Is it hygienic to pet stray cats

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Are Cats Clean Animals, Cleaner than Dogs or Humans?

If you are considering getting cats as pets, you may want to know if they are clean animals or not. No one wants a stingy, messy pet.

Why are cats so clean?

Being fastidious groomers, kitties may spend up to 50% of awake time grooming themselves. However, if this happens excessively, it could be an indicator of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How to they groom or wash? They do so by licking themselves using their barbed tongue or by using their forepaws once they have licked them as well as their teeth to remove debris. These make them some of the cleanest pets.

Usually, they will wash their fur, their butt to get rid of any remaining feces, their paws, tail, and any other part of their body.

The licking helps in:

Removing loose fur, dirt, and getting rid of any parasites such as mites and fleas.
Getting rid of various food scents from their fur and whiskers to avoid detection by their predators.
Cleaning and enhancing wound healing since their saliva has enzymes with a natural antibiotic effect. This reduces the chances of infection.
The licking helps distribute its natural oils evenly around its coat. These oil guards against dampness and seals in heat, and consequently keeping them warm, notes Readers Digest Canada.
The licking bolsters blood flow, in the same way, brushing your hair does to your scalp.
It helps regulate temperature since as the saliva evaporates, it absorbs the energy of evaporation. Although cats do sweat, it not so much except on their paw pads and other hairless places which only represents a small part of their body.
As a sign of affection to each other.

Whether feral, indoor, outdoor, or stray, these pets will always groom themselves for these reasons. The grooming makes many kitty owners consider them as very clean animals. However, does this alone make cats clean animals?

Are cats cleaner than dogs and humans or how clean are cats?

When compared to dogs, cats are much cleaner animals. Unlike dogs, they will at most times use their litter boxes, groom themselves and avoid dirty areas. They will hardly end up with an obnoxious doggy odor.

Additionally, they are cleaner than dogs because they spend a lot of time grooming themselves as we have already seen.

However, they are not as clean human beings. We Brush our teeth, take a bath, use disinfectants, soaps, lotions, shampoos, hand washes, and so on to ensure we are hygienic. You cannot compare our hygiene to that of any pets.

Furthermore, kitties can carry a number of germs in their paws and claws, mouth, and skin. While licking themselves helps, are they really clean? What about their paws, mouth and so on?

a). Are cats mouth clean?

Cats and dog mouths are not clean. They have most of the bacteria that we have. For instance, they carry Pasteurella multocida. Also, due to these bacteria, cat bites hazardous.

Ensure you help them keep their oral hygiene since they use their tongue in washing themselves including washing their anus.

PetMD affirms this by noting that cat mouths are notoriously dirty, and their bite can cause serious infectionsboth in humans and other cats. If you get bit by a cat, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention.

Avoid kissing your cat and clean their mouth and brush their teeth regularly using toothpaste meant for cats such as:

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic cat toothpaste
Oxyfresh Soothing Cat Dental Gel
Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Dental Gel among others.

This will also help eliminate bad odor from their mouths.

Finally, on whether dogs mouths are cleaner than cats, the answer is no. They are not and require proper oral and dental care.

b). Their feces may have parasites

Being their definitive hosts, their feces may have Toxoplasma gondii which can also affect human beings.

Additionally, their feces may also have eggs of Ancylostoma and Toxocaraworms. The later can cause diseases to human beings, i.e., it is zoonotic.

c). Are their claws and skin clean?

While they may wash quite often, this does not mean their claws, paws or skin is very clean. For instance, they carry Bartonellabacteria on their skin and claws and if infested by fleas, these parasites may spread this bacterium.

Also, as they walk around, go to their litter boxes, they may carry Bartonella. Therefore, dont let them go to your kitchen counters and wipe these counters with antiseptic cleaning agents in case they go to their kitchen counter before using them to prepare your food to avoid contamination. You can also use soap and hot water in cleaning these surfaces.

In the case of a scratch, it is advisable you clean the affected area with an antiseptic or antibacterial soap and water.

Finally, in case of cat fleas, use a flea comb to groom them and control fleas using various flea control products such as:

There are many other flea management programs including home remedies.

d). Other issues

Besides the above reasons, other things that make these pets not very clean include the following:

Cats shed, shred or scratch things, and can cause a mess especially untrained housecat.
They have pet dander can cause allergic reactions to some people.
They may bring dead animal gifts and cough furballs
Untrained ones may urinate or poop on their bed
These pets chin and spray urine on things including walls and other household items to mark their territory, especially the unneutered male. Some female also spray urine

Are indoor cats cleaner than outdoor?

