Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transferred from animals to people: Zoonotic disease can occur when a person comes in direct contact with secretions or excretions, such as saliva or feces, from an infected cat. Some can be transmitted by vectors... such as fleas or ticks to a person from a cat. People who are ill or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk. Some of these diseases are:
Cat Scratch Fever: It is the most common zoonotic disease, occuring when a person is bitten or scratched by a infected cat. People typically have swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, poor appetite etc. Adults generally recover, but it may take several months. Some healthy cats can carry the bacteria (bartonella) without symptoms. Most cases of cat scratch fever come from contact with kittens. Precautions include avoiding scratches and bits and controlling fleas.
Salmonellosis: This is another common disease caused by a bacteria-salmonella. It causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. It often resolves on its own. It is more commonly found in cats that feed on raw meat or wild birds and animals.
Parasitic infections: Fleas cannot thrive on people, but they can bite them. They can also carry tapeworms and there have been cases of children becoming infected with tapeworms while inadvertantly swolling a flea. Roundworms and hookworms are common parasites of cats and can also cause disease in humans. Proper hygiene such as washing hands before eating...and routine health exams of your cat helps to prevent such problems.
Toxoplasmosis: Babies whose mom's were infected during pregnancy can develop a serious illness. Cats can become infected from birds or rodents or another cat. It is shed in a cat's stool and can remain in the environment for a long time. Basic hygiene helps to prevent toxoplasmosis. Wearing gloves to clean litter boxes, washing raw vegetables well (infected from cat feces in the environment), washing hands etc. Avoid undercooked meat-a common source of toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter boxes.
Ringworm: Contrary to its name, ring worm is not a parasite, or "worm": it is actually a fungus common in cats. It is spread by direct contact with an infected cat...and can cause a round, red or itchy spot on the skin of humans. Infected cats have spores which infect the environment, and can cause infection for many months. Children are particularly at risk.
Giardiasis: This parasite causes diarrhea in both cats and people. They usually become infected from contaminated water. Annual fecal exams of cats help to prevent the infection. Wearing gloves when cleaning litter boxes is also important
Rabies: This is a viral disease that is highly fatal. In people, rabies is caused when an infected cat bites a person. Even if your cat is kept indoors, it is important to have your cat receive rabies vaccinations, as they occassionally escape outdoors, and bats and racoons can enter houses. |
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