Do indoor cats carry diseases

Although most feline infectious diseases only affect cats, some of these diseases can be transmitted from cats to people. Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people are called zoonotic diseases. While not comprehensive, this article highlights the most common zoonotic diseases that may be carried by cats and simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting these diseases. For more information about specific risks, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic diseases, contact your physician/health professional.

What's the Risk?

The likelihood of an average person contracting a zoonotic disease from a cat is low, but individuals with immature or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these diseases. This includes infants, individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the elderly, and people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or receiving other drugs that may suppress their immune systems.

Common Feline Zoonotic Diseases

Bacterial Infections

Cat scratch disease (CSD)

CSD iscaused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae, which may be carried in the saliva of infected cats and in the bodies of cat fleas. As the name implies, this bacterial infection is usually transmitted from cat to human via scratches, although it can also be transmitted via bite wounds and when a cat licks the open wounds of a person. Among cats, this bacterium is most commonly transmitted by the bites of infected cat fleas, and it may also be found in the feces of these fleas, which can serve as sources of infection if exposed to an open wound in either a cat or a human.

People with CSD usually develop swelling and possibly a blister at the site of the bite or scratch. Lymph nodes in the region of the wound may swell and become painful, and affected individuals may experience fever, headache, sore muscles and joints, fatigue, and poor appetite. Healthy adults generally recover with no lasting effects, but it may take several months for the disease to go away completely. People with compromised immune systems may suffer more severe consequences, including infections of the eyes, brain, and heart. Severe cases of CSD may require antibiotic therapy to resolve.

Approximately 40 percent of cats are infected with Bartonella henselae, but most show no signs of disease. Antibiotics do not reliably cure infection in these cats and are not currently recommended. For humans, avoiding scratches and bites (for example, by not allowing children to play roughly with cats), washing hands after playing with cats, controlling fleas, and keeping cats indoors all reduce the risk of CSD. Because most cases of CSD result from contact with kittens under one year of age, immunocompromised people should avoid such contact.

Pasteurella multocida

This disease is a bacterium found in the mouths of between 70 and 90 percent of cats, and it has been found in between 50 and 80 percent of cat bites in humans that become serious enough to seek medical attention. Cat bites infected with this organism may develop pain, swelling, and redness at the wound site within 24 to 48 hours. Pasteurella-infected cat bite wounds are successfully treated with antibiotic therapy in the vast majority of cases, but more serious complications, such as the spread of bacteria through the blood stream and infection of heart valves, may occur in rare cases.

Salmonella poisoning

Also called salmonellosis, this condition iscaused by a group of bacteria called Salmonella, and can lead to diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain beginning one to three days after infection. People usually contract salmonellosis by eating contaminated food, such as undercooked chicken or eggs, but it is possible to contract the disease from infected cats, which can carry Salmonella bacteria and pass them in their stool. Although salmonellosis usually resolves on its own, some individuals require medical attention to address severe diarrhea or the effects of the infection on organs other than the digestive tract.

Salmonella is more commonly found in cats that feed on raw meat or wild birds and animals, so owners can reduce the risk of salmonellosis in themselves and their cats by keeping cats indoors and feeding them cooked or commercially processed food. Wearing gloves when cleaning litterboxes or gardening (in case outdoor cats have defecated in the soil) and washing hands thoroughly after these activities is also recommended.

Parasitic Infections

These arethe most common external parasite of cats, and their bites can cause itching and inflammation in humans and cats alike. Fleas may also serve as vectors for CSD and other zoonotic diseases. Flea-infested cats may become infected with tapeworms from fleas ingested while grooming. While not common, people can also become infected with tapeworms by inadvertently ingesting fleas.

Scabies

An infection by the mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei, scabies isanother zoonotic external parasite of the skin of cats. While not as common as flea infestations, these mites can be passed from infected cats to people, where they burrow into the skin and cause itchy, raised lesions. Treatment in people usually involves the use of topical ointments to decrease itching, diligent treatment of infective pets, and careful cleaning of clothes and bedding.

Including roundworms (Toxocara) and hookworms (Ancylostoma), these parasites can also cause disease in people. Children are particularly at risk due to their higher likelihood of contact with soil that has been contaminated by cat feces. Although most people infected with feline intestinal parasites do not show signs of illness, some people may get sick.