While both indoor and outdoor kitties present the above risks, outdoor kitties tend to be dirtier than indoor ones since they will often walk on dirty surfaces and roll on dirt carrying the dirt (sand, soil, seeds, and so on) in their fur.

They may also carry various parasites including fleas, baby slugs, mites, ticks, and so on.

Additionally, short-haired cat breeds like Havana Brown, Bombay, Bengal, American Short Hair, among others are less likely to carry more dirt as opposed to breeds with long fur such as the Main coon, Angora, Persian, Himalayan, Birman, Ragdoll, et cetera.

Keeping your cat clean?

Besides helping them keep their oral hygiene, clean their claws using Q-tip, damp washcloth, or cat wipes.
You do not need to bathe them. However, consider bathing them in case they are stinky or something hazardous spilled on them.
Clean the inner part of their ears
Help them groom if they are old, arthritic, and unable to reach some parts such as their bum.
Keep their litter boxes clean, get rid of any unconsumed prey or food as they may burry them in their litter boxes, and see a doctor if they stop using their littering trays as they may be sick.
Neuter them especially males to avoid chinning and urine spraying that may make them stinky.

13 Reasons Why Hamsters Are Good Pets

Do you know that hamsters are good pets for people who live in small spaces or apartments, even people who live in cities can enjoy having a hamster!

In this post, we will outline and discuss some of the most common reasons why hamsters are good pets regardless of what you think.

If hamsters are bad pets, they wont be as popular as they are, even though they bite its usually due to poor socialization or training.

Why Hamsters Are Good Pets

Hamsters are excellent pets for a variety of reasons, including their tiny size, ease of maintenance, and enjoyment of interaction with their keepers.

They dont need a lot of room and are exceptionally clean creatures. Hamsters are also incredibly sociable creatures that frequently relish time spent with their owners.

Hamsters are also quite affordable to keep as pets and require little maintenance.

They are a fantastic option for anyone searching for a devoted friend because of all these features.

Lets break it down further

Reasons Why Hamsters Are Good Pets

There are a variety of reasons why someone would want to get a hamster as a pet, including the following:

1. Hamsters dont need lots of space

Hamsters, unlike dogs, cats, and even rabbits, only need a few square feet to live comfortably.

A hamster cage may easily fit on a desk or cabinet, making it a perfect pet for those who live in small flats or houses.

Dont be scared to take your hamster outside on a regular basis for some exercise if need be.

When hamsters are monitored, they like exploring.

Getting them a hamster ball is a great way for them to burn off some steam. Its also a lot of fun to watch them go about it.

City dwellers and people with small spaces can own hamsters without stress.

2. Hamsters are charming and lively

Many pet owners believe hamsters to be one of the most entertaining and charming pets to have.

Standing near your hamster cage and watching him play with the hamster wheel might help you relax.

When you go home from work and are stressed, do you need to feel better? Simply stand near your hamster and see it at work, and you will become relieved.

Most hamsters are so cute that youll want to remain with them all day and snuggle or play with them.

3. Hamsters do not shed

Because hamsters do not shed, they should be suitable for anyone with allergies to hair.

Because there wont be any stray hamster hairs, there wont be any need to brush your clothes or furniture on a regular basis.

The only messa hamster will cause in your home is stray bits of bedding in odd places, but thats it.

With dogs or cats, you will have to deal with fur or hair everywhere, even in your food and clothes.

If you ever lived with a shedding dog or cat, you will definitely learn to appreciate a hamster.

With hamsters, you will not worry about allergies or hairs scattered in your home.

4. Hamsters are healthy pets

Do you want a pet that wont have you go to the veterinarian every month? Then youre covered by owning a hamster.

These little rodents are usually healthy during their brief lives if they are kept in a suitable cage and fed a nutritious diet.

They are in the most acute danger of suffering injuries as a consequence of falling, thus they must be handled with care.

You will also devote lots of time to caring for them to avoid unnecessary health challenges associated with hamsters.

5. Hamsters dont need a lot of training

Hamsters, unlike cats, dogs, or other pets, do not require much intensive or extensive training.

Litter box training and obedience classes are unnecessary when it comes to hamsters, and no puppy classes as well.

Regular stroking and interaction, on the other hand, benefit hamsters in getting to know you.

If you want a low-maintenance furry buddy, a hamster could be the right pet for you. All you need is just the right taming process.

