Cat-Borne Diseases

Cats are the most commonly owned pets throughout the world. They keep rodent pest populations low, and therefore reduce the incidence of rodent-borne diseases.

Cats can carry their own diseases, however. Whereas most of them are specific only to cats, there are a few that can spread to humans as well.

  1. Ringworm

    • Ringworm is actually a fungus, not a worm like the name suggests. It shows up on the cat as a circular area of irritation that can be scaly, red and irritated. People can get ringworm from cats, as can other animals in the household.

      If you suspect ringworm, the cat should be isolated until a veterinarian can be consulted. Be sure to wash your hands after touching any cat you suspect has ringworm.

    Toxoplasmosis

    • Many myths surround this cat-borne illness, the main one being that pregnant women should not clean litter boxes. In fact, a person is more likely to get toxoplasmosis from gardening or eating undercooked meat than she is likely to get it from her cat.

      While toxoplasmosis causes only flu-like symptoms in healthy adults or children, it can pose serious risk to fetuses—causing birth defects or miscarriages—and to immunocompromised people. Since it is spread through spores in the feces that develop after three days or more, cleaning your cat's litter box daily while using gloves will prevent infection with toxoplasmosis.

    Roundworm &Hookworm

    • Roundworms and hookworms are a common intestinal parasite—especially in kittens. The worms can be spread through accidental ingestion of microscopic spores in the feces.

      Frequent examination of your cat's stool by a veterinarian will ensure that your pet is not infected with these parasites. If parasite eggs are found, the vet will administer medication to kill the worms. Keeping your cat free of parasites will eliminate the risk of contracting either hookworms or roundworms.

    Cat Scratch Disease

    • Cat scratch disease is spread by a common bacteria that is found in the saliva in some cats. It does not cause illness in the cat. If a that cat carries this bacteria scratches or bites someone, it can cause swelling in lymph nodes, malaise and fatigue. Most cases of cat scratch disease resolve without treatment, but sometimes antibiotics are needed.