What Can I Catch from My Cat?



  

When your cat is sick, you may wonder if you or your family members can catch what he or she has. Most of the diseases and conditions that cats get are not contagious to humans. For example, a kitty “cold” is NOT transmittable to humans. However, there are certain illnesses that may be transmitted from cats to humans (called a “zoonotic” disease). Depending on the disease, they may be transmitted via direct contact with the cat (such as a bite or scratch), through contact with the cats' feces or through contact with inanimate objects that the cat has touched. If your cat is diagnosed with one of these conditions your veterinarian will discuss the risks with you.
 

 

These are some of the more common diseases which may be transmitted to humans:
 

    - Ringworm – this is actually a fungal infection of the skin, not a “worm” as the name implies.

 

    - Scabies - a parasitic infection, a type of small mite that lives on the skin.

 

    - Roundworms and Hookworms - are intestinal parasites. Children’s sandboxes are common locations for these parasites to be found due to cat feces.

 

    - "Cat Scratch Fever" - a bacterial infection. The bacteria, called Bartonella, is transmitted via flea feces (“flea dirt”) that may be found in the nail beds of cats and can be transmitted to humans via scratch.

 

    - Toxoplasma - a bacterial infection that can be transmitted via cat feces. This infection may also be transmitted through under-cooked meat or poorly washed vegetables. Pregnant women may be at the greatest risk for this disease and should discuss the transmission with their veterinarian and physician.

 

    - Rabies – a deadly virus transmitted via bites. Fortunately there is an effective vaccine for cats that can prevent Rabies.

     

     

     

    To help avoid the risks associated with zoonotic diseases, consider the following recommendations:

     

        - Have your cat examined once or twice a year, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations.

        - Have your cat’s stool checked for intestinal parasites on at least a yearly basis. Scoop the litter box at least daily, if not twice a day. Wash your hands well after contacting any fecal matter.

        - Keep your cat up to date on vaccinations, as determined by your veterinarian.  

        - Use a monthly flea / heartworm / intestinal parasite preventative, such as Revolution or Advantage Multi Monthly.

       

       

      *Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list. Talk to your veterinarian or human physician if you have any questions about diseases that may be shared between animals and humans.
       
      For more information see www.cdc.gov/healthypets.