What can I catch from my cat?

February 21, 2022 by Natasha V. Health

When we decide to adopt a cat, one of the things that worries us the most is that it could get sick, or spread serious internal infections to family members.

It is very difficult for this to happen, however, there is a minimal possibility of contracting some diseases from them or from us.

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Although most feline infectious diseases are only transmitted between cats, it is important to know the possible diseases that you can transmit or that you can transmit to them in order to take the appropriate measures to prevent them.

What viruses and diseases can cats pass to humans?

Toxoplasmosis.

It is a disease caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondil. It belongs to the coccidian family and is characterized by the formation of cysts. In addition, it has the peculiarity that the cat is the definitive host of this disease and can transmit it to humans.

The best way to prevent infection would be to inoculate the cat with the virulent toxoplasma strain, never give it raw meat, and maintain good hygiene in the home.

Bartonellosis or cat scratch disease.

Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease): is an infection you can get after a cat scratches, bites, or licks you. Bacteria in cat saliva cause the disease. Cats are likely to get the bacteria from fleas.

It is not a serious illness in healthy people. But it can be a problem for young children or people with a weak immune system. These include people with cancer, diabetes, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Respiratory allergy.

Cat hair is one of the most common causes of respiratory allergy, causing various symptoms such as itching, swollen eyelids, swelling, respiratory problems, and even asthma in some people. Cat allergy sufferers are therefore advised to avoid contact with cats and not to keep them at home, or to adopt a non-allergic cat breed.

Skin fungus.

Skin fungus can occur through direct contact with cats that live in the street or go outdoors and are in contact with other cats. This occurs because they are exposed to the environment for longer periods of time and are more likely to acquire fungus and transmit it to people. To avoid developing any type of mycosis, contact with cats that are not properly treated should be avoided.

In case of acquiring mycosis, you should go to a dermatologist for the most appropriate treatment, which usually indicates the use of topical antifungals such as ketoconazole.

Giardia infection

Giardia infection is a worldwide intestinal parasite that affects cats and other animals. These single-celled parasites settle in the cat's small intestine, causing typical symptoms. Through cell division of the trophozoites in the small intestine, giardia cysts appear.

What diseases can cats get from humans?

Many diseases can also be transmitted from animals to humans, known as reverse zoonoses, although this is a rare occurrence.

Cold.

Although unlikely, depending on the virus, you could give your feline a cold.

Exotic cats and domestic felines can contract some viruses from humans, including H1N1 and some cold viruses.

Ringworm.

Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus that grows in the superficial dead layers of the skin, hair, and nails. The scientific name of ringworm is dermatophytosis, it is highly infectious and contagious, as it affects a large number of living beings, including cats and dogs.

The reasons that cause the appearance of ringworm in cats are diverse and many have to do with the care and nutrition of the animal. In a large number of cases, ringworm affects felines that live or have lived in the street.

Salmonella.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can make people and animals sick with a foodborne illness called salmonellosis, they live in the intestines of people and animals.

Even if your pets show no signs of infection, they can still shed salmonella in their feces (poop) and saliva (their saliva and drool) and then transmit the bacteria to your home, and to people and other pets in your home.

Can I get sick from my cat lick me?

Cat licks can have many meanings from showing affection to wanting your attention and are generally harmless. However, beware of bites and scratches.

Some experts believe that cat licks cannot kill you but could cause a disease. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that cats can transmit diseases to their owners through bites or scratches they may inflict on their owners.

Can I catch COVID from my cat?

While COVID-19 disease is primarily spread from person to person, it can also be spread from people to animals, however, there is no evidence that animals can spread covid to their owners or that the virus can be spread through their skin or fur.

How can I prevent my cat from passing these diseases to me?

To avoid getting any cat-borne infections, follow these guidelines:

• Take your cat to the veterinarian regularly so it can be vaccinated and properly treated.
• After petting or playing with the cat, always wash your hands with soap and water.
• Handle cat droppings with caution, using gloves or a plastic bag to scoop them up, and then properly closing the bag in the trash or flushing it down the toilet.
• Replace cat litter regularly.
• Cleaning the animal, its play areas and accessories, as well as the sandbox (with the precaution of using gloves). Wash our hands frequently.
• Regularly check the condition of our cat's fur and skin.

To keep you and your cat safe, the best thing to do is to take precautions and prevent these diseases by giving your cat a good quality of life, keeping his vaccinations up to date, visiting the vet regularly, feeding him a good diet, and keeping his spaces clean.

In short, if you think your cat may have some of these diseases, it is recommended that you go to your veterinarian as soon as possible, so that he can give you a diagnosis and you can take the appropriate measures.