6. Hamsters dont need to go for daily walks

Are you looking for a pet that can exercise itself on a regular basis? Then youre covered by hamsters.

Daily activity is required for hamsters. The good news is that you can get them a hamster wheel to run on.

If her cage doesnt have a wheel for her to run on, consider buying her a hamster ball.

Never, under any circumstances, let your hamster alone in a ball, always supervise.

Hamsters arent like dogs or cats in that they dont need to be leashed trained or walked every day for exercise.

A hamster wheel is enough to give your hamster the required daily exercise.

7. Cages for hamsters dont need daily cleaning

Are you seeking a cute pet that wont require you to clean its cage every day? Then hamsters will take care of you in that aspect.

Depending on the type of cage you keep your hamster in, you should spot-clean her bedding once a week and replace her whole bedding once a month.

When you consider that cats litter boxes are cleaned every day, which takes more time, this is a lot less labor.

8. Hamsters do not require continual supervision

Hamsters prefer to be left alone in their cage, even if they can spend quality time with their owners if they have enough space and entertaining toys.

You dont need time for training, daily walks, or elaborate grooming sessions to care for a happy hamster.

They dont need as much human interaction as dogs and cats do.

Failure to socialize your hamster, especially early in its lifemay cause it to become more timid or fearful of being touched.

9. Professional grooming is not required for hamsters

Do you have a hard time sitting down and grooming your pet on a daily basis? Then hamsters are the perfect pet for you.

Hamsters groom themselves often, up to many times each day, and they dont require a professional groomer to keep themselves clean.

It is not required to bathe, comb, or otherwise augment your pet hamsters grooming routine.

Unlike dogs and cats, hamsters do not need to be groomed by a professional and can groom themselves.

10. Hamsters arent known for making loud noises like barks

Do you live in a city where your neighbors dont enjoy or complain about pet noises all of the time? Then you should get a hamster as a pet.

Hamsters are recognized for being quiet and tranquil pets; unlike other pets, they do not bark or meow.

People in certain places dont keep pets because of the noise; however, because hamsters dont create loud sounds, you wont notice their existence.

Dogs can bark and neighbors dont enjoy this type of loud sound, but with hamsters, you only hear the sound of the hamster wheel when they run on it.

11. Hamsters are a low-cost pet to own

A hamster is not just low-maintenance but also affordable.

Despite the fact that all of the goods necessary to care for a happy hamster must be included in the total cost, the final cost will be significantly less than adopting a cat or dog.

Once the initial one-time costs, such as the cage, are covered, keeping hamsters is rather affordable.

Each month, you wont be spending much on hamster food, treats, or bedding.

Of course, like with any pet, unanticipated costs, such as vet bills, must be factored into your budget.

12. Hamsters are a hygienic pet

Do you want a pet that wont have you get up early in the morning to clean litter boxes or pick up poop? Then a hamster is required.

Hamsters have only one toilet in their cage, unlike most other rodents, making them very easy to clean.

Theyre also incredibly clean, always fussing with their fur. This removes the need for any pet bathing on the part of their human companions.

Hamsters spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and they always appear clean.

13. Hamsters are never mad at owners

Do you want a pet that will never be angry with you? Then you should look into getting a hamster.

Once theyve been properly hand-tamed, golden hamsters form strong bonds with their owners.

They rely on their owners for companionship and interaction, as opposed to other hamsters.

Chinese hamsters may form great bonds with their owners, but they can thrive in groups (unlike the Golden).

The bigger size of the Golden hamster makes it easier to handle than the smaller varieties.

Who should own a hamster?

Hamsters can make excellent pets for individuals who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention they require throughout their lives.

However, whether or not someone should own a hamster ultimately depends on their ability and willingness to meet their needs, which can include providing suitable living space, proper nutrition, exercise opportunities, and regular veterinary care.

Therefore, owning a hamster is not a decision to be taken lightly, and individuals should carefully consider their ability to provide for these needs before bringing home a pet hamster.

Learn more about identifying a hamster that likes you.

Conclusion

If you live in a small space or apartment, then a hamster is the right pet. If you want a pet that can stay alone for long without you then get a hamster.

When hamsters are happy with you, there are many signs of a happy hamster you should know, and it will help you bond more with your hamster.

Hamsters are generally good pets that require little exercise and care, however, hamsters require taming to avoid unnecessary biting.

Hamsters are good pets for both single persons or family members who are not always home.