Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

The exposure to cat saliva poses a risk to what aspect of a small animal's health?

1. Exposure to sunlight.

2. Risk of dehydration.

3. Potential for lethal infection.

4. Possibility of gastrointestinal issues.

The correct answer is: Potential for lethal infection.

Exposure to cat saliva poses a significant risk to a small animal's health primarily due to the potential for lethal infection. Cat saliva contains bacteria, particularly from the feline species, that can lead to severe health issues in other animals when transmitted through bites or wounds. One of the most notable infections associated with cat bites is cat scratch fever, caused by Bartonella henselae, which can be life-threatening, especially in young, old, or immunocompromised animals. In contrast, there is no direct link between cat saliva and exposure to sunlight, dehydration, or gastrointestinal issues that would be as severe as the risk posed by infection. While dehydration and gastrointestinal issues might occur due to other circumstances or illnesses, the specific and immediate danger from cat saliva arises largely from its potential to cause serious infections, making it the most critical aspect of concern in this context.