Cat Diseases That People Can Get

Diseases that can be transmitted from an animal to a human are called zoonotic diseases. Some cat diseases, including bacterial and viral infections, can be passed from an infected cat to a person.

  1. Bacterial Infections

    • Cat-scratch disease is caused by a bacterial infection, and people can get it if bitten or scratched by an infected feline. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, salmonella can also be passed from a cat to a human.

    Rabies

    • Rabies is a viral infection that is easily passed from a cat to a human through biting, according to John M. Simon and Stephanie Pedersen in their book "What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You."

    Parasites

    • Other cat diseases that people can get include parasitic infections such as giardiasis, which causes diarrhea in both species. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that can be transmitted from a cat to a pregnant woman and cause severe illness in an infant after birth.

    Treatment

    • People who contract cat diseases can be treated. According to the Mayo Clinic, bacterial infections can be cleared with antibiotics. Rabies is treated through the quick administration of a series of vaccines. Other medications are prescribed to treat giardiasis and toxoplasmosis.

    Considerations

    • People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get cat diseases. Washing your hands after playing with your cat and practicing good hygiene in your home will help reduce your risk of contracting a cat disease.