Composition, Antibiotic Resistance, and Functionality of the Gut Microbiome in Urban Cats

This study examined the gut microbiota of urban cats: household (D), free-roaming (FR), and free-range domestic (FRD) groups. Taxonomic analysis revealed that the FRD group had the highest microbial diversity and the widest distribution of microbial classes, while the D group showed lower diversity with more concentrated classes. FRD cats possessed the highest number of exclusive classes and species. Across all groups, 890 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified, with FRD exhibiting the most diverse ARG profile. Functional profiling indicated unique metabolic pathways in FRD cats. The FRD group also displayed the highest abundance of virulence factors (VFs) encoding genes. Candidate probiotics were identified, particularly in FRD. These findings demonstrate the complex interplay between cats’ urbanization, lifestyle, and gut microbiota composition. The results highlight significant public health concerns regarding the dissemination of diverse ARGs and VFs, especially in FRD cats, indicating potential risks to animal and human health. This necessitates targeted surveillance and management strategies. Understanding urban feline microbial diversity and its functional implications is crucial for informing public health interventions and enhancing feline health.