Many households have pet cats that serve not only their pets, but also as part of the family. It is important that all cat owners be aware that there are certain illnesses that can be transferred from cats to their human counterparts. Annual visits to a good veterinarian should keep the cat in excellent health and limit any disease interaction.
-
Toxoplasmosis
-
Cats may transfer toxoplasmosis to humans without displaying any symptoms. Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease carried in cat feces that causes flu-like symptoms in humans. Pregnant women and those with HIV and other immune system deficiencies are especially urged to avoid interaction with cat feces (changing litter boxes, bathing the cat).
Parasites - Roundworm
-
Cats may transfer parasites, such as roundworm, to their human caretakers as easily as the process of being petted. Roundworm is difficult to spot on a cat; it is usually detected when the animal succumbs to frequent vomiting. There may also be white "spaghetti strands" in its stool or caught in its behind. While roundworm can be simply an annoyance to the cat, it can cause blindness in humans. For cats that are "outside" (or partially outside) cats, it is recommended to put them on a roundworm schedule, which consists of a simple monthly pill. This will counteract any illness they pick up from eating or coming in contact with infected animals outside.
Parasites - Ringworm
-
Ringworm, another parasite passed easily from cat to human, may go undetected in humans for quite some time, being easily mistaken as simple skin irritation. It's not actually any kind of worm at all, it's a skin fungus. Ringworm forms a (usually O-shaped) round, ridged skin abrasion anywhere on the human skin. It itches and can become scabbed. There are both over-the-counter and prescription medicines for this illness. Keep in mind that while there are no visual signs on the cat (except frequent itching), a vet can easily diagnose ringworm.
Cat Scratch Fever
-
Although it's famous for being a famous guitar-rock anthem, cat scratch fever does exist and can be passed by minor scratches or bites from cat to human. Cats get the illness from fleas, and most of their human counterparts will only suffer a minor fever from the exposure. Those with suppressed immune systems, though, will need to take extra care, as cat scratch fever may lead to an enlarged spleen or heart valve problems.
Rabies
-
While rabies regulations have been in force in every state for many years now, it is still possible for an unchecked animal to pass rabies onto a human. In most cases, if rabies is passed from a household pet to its owner, the pet was bitten by wildlife or other feral animals while outside. That pet could then bite or scratch deeply its owner to pass on the disease. Many household pets are annually vaccinated against rabies. A violent or aggressive change in the pet's temper may indicate it has contracted rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately. Human vaccines and remedies are available to those in danger of having contracted rabies.
-