5 Common Diseases You Can Get From Your Feline Friends
If you’re a cat lover, you probably enjoy snuggling up with your feline friend. However, as much as we love our pets, they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. In this article, we will discuss five common diseases that you can get from your cats.
1. Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can be found in cat feces. If you handle contaminated litter boxes or soil that has been exposed to cat feces, you can become infected. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include muscle aches, fever, and headache.
To reduce your risk of toxoplasmosis, make sure to wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes or gardening. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with soil or cat feces. Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter altogether to prevent infection.
2. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transmitted from cats to humans. Cats can carry the fungus on their skin and hair, and humans can get contaminated by touching the infected area. Symptoms of ringworm include itchy and scaly skin, hair loss, and red circular patches.
To prevent ringworm, make sure to wash your hands after touching your cat. Keep your cat’s litter box clean and avoid sharing combs and brushes with your pet. If you suspect that your cat has ringworm, take it to the vet immediately.
3. Cat Scratch Disease
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection that can be spread by a scratch or bite from an infected cat. Symptoms of CSD include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
To prevent CSD, make sure to properly clean any scratches or bites from your cat. Also, avoid rough play with your cat that can lead to scratches or bites. If you experience any symptoms of CSD, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from cats to humans through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
To prevent campylobacteriosis, make sure to wash your hands before and after handling food. Also, don’t feed your cat raw or undercooked meat, as it can be a source of the bacteria.
5. Salmonella
Salmonella is a serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted from cats to humans through contaminated food, water, or objects. Symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
To prevent salmonella, make sure to properly clean your cat’s bowls and feeding area. Also, avoid feeding your cat raw or undercooked meat and make sure to wash your hands before and after handling your pet’s food.
In conclusion, as much as we love our feline friends, it’s important to be aware of the potential diseases they can carry. By following good hygiene practices and being vigilant, you can reduce your risk of getting sick. If you suspect that you have any of these diseases, seek medical attention immediately. Stay safe and enjoy your cat!
