STRONTIUM AND BARIUM IN THE COAT OF FREE LIVING AND DOMESTIC CATS

Geochemical circulation of strontium is similar to that of calcium. Lack of strontium in feed causes a limited growth and disturbances in the process of calcification of bones and teeth. Barium shows geochemical affinity to potassium, and its toxicity depends on the water solubility of its salts. The aim of the investigation was the assessment of the effect of living conditions as well as age, sex, and coat color on the content of strontium and barium in the coat of cats. The investigation material (n=20) comprised of one half of feral city cats (5 males and 5 females) as well as domestic cats (5 males and 5 females), aged 1-3 years. Coat samples after degreasing in the microwave apparatus were mineralized, and Sr and Ba contents were determined by ICP-OES analysis in the accredited laboratory. Strontium: The mean content of strontium in the coat of cats amounted to 1.95 mg/kg air-dried hair (+/- 1.21). In the group of free living cats, it was 2.3 mg/kg (+/- 1.4) and in that of domestic cats, it was 1.6 mg/kg (+/- 0.9). A statistical test did not reveal any significant differences. Barium: The mean content of barium in the coat of cats amounted to 1.45 mg/kg air-dried hair (+/- 1.24), being 1.6 mg/kg (+/- 1.15) in free-living group and 1.3 mg/kg (+/- 1.38) in domestic cats. Statistical test did not show any significant differences with the assumption that agreed with the hypothesis that the content of barium in wild animals is higher. Mean values of strontium and barium in the coat of cats do not differ from the content of these elements in the coats of other mammals. No statistically significant increase of strontium and barium levels was observed in the organisms of free-living cats. Also, no significant differences were noted depending on sex, age and coat color.