Zoonotic Diseases & Cats

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed from animals to humans. Following are some related to cats. It is important to remember that the best way to protect yourself from these zoonotic diseases is to practice good hygiene after playing with your cat or handling its waste. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Take your cat to your veterinarian for regular check-ups, and if your cat exhibits any of the symptoms of these diseases. In the vast majority of cases, these diseases are treatable:

Cat Scratch Disease: Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease. Most people with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the point of injury. Lymph nodes, especially those around the head, neck, and upper limbs, become swollen. Additionally, a person with CSD may experience fever, headache, fatigue, and a poor appetite. Kittens are more likely to be infected and to pass the bacterium to people. About 40% of cats carry the bacteria at some time in their lives although they do not show any signs of the illness, so you cannot tell which cats may spread the disease. Avoid "rough play" with cats, especially kittens. This includes any activity that may lead to cat scratches and bites. Wash cat bites and scratches immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Do not allow cats to lick open wounds. If you develop an infection with pus and pronounced swelling where you were scratched or bitten by a cat or develop any of the other symptoms, contact your physician.

Rabies: Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. Early symptoms can be fever or headache, but this quickly leads to nervous system problems, such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with rabies infection starts having these symptoms, he or she usually does not survive, so it is very important to talk to your health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal. Most household pets, including cats, are vaccinated, but because there is a chance of contracting rabies from a cat bite, you should always contact your doctor for care. A recent increase in the number of rabid bats in Oregon is a good reminder to protect your pets from this disease by making sure their vaccinations are up to date. Oregon law requires all dogs in the state to be vaccinated against rabies. Multnomah County requires all cats to be vaccinated. Nationally, twice as many cats as dogs are reported to have rabies each year, which is why it's a good idea to vaccinate cats as well.

Ringworm: Ringworm is not a worm, but a skin and scalp disease caused by fungus. Ringworm usually makes a bald patch of scaly skin or a ring-shaped rash that is reddish and may be itchy. The rash can be dry and scaly or wet and crusty. Ringworm is transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair. Cats, especially kittens, can pass ringworm to people, so preventative care by your veterinarian is important.

Roundworm: Toxocara is a parasitic infection caused by roundworms commonly found in the intestines of cats and kittens and shed through their stool. Toxocara infections can cause an eye disease that can cause blindness, or swelling of the body's organs or central nervous system, although most infections are not serious. Have your veterinarian treat your cat or kitten regularly for worms, wash your hands after playing with your cat, and do not let children play in areas soiled with pet waste.

Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease of concern to pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant because it can infect the fetus and cause a birth defect or miscarriage. Toxoplasmosis is passed to people from contaminated cat feces (stool), although it is more likely that you would be exposed to the disease by eating undercooked meat. Most people who get toxoplasmosis do not get sick, but some people will get swollen glands, muscle aches and feel as though they have the "flu." Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap after contact with cat feces and after gardening, as the parasite can be deposited in the soil by infected cats. If you are pregnant, have another person clean out the litter box every day and try to keep your cats indoors. Even when not pregnant, clean litter boxes daily. Avoid undercooked meat and do not feed undercooked meat to your cat.

If you have any questions about these diseases or concerns about your pet's health, please consult your veterinarian. If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention from your health care provider.