Cats are a popular pet, but they can also be a source of health problems. One of the biggest risks is breathing in cat urine and feces. This can cause a number of health problems, including:
- Ammonia poisoning. Cat urine contains a high concentration of ammonia, which can be harmful to the lungs and other organs. Symptoms of ammonia poisoning include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Eye irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic infection that can be passed to humans from cats through their feces. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Cryptosporidiosis. This is a parasitic infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. It is spread through contact with cat feces.
- Giardiasis. This is a parasitic infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. It is spread through contact with cat feces.
- Ringworm. This is a fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, itching, and hair loss. It is spread through contact with cat fur, urine, or feces.
- Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can cause fever, cough, and chest pain. It is caused by inhaling spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus, which is found in cat feces and soil contaminated with cat feces.
- Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is caused by the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, which is found in cat feces.
- E. coli infection is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. It is caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria, which is found in cat feces.
- Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which is found in cat feces.
Preventing exposure to cat urine and feces
The best way to prevent health problems from breathing cat urine and feces is to avoid exposure to these substances. Here are some tips:
- Keep your cat's litter box clean. Scoop out solid waste every day and change the litter every week.
- Wash your hands after handling cat litter.
- Don't let your cat sleep in your bed.
- If you have a weakened immune system, avoid contact with cats and their feces.
If you experience any symptoms of a health problem after breathing cat urine or feces, see your doctor immediately.