From November 2011 to May 2014, a total of 271 cats from the
Algarve were studied. Domestic cats were randomly included after the
owner's informed consent. In the case of stray cats, which were
captured to be neutered and then released, a written consent for enrolment
was obtained from the legal detainer, i.e. the person in charge of
the rescue association. Whenever available, data on gender, breed,
age, fur length, living conditions, deworming and use of insecticides
were registered for each cat (Table 1). Blood samples (1–2 ml) were
collected by cephalic or jugular venipuncture.