Top 10 Diseases That Cats Transmit to Humans

The diseases that cats can pass to humans are known as zoonotic diseases. These are caused by pathogens which spread from the cat to the human and result in a pathology that can be of varying seriousness.

These diseases can be transmitted to people, but it is also important to protect other cats and animals. In today’s article, we are going to review the 10 diseases that cats can transmit to humans.

1. Cat Scratch Disease

Bartonella henselae is a bacteria transmitted to cats from fleas. It is the etiological agent of cat scratch disease, which affects people while cats present a subclinical infection.

In people, a febrile illness occurs, characterized by the development of swollen lymph nodes close to the site of the scratch. Spontaneous resolution of the condition usually occurs after 2 to 4 weeks.

2. Toxoplasmosis

This disease, which cats can transmit, is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. It is caused by a parasite spread by eating undercooked meat and unwashed fruits or vegetables, as well as coming into contact with contaminated cat feces.

Although relatively rare, pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box or, at the very least, use gloves and wash their hands carefully afterward.

3. Allergy

Cats can cause allergies in sensitive people. The allergy is not caused by cat hair but by an allergenic protein found mostly in dander and saliva; it can also be found in urine and tears.

When a cat grooms itself, it spreads the allergen via saliva all over its body, which is why many mistakenly believe that cat hair itself causes the allergy.

4. Rabies

A cat with rabies can bite people and transmit the virus, causing symptoms such as headache, fever, hallucinations, aggression, muscle spasms, and fatigue.

If not treated in time, it will lead to the death of the infected person. For this reason, it is essential to vaccinate our felines against this disease.

5. Ringworm

This condition has a fungal origin and is caused by dermatophyte fungi, transmitted through contact with infected skin while petting an affected cat.

Treatment involves thorough disinfection of the home to eliminate the fungi from the environment and oral and topical antifungals for comprehensive elimination from the cat.

6. Sporotrichosis

This disease is also caused by a fungus. It manifests in cats with swelling, sores, or wounds on the face that do not heal. The disease is contracted through scratches or after contact with contaminated matter.

Sporotrichosis is common in cats from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and requires prolonged drug treatment.

7. Cutaneous Larva Migrans

This condition is caused by the larva of hookworm parasites. While adult hookworms in the intestines of cats are hematophagous and cause chronic traumatic enteritis, the larvae that cause CLM do not feed on blood.

Instead, they penetrate human skin, often through contact with contaminated soil or direct contact with an infested cat, causing an itchy rash as they migrate through the skin.

8. Visceral Larva Migrans

This cat-borne disease is caused by Toxocara parasites, which reach humans after oral ingestion of the eggs found in soil contaