Cat zoonosis
04/22/2007 by Connie Veneracion · Filed under About cats & dogs
We knew, of course, that cat bites and scratches can cause rabies but, until now, I had no idea just how many diseases and infections a cat can pass on to humans.
Zoonosis is any infectious disease that may be transmitted from other animals, both wild and domestic, to humans (Wikipedia).
1) Ringworms (tinea) - a fungal infection that causes a red, scaly patch or bump on the skin.
2) Salmonella which cats can pass to humans through their feces.
3) Toxoplasmosis, also passed through cat feces, may cause swollen glands and muscle aches.
You will find a comprehensive list at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For indoor cats, like our Persians, the litter box must be cleaned everyday and the litter changed often.
Can you catch a disease from your cat? is very much worth reading.
Culture Shiok! Pinoy Vet-in-Exile on Thu, 21st Jun 2007 12:48 am
Cat scratches won’t give you rabies, but another zoonotic disease known as… “cat scratch disease”. It is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. Those who are immuno-compromised are more likely to get the disease, also babies and old people.
Try to avoid getting scratched or bitten.
But how can you ignore and not play with these adorable creatures! Always wash your hands after playing with your cats. Just always be careful…