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Zoonotic Diseases in Cats
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be passed from an animal to a human. Though relatively uncommon, people who come into contact with an infected cat run a risk of contracting a zoonotic disease, such as rabies.
Common Zoonotic Diseases
Here's a list of some of the more common zoonotic diseases that can be transferred from cats to humans:
- Cat Scratch Disease: Also known as cat scratch fever, cat scratch disease is a disease that is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacterium. The disease occurs most often in people who have been bitten or scratched by a cat. Symptoms of the disease include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches, fatigue and poor appetite.
- Rabies: Rabies is a virus that starts as a muscle infection and progresses to the peripheral nerves and then the brain and central nervous system. Rabies causes behavioral changes and paralysis. If left untreated, rabies causes death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 93 percent of rabies cases in humans are due to infection from wild animals. Only 7 percent are due to domestic animals.
- Ringworm: Ringworm is one of the most common zoonotic diseases found in cats. Ringworm is a fungus that generally affects the hair, nails and skin. Humans typically experience rash-like lesions on the surface of the skin.
- Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis occurs when a person or animal is infected with toxoplasma, an intestinal parasite. People contract toxoplasmosis from cats when they come into contact with an infected cat's feces. In general, people with toxoplasmosis exhibit swollen glands, muscle aches and flu-like symptoms.
As toxoplasmosis can cause damage to a developing fetus, pregnant mothers should be especially careful and should not clean a cat's litter box.
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People Most Affected by Zoonotic Diseases
Some people are more likely than others to contract zoonotic diseases, including people with under-developed immune systems and people with diseases of the immune system. The following groups of people are more likely to get diseases from cats:
- infants
- children less than 5 years old
- organ transplant patients
- people being treated for cancer
- people who work with animals
- people with HIV/AIDS
- pregnant women
- the elderly.
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Preventing Zoonotic Diseases in Cats
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting a zoonotic disease. To protect both you and your cat from zoonotic diseases, follow these simple steps:
- Avoid getting scratched or bitten by a cat.
- Get your cat vaccinated regularly.
- If you have a cat bite or scratch, immediately wash the area with antibacterial soap and warm water. Apply an antibacterial ointment until the wound heals. If the area gets red, inflamed or oozes fluid, contact your physician immediately.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap after touching cat feces or cleaning the litter box.
If you think your cat might have a zoonotic disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. She will be able to accurately diagnose your cat. If your cat has a zoonotic disease, it is important for you and anyone else who has come into contact with your cat to see a physician.
