Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer known to have various adverse effects on humans and animals. Exposure of farm animals to BPA negatively impacts their health and poses a threat to humans who consume products of animal origin. Despite the importance of studying the exposure of farm animals to BPA, the knowledge in this area is quite limited. To date, the assessment of BPA levels in dairy cows using analysis of hair samples has not been performed. The study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze hair samples collected from 48 dairy cows in the following regions of Kyrgyzstan: Sokuluk, Alamedin and Ysyk Ata. BPA levels above the limit of detection (LOD = 4.8 pg/mg) were noted in 18.8% of analyzed samples. BPA levels in individual samples ranged from below LOD to 89.1 pg/mg with a median value of 9.3 ± 19.7 pg/mg. The study indicates that dairy cows are exposed to BPA, and hair samples can be used for BPA biomonitoring in farm animals. The present study is the first investigation of BPA levels in cows’ hair, which is one of the best matrices to study long-term exposure of living organisms to environmental pollutants. Additionally, this study is the first to analyze BPA in biological samples from Kyrgyzstan.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound commonly used as a plasticiser in the industry. It pollutes the environment, harms human and animal organisms, and exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Companion animals, living in proximity to humans, are highly exposed to BPA. However, knowledge of cat exposure to this compound is extremely scarce. In the present study, BPA levels were analysed for the first time in cat hair using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. BPA concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection to 955.4 pg/mg, with a mean (±standard deviation) of 67.98 ± 145.2 pg/mg and a median of 27.3 pg/mg. Higher levels of BPA have been found in the strictly indoor cats (mean 79.45 ± 162.2 pg/mg, median 35.3 pg/mg) than in cats with outdoor access (mean 25.93 ± 8.07 pg/mg, median 24.4 pg/mg). Some differences in BPA levels have also been noted depending on age and body condition scores. The results show that cats are exposed to BPA to a considerable extent, and the levels of this compound in hair may depend on many factors. It can be assumed that BPA may negatively affect cat health, but due to limited knowledge of BPA metabolism in cats and its harmful effects in this species, many aspects of these issues require further comprehensive studies.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an important environmental contaminant with documented adverse effects on both human and animal health. The present study provides the first assessment of BPA concentrations in the hair of stray cats inhabiting a highly urbanized and industrialized environment. Utilizing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) with a validated analytical method, BPA concentrations were quantified in stray female cats (n = 100) living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. BPA was detected in 100% of the analyzed samples. Concentrations ranged from 56.2 pg/mg to 1768 pg/mg, with a mean (±SD) of 281.6 ± 252.5 pg/mg and a median of 211.7 pg/mg. Furthermore, a weak age-related association in BPA accumulation in hair was identified. These findings indicate that stray cats are exposed to substantial levels of BPA, likely reflecting a high environmental burden of this substance in urban areas of Bishkek, and warrant further investigation of shared exposure pathways between stray cats and city residents. The limitations of the study include the absence of environmental measurements, approximate age assessment, and the inclusion of only female cats. Nevertheless, the results suggest that stray cats may serve as bioindicators and sentinel species for monitoring BPA contamination in the environment.

Introduction: Parabens, organic substances used as preservatives in various branches of industry, penetrate the environment and living organisms. There is only scant knowledge of cats’ exposure to parabens. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the levels of common industrial parabens in samples of cat hair. Material and Methods: Concentration levels of four parabens (methylparaben – MeP, ethylparaben – EtP, propylparaben – PrP and butylparaben – BuP) were analysed in cat hair samples (n = 70) using a liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The signalment, body condition score and possibility of outdoor access were recorded for each cat. Results: All four parabens were found in the cat hair. The concentrations of parabens in pg/mg were as follows: MeP – range 28.7–7,094.7, median 273.5 and mean 620.6 ± 1,193; EtP – range 10.8–6,458.2, median 43.1 and mean 188.2 ± 778.1; PrP – range 6.6–1,793, median 33.2 and mean 107.5 ± 246.9; and BuP – range 8.9–276.5, median 11.5 and mean 27.2 ± 49.5. Statistically significantly higher levels of PrP were noted in strictly indoor cats compared to cats with outdoor access. Statistically significant differences in paraben levels between animals of different sexes, ages and body conditions were not observed. Conclusion: The obtained results have shown that cats are exposed to parabens to a considerable extent, which suggests that the exposure to these compounds may negatively affect cats’ health.