Scottsdale Pet Owner Asks, “Can I Catch a Disease From My Cat?”
ByScottsdale Pet Owner Concerned About Cat Diseases
Parasites may be the most common way for infected cats to transmit disease to humans.
One of my clients in Scottsdale, Arizona who is a cat-lover, asked me if there are any diseases that could be transferred from cats to humans? In my experience, I had never seen this happen, but I thought I should do a little research on the topic and share it. Turns out that it is possible for diseases to be carried from cats to humans (also known as zoonotic diseases), although it is rare. People with lower immune systems, such as: the elderly, infants, women who are pregnant, individuals going through chemotherapy or with AIDS are the most susceptible. The only way to contract a disease from an infected cat is to come in direct contact with bodily fluids, excrement, or fleas / ticks/ parasites.
Here are some tips for keeping you and your cat safe:
- Maintain good hygiene in your home such as washing hands regularly
- Take your cat to the vet for a yearly check-up, vaccinations, and/or whenever he is sick
- Continue to use safe flea and tick control
- Avoid letting your cat lick your face or any dishware / utensils that you use
- Regularly dispose of waste from the litter box
- Clean litter boxes with hot water and detergent weekly
- Cover your children’s sand boxes whenever they are not in use
- Keep your cat indoors only
- See a doctor if a cat bite appears to be infected
Maintaining proper hygiene in the home is the best way to prevent the transfer of diseases from cats to humans, and to ensure a happier, healthier home for your cat.
