Prevalence of intestinal parasites in owned and shelter cats in Slovakia and felines from Slovak Zoos: A three-year survey with special focus on Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

Cats are among the most popular pets and can be infested with various intestinal parasites, including those with zoonotic character. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in owned cats, shelter cats, and felines housed in three Zoos in Slovakia, with special focus on Toxoplasma gondii. Between January 2022 and December 2024, a total of 2261 cats from different areas of the Bratislava region and 80 animals of various feline species from three Zoos situated in Bratislava, Trnava and Banská Bystrica regions were examined using coprological methods. The presence of T. gondii was further confirmed by PCR-based techniques. Intestinal parasites were recorded in 30.6% of the animals, with shelter cats showing a significantly higher prevalence (40.3%) compared to owned cats (29.5%). The most frequently identified parasite was Toxocara cati (13.6%), followed by Giardia spp. (11.9%), Cystoisospora felis (7.2%), and C. rivolta (4.2%). Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were confirmed in 0.4% of the animals. Among 80 Zoo felines representing 11 different species, only T. cati and Toxascaris leonina were detected, with 21 animals (26.3%) testing positive. A statistically significant difference was found between the two species, with 8.8% of animals being positive for T. cati and 23.8% positive for T. leonina. The results confirmed the presence of intestinal parasites in owned and stray cats, as well as the Zoo felines in Slovakia. It underlines the importance of regular parasite control and appropriate treatment to protect both animal and public health.