Cats can transmit several zoonotic diseases to humans, including toxoplasmosis, ringworm, cat scratch disease, and rabies. Most are preventable with good hygiene, flea/tick control, and regular veterinary care.
🐾 Common Cat-to-Human Diseases (Zoonoses)
| Disease | Cause | How Humans Get It | Symptoms in Humans | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toxoplasmosis | Toxoplasma gondii parasite | Contact with cat feces, contaminated soil, or undercooked meat | Flu-like symptoms; dangerous for pregnant women (risk to fetus) | Wash hands, clean litter box daily, avoid raw meat |
| Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) | Bartonella henselae bacteria | Scratches or bites from cats, especially kittens | Swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue | Keep cats flea-free, wash scratches immediately |
| Ringworm | Fungal infection (Microsporum canis) | Direct contact with infected cat’s skin/fur | Circular red rash, itchy skin | Regular vet checks, disinfect bedding, treat infected pets |
| Rabies | Rabies virus | Bite from infected cat | Neurological symptoms, fatal if untreated | Vaccinate cats, avoid stray animals |
| Campylobacteriosis | Campylobacter bacteria | Contact with cat feces | Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever | Good hygiene, handwashing after litter box |
| Salmonellosis | Salmonella bacteria | Handling cat feces or raw food diets | Diarrhea, fever, stomach pain | Avoid raw feeding, wash hands |
| Giardiasis | Giardia parasite | Contact with contaminated feces or water | Diarrhea, cramps, nausea | Clean litter box, safe water |
| Cryptosporidiosis | Cryptosporidium parasite | Contact with feces | Watery diarrhea, dehydration | Hygiene, avoid exposure to sick cats |
| Toxocariasis | Roundworm (Toxocara cati) | Ingesting eggs from contaminated soil/feces | Fever, vision problems (rare) | Deworm cats regularly |
| Plague (rare) | Yersinia pestis bacteria | Fleas from cats in endemic areas | Fever, swollen lymph nodes | Flea control, avoid wild rodents |
⚠️ Key Risks & Considerations
- Pregnant women should be especially cautious of toxoplasmosis due to risks to unborn babies.
- Children are more vulnerable to ringworm and roundworm infections because of close contact and weaker hygiene habits.
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy) face higher risks from zoonotic infections.
✅ Prevention Tips
- Wash hands after handling cats or cleaning litter boxes.
- Keep cats indoors to reduce exposure to parasites and rabies.
- Regular vet visits for vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick prevention.
- Avoid rough play that could lead to scratches or bites.
- Clean litter boxes daily and disinfect surfaces.