The health, haematology and blood biochemistry of free-ranging farm cats in relation to social status

A profile of the general health, haematology and blood biochemistry of a colony of free-living feral farm cats is presented. Samples and biochemical data were collected between late November and early December 1989 from 50-80 feral cats living on a farm in Oxfordshire, UK. A higher proportion of adult males than females was found to be clinically abnormal. Social status (those located centrally, close to food sources, or peripherally) had a significant effect on female mouth condition, but not on male mouth condition. Eosinophilia (34.6% of individuals), high fibrinogen levels (19.2