Human Illnesses Caused by Cat Fecal Waste

While most cats do not spread diseases to humans, there are some diseases that can be transmitted through contact with cat feces. Called zoonotic diseases, they can be avoided by simple precautions like hand-washing and careful handling of cat litter.

  1. Feline Intestinal Parasites

    • Several parasitic diseases can be transferred via contact with cat feces. This usually occurs when cats defacate into soil that is then touched or handled by humans, such as in children's sandboxes. Intestinal parasites include roundworms and hookworms.

    Protozoal Infections

    • The most common protozoal infections caused by contact with cat feces are cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and toxoplasmosis. They cause diarrhea in both cats and humans. Toxoplasmosis is especially dangerous to human fetuses, but pregnant women rarely get it from simply touching their cats.

    Campylobacter Enteritis

    • Campylobacter enteritis is an intestinal disease that causes diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain.

    Other Zoonotic Diseases

    • Cat scratch fever is contracted by a bite or scratch from an infected cat. Cats can transmit rabies, cowpox and tetanus as well.

    Safety Tips

    • The most important precautions to keep from catching a disease from a cat is to wash hands frequently, keep cats immunized, manage fleas and treat sick cats immediately.