Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXVII, Issue 1
Written by Gheorghe V. GORAN, Emanuela BADEA, Cristina ȚOCA, Victor CRIVINEANU
Heavy metals are more ubiquitous as their uses have grown over the years. This research aimed to assess the total concentrations of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) using cats’ fur as an indicator, while also taking into consideration the age, living and feeding conditions of the cats. The fur samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Generally, fur samples from cats that lived outdoors and that ate commercial food had higher total concentrations of heavy metals. The only exception is the total concentration of Cd, which was higher in the case of samples taken from cats living indoors compared to those living outdoors. In addition, samples taken from cats above the age of 5 had statistically significant higher Hg total concentrations compared to samples taken from cats between 3- 5 years old. The findings of this research support the assumption that cats which are raised outdoors, in a polluted environment, accumulate higher total concentrations of some heavy metals. In addition, total concentrations of heavy metals also rise as the cats get older.
[Read full article] [Citation]
