An Epidemiological Investigation of Euthanasia and Dermatophytosis in Felines in Ontario Animal Shelters

This study evaluated factors associated with euthanasia of cats at a shelter. Over 50% of cats admitted were euthanized in 2011. Being male, black or surrendered increased the likelihood of euthanasia, as did spending more than 5 days in the shelter (compared to those who spent less than 5 days). Neutered animals had a greater likelihood of euthanasia with increasing age, plateauing in older cats. Risk factors are important to understand, to develop interventions to lower the euthanasia rate. Dermatophytosis is an important fungal and zoonotic skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis in cats. This study examined dermatophytosis prevalence in three Ontario animal shelters from February to May 2013. Four hundred cats were sampled and no dermatophytes were identified, suggesting that dermatophytosis is rare in cats in Ontario shelters and identification of infected animals is unusual, validating rapid control strategies.