Helicobacter Infection in Cats

Helicobacter is a stomach-associated spiral shaped bacterium that has been linked to peptic ulcer disease and cancer in humans. The organism can be isolated from the stomach of some cats and dogs, but whether it induces any disease is controversial.

The organism is found in a large percentage of normal healthy cats, vomiting cats, research laboratory cats and animal shelter cats. The organism has been isolated from other species besides dogs and humans, such as cats, pigs, cheetahs, ferrets and non-human primates.

In a majority of cases, infection of cats with helicobacter is not accompanied by clinical signs. In a few cases, infection leads to mild gastritis (stomach inflammation).

What To Watch For