toxoplasma do not exhibit symptoms; however, some may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and tender lymph nodes. Pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk and should take precautions to avoid infection. Treatment is generally not required for healthy individuals, but those at risk may need medical intervention.

Tetanus in cats is rare. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly found in soil, feces, and other contaminated environments. The bacteria produce toxins when they enter deep puncture wounds or areas of dead tissue, where oxygen levels are low, allowing the spores to germinate and release neurotoxins such as tetanospasmin and tetanolysin. These toxins travel along nerves to the spinal cord and brain, interfering with normal nerve signaling and causing muscle rigidity and spasms.

Tuberculosis is a rare but potentially serious condition caused by bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium. Symptoms may include weight loss, lymphadenopathy (swollen or enlarged lymph nodes), and pneumonia, and it is often difficult to diagnose. Exposure can be through contact with infected humans, livestock, or wildlife. Diagnosis typically involves various tests, including ELISA testing (a laboratory technique which detects and measures specific antibodies, antigens, proteins, or hormones in bodily fluid samples), and treatment can be challenging. While tuberculosis is uncommon in cats in North America, it remains a concern for both feline and human health.