Humans and Cats Sharing Diseases
From LoveToKnow Cats
One of the frequent questions from visitors is whether cats can give humans diseases and vice versa.
Visitor Disease Questions
Can Kittens Cause Diarrhea in Humans
I have just got my first ever kittens. They are eight weeks old. Since we got them last Saturday, both my partner and I have had diarrhea. Could it be anything to do with our kittens? They are passing quite normal firm stools. Thank you.
~~Julie
Expert Reply
Hi, Julie,
This is a good question. The good news is that the diseases that can pass between felines and humans are usually nothing to be overly concerned about. It is very rare for infections to pass between cats and humans. It is more common in people who are immunocompromised.
Some of the more common things it is possible to catch include:
- Ringworm
- Salmonella (from handling stools and not washing hands afterward)
- Cat Scratch Disease
More than likely, you just have the virus that has been going around this fall. Diarrhea is one of the common features of the current virus. Everyone in our household has had it this month. However, if you still aren't feeling well or notice any other symptoms, it might be best to visit your doctor and discuss your concerns. I hope you all feel better soon.
~~Lori
Cats Catching Human Diseases
Are there any diseases which a cat can catch from their humans?
~~Eric and Nibblet the Wonder Kitty
Expert Reply
Hi, Eric. This was a really good question and one that I think many pet owners wonder about from time to time. I know I've been concerned for my own pets when our family has been ill. Most illnesses are species specific and will not cross between species, but there are a few exceptions.
When a disease is shared between animals and humans, it is called "Zoonoses". A few of these are common and you may have heard of them, such as:
- Cat Scratch Fever
- Tularemia
- Toxoplasmosis
- Rabies
In the above cases, the disease most commonly passes from the cat to the human through ticks and fleas, but it can also be transferred via a scratch or bite. If you are wondering if your cat can catch a cold from you, the answer is no. Most viruses are species specific. Although there is some slight indication that human influenza can infect cats, this as not been proven. If you have concerns about a specific disease, I encourage you to follow up with a visit to your veterinarian. You can discuss your concerns with him/her about any illnesses you or your cat might have and find out if they could be passed between the two of you.
~~ Lori
Can Cats Sense Pregnancy
My wife is pregnant, and our cat seems to be acting odd around her. At times, the cat is a little aggressive. Can cats sense when a person's pregnant?
~~Jerry
Expert Reply
Hi Jerry,
There is no scientific evidence that cats sense pregnancy, but many animal trainers and veterinarians report this phenomenon. Likely, the animal senses the change in moods in your wife and is reacting to that more than anything else. These moods and emotions may not even be noticeable to you, but pets are often very sensitive to them.
While I have your attention, please be sure that you are changing the cat litter for your wife during her pregnancy to avoid her contracting Toxoplasmosis.
~~Lori.
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Comments
Hi Stefanie,
It is extremely unlikely that your children contracted any illness from a cat. Most of the diseases do not hop to other species. There are a few. Obviously a bit from a rabid animal or toxoplasmosis when pregnant women change litter boxes.
What you are describing sounds like the common Strep virus and children typically pick it up at school or other social settings. Adults can contract that as well. I would ask the doctor to clarify a bit. Sometimes they use scientific terms to describe illnesses that we only know the common terms for and it can be confusing.
As for the cat, you really need to take him to the vet as he could have Cat Flu. If it is treated early, it can save his life. If it is not that, he may just have a respiratory infection, which can also be serious if left untreated.
-- Contributed by: LoriSoardI have had this cat for about a month he has been sneezing alot of mucous and on its eyes.Now my kids 4 and 5 have been sick for about 2 weeks the doctor is saying that they have something called the 5th disease its a parvo-virus B-19 and streptococious. Is it possible that they could have got it from the cat? Please help me.
-- Contributed by: StefanieHi, We have just got a couple of cats, both boys, both spayed aged 3 and 5, from a relative, who has moved away.
The cats are not used to children, and I have two very boistrous children, who don't want to leave the cats alone for a second.
I have had the cats for about 8 days now, the first three days, I locked them inside with a kitty litter, so as they would stay here. I let them out and they have stayed, but as they are still a little scared and not used to us, they don't come in much, mainly they only come in at night, and for their food.
One of the cats, the older one, has just in the last couple of hours started sneezing. He is happy and eating otherwise, but does also seem to have extra mucous in the corners of his eyes.
I am also worried that whatever he does have (if anything) he may pass on to my children. I am unsure whether they have been vaccinated, but am guessing they prob have, as the person who previously had the cats was a good owner, got them spayed and wormed them regularly, but I will have to check it out and make doubly sure about that one.
The cats, have been going out at night also which they are not used to, as I am yet to get a cat door for them. There is also quite a lot of wild cats around this neighbourhood.
The cat that is sneezing also vommited once yesterday, but it was right after he ate, and the previous owner said he did that sometimes if he ate too much, or too fast.
I am really not sure what to do here, and any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
- Hello,and congratulations on the new additions to your family.
My hunch is that your cat might have been exposed to feline distemper or some other sort of respiratory infection by mingling with some of the neighborhood strays. It's important to wash your hands after handling this cat, but other than that, I don't think the illness poses any danger to your children. My best advice is to take this cat in for a checkup. The vet will diagnose the cause of the sneezing and eye mucous, and prescribe any necessary medication. To be on the safe side, take the other cat with you too. Distemper is highly contagious.
Thanks for your question, and I hope the problem doesn't turn out to be serious.
-- Contributed by: jmeThis page has been accessed 1,238 times. This page was last modified 21:50, 20 January 2008.
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