Cat Zoonotic Diseases

Cat zoonotic diseases are disease that can be transferred from an infected cat to a human, when contact is made. Diseases such as cat scratch disease, helicobacter pylori and toxoplasmosis are just a few illnesses that can be transmitted from cats to humans, if proper care and hygiene are not addressed. Cat zoonotic diseases are not a major threat to humans and can be treated by a family doctor, although in rare instances some may be dangerous.

  1. Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) or Cat Scratch Fever

    • Cat scratch disease or CSD is a zoonotic disease and is caused by Bartonella henselae, when an injury becomes infected. The lymph nodes begin to swell around the upper limbs, neck and head of a cat or human that is infected with CSD. Cat scratch disease is passed from cat to human via a scratch or bite. Cats can also contract CSD from fleabites.

    Helicobacter pylori

    • Helicobacter pylori is a disease found in cats, and if transmitted to humans, can cause gastric ulcers in the stomach. It is transmitted by cats walking on and tracking bacteria over areas where food is prepared, such as your kitchen counter, sink or dining table. All surfaces should be disinfected prior to preparing food, in case your cat has jumped onto your counter-tops or table with dirty paws.

    Toxoplasmosis

    • Toxoplasmosis is caused by a single-celled parasite called a toxoplasma gondii. This disease is the most well known of the zoonotic disease which can affect cats and humans. Though, it rarely causes serious infections considering its rate of occurrence cats and humans, it is important for pregnant women and young children to stay away from cat feces which might contain the disease, as toxoplasmosis can cause spontaneous abortions, and serious eye and brain damage, at birth. Cats contract the toxoplasma gondii parasite by ingesting infected meat, either from prey they have killed or meat they have scavenged for, through the trash. The parasite is then released into the animals digestive tract and begins to multiply in the intestinal wall, producing eggs. Once the gastrointestinal infection cycle is completed, usually in about 10 to 14 days, the parasite is excreted into the feces and can survive in the outside world for over a year. Some of the toxoplasma gondii penetrate into the intestine much deeper and transform into tachyoite. In this form, the parasite can move to other areas of the body and lie dormant, forming cysts in the brain and muscles.