Visceral larva migrans, a potentially serious disease that can affect various organs, results from consumption of Toxocara eggs (for instance, when soiled fingers are placed in the mouth). Toxocara larvae may then migrate to abdominal organs, including the liver, or to the central nervous system. Symptoms of visceral larva migrans may include fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, and abdominal pain. Ocular larva migrans is the term used for a condition in which Toxocara larvae migrate to the eye, causing visual disturbances, abnormal eye movements, or eye pain and discomfort.

Cutaneous larva migrans, an itchy skin disease, is caused by contact with soil contaminated with Ancylostoma larvae. These larvae may penetrate and migrate under the skin, with resultant inflammation, itching and pain, and raised, red linear lesions in the skin that follow the larvas migration. Proper hygiene, including washing hands before meals, cleaning soil from vegetables, and reducing exposure to cat feces can prevent infection. Anti-parasite medications for kittens and annual fecal exams for adult cats can reduce environmental contamination and the risk of human infection.

Fungal Infections

Ringworm (or dermatophytosis)

Ringworm is not caused by a worm at all. Rather, it is a skin infection caused by a group of fungi. Infected cats most often come from environments housing large numbers of animals. In cats, ringworm usually appears as a dry, gray, scaly patch on the skin. In humans, ringworm often appears as a round, red, itchy lesion with a ring of scale around the edge. Lesions may be found in a variety of places, including the scalp, the feet (wheres its referred to as athletes foot), the groin, or the beard. Ringworm is transmitted by contact with an infected animals skin or fur, either directly or from a contaminated environment. Infected cats continuously drop fungal spores from their skin and fur. These spores, which remain capable of causing infection for many months, are difficult to eradicate from a household. Children are particularly at risk of infection. Treatment involves the use of either topical antifungal ointments or oral antifungal medication, depending upon the severity and location of lesions. To reduce environmental contamination, confine infected cats to one room until they are free of infection, then thoroughly clean and disinfect the household.

Protozoal Infections

Protozoans are single-celled organisms. The three most common protozoal diseases in cats and humans are cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.

Cryptosporidiosis

This infection can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, and dehydration in both cats and people. Either direct or indirect contact with the feces of cats infected with Cryptosporidium organisms can lead to transmission of this disease. As with most other zoonotic diseases, immunocompromised individuals are at the greatest risk of infection. To prevent the spread of infection, schedule annual fecal examinations for your cats, and medicate infected cats as directed by your veterinarian. Other preventive measures include wearing gloves while handling feces-contaminated material and washing hands afterwards.

Giardiasis

This condition is caused by infection with the microscopic parasite Giardia. Many animal species (including the cat), are susceptible to infection with Giardia, which is passed in the feces and usually spread to other animals and humans via contaminated water sources, surfaces, or in uncooked food items. The symptoms of Giardia infection include diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration. A number of prescription drugs are available to treat this condition, and most people that are infected make an uneventful recovery. It is important to realize that the majority of cases of giardiasis in people do not occur as a result of infection by cats, but rather by ingesting water or food contaminated by farm animals or wildlife.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. People with weakened immune systems and infants whose mothers are infected during pregnancy can develop severe illness from this parasite. Most people infected with Toxoplasma, however, show no overt signs of disease.

Cats can acquire Toxoplasma by eating infected rodents, birds, or anything contaminated with feces from another infected animal. An infected cat can shed the parasite in its feces for up to two weeks. Once shed in the feces, the parasite must mature for one to five days before it becomes capable of causing infection. However, it can persist in the environment for many months and continue to contaminate soil, water, gardens, sandboxes, or any place where an infected cat has defecated. Although pregnant women or immunosuppressed individuals are often advised to remove cats from the household to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, direct contact with cats is very unlikely to spread infection with this organism.

Cats can transmit Toxoplasma to people through their feces, but humans most commonly become infected by eating undercooked or raw meat, or by inadvertently consuming contaminated soil on unwashed or undercooked vegetables. The symptoms of toxoplasmosis include flu-like muscle aches and fever, and headache. In rare cases, more advanced symptoms such as confusion, seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea may be observed.

Basic hygiene can prevent the spread of Toxoplasma from cats to humans. Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated material (for example, when gardening or scooping the litterbox), and be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Cover childrens sandboxes when not in use to prevent wandering cats from defecating in them.

Pregnant women or immunosuppressed individuals are safest when other household members clean the litter box.

Viral Infections

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the bite of an infected animal. Although most viruses infect only their natural host species, rabies is an important exception. Cats are highly susceptible to rabies, which attacks the central nervous system, causing a variety of signs. Rabies is almost always fatal. In people, rabies infections usually occur when an infected animal bites a person. In order to protect human health, rabies vaccination of cats is required by law in many areas. Even if your cat is kept indoors, it is important to keep rabies vaccines current because cats occasionally escape outdoors, and because rabid animals such as bats and raccoons occasionally enter houses. To further reduce your risk of rabies, avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals and see a doctor immediately if you have been bitten by an animal.

Updated March 2017

Do Indoor Cats Carry Diseases?

Indoor cats are less likely to carry diseases than outdoor cats, but they can still contract and transmit some diseases to humans. The most common diseases associated with indoor cats are toxoplasmosis, cat-scratch disease, and salmonellosis.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that is commonly found in raw or undercooked meat, and can cause flu-like symptoms in humans. Cat-scratch disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through scratches or bites from an infected cat, and can cause fever, lymph node swelling, and fatigue.

Salmonellosis is caused by a bacteria that is commonly found in contaminated food, and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

What kind of diseases can a cat give a person?

A cat can give a person a variety of diseases, some of which are more serious than others. Some of the more serious diseases a cat can give a person are feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and rabies.

FeLV is a virus that can cause leukemia in cats, and FIV is a virus that can cause immunodeficiency in cats. Rabies is a virus that can cause rabies in humans and other animals.

Can humans catch disease from cats?

There is a small but potential risk that cats may transmit disease to humans. For example, feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a virus that can be transmitted from cats to humans.

FHV can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. There is currently no cure for FHV, and it can be fatal in some cases.

Therefore, it is important to be cautious when handling or living with cats, and to avoid contact with their saliva and other body fluids. If you do become infected with FHV, there is no cure, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms.

Are house cats sanitary?

House cats are not sanitary. They are not equipped to handle the bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that can cause diseases.

This means that they are at a higher risk of getting sick and dying.

Do indoor cats have toxoplasmosis?

Yes, indoor cats can be infected with toxoplasmosis. The parasite is found in the environment, and can be found in the feces of infected animals.

Infected cats can shed the parasite in their feces, and can infect other cats through contact with their feces. Toxoplasmosis is a common infection in cats, and can cause a wide variety of health problems, including eye disease, deafness, and neurologic disease.

Can kissing my cat make me sick?

Kissing a cat can transmit saliva and other bodily fluids which can contain bacteria, viruses and other parasites. These organisms can be harmful to humans, especially if the person is sick.

In some cases, people have developed serious infections after kissing their cat. If you are concerned about the potential health risks associated with kissing your cat, it is best to avoid doing so.

Is cat saliva harmful to humans?

There is no clear answer as to whether or not cat saliva is harmful to humans. Some people believe that the saliva may contain harmful bacteria, while others believe that the saliva is simply a natural deterrent to predators.

There is no scientific evidence to support either position.

Is cat poop harmful to humans?

It depends on a variety of factors, including the size and breed of a cat, the amount and frequency of their litter box use, and the individuals digestive system. Some people anecdotally find that their cats feces smells bad and makes them sick, while others have no complaints.

In general, it is generally thought that cat poop is not particularly harmful to humans if it is handled properly and does not come into contact with open wounds or other sensitive areas.

Can you get sick if a cat licks your food?

The short answer is that no one knows for sure. However, the vast majority of experts agree that there is no risk of illness from eating food that a cat has licked.

In general, cats are very careful about how they lick food, and they usually only lick the top of the food item. Therefore, it is unlikely that they would get any of the food residue on their mouth or teeth.

Do cats carry germs from litter box?

It depends on the individual cat, the type of litter box, and the amount of fecal matter that is transferred from the litter box to the cat. Some cats may be more likely to carry germs from the litter box than others, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats carry germs from the litter box.

Is having a cat dirty?

As with most pet ownership questions, this one can be answered in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, cats are not dirtier than dogs, but their fur does contain a high amount of oils and sweat, which can accumulate and cause dirt and dust to be kicked up.

In addition, cats typically groom themselves more frequently than dogs, which can lead to more dirt and dust accumulation.

Should you wash hands after petting cat?

It is generally advised that people wash their hands after touching or petting any animal, including cats. This is because animals can carry a variety of germs and parasites that can be harmful if contracted by humans.

Conclusion

Yes, indoor cats can carry diseases. Cats are susceptible to a number of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, some of which can be passed to humans.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from these diseases is to have your cat vaccinated and to practice good hygiene when handling them.