felidassociated

Felidassociated is an adjective used in biology and veterinary science to describe features, organisms, or processes that are linked to felids, the members of the cat family (Felidae). The term encompasses domestic cats (Felis catus) as well as wild felids such as lions, tigers, and leopards. It signals an ecological, epidemiological, or evolutionary connection to cats, whether as hosts, reservoirs, vectors, or habitats.

In practice, felidassociated may refer to pathogens, parasites, microbiota, or diseases that involve felids. Examples include Toxoplasma gondii, which uses felids as definitive hosts and can be transmitted to other species including humans; feline parasites such as Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme; and cat-associated bacteria like Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat-scratch disease. It also covers feline-specific viruses such as Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as various felid-specific viromes. Beyond pathogens, the term is used for studies of the felid-associated microbiome, behavior, and ecology, including interactions with domestic cats and wild felid populations.

Usage and scope: felidassociated is not a formal taxonomic category but a descriptive label in research literature. It is applied to health, disease ecology, conservation, and zoonotic risk to indicate notable links to felids and their communities, spanning both domestic and wild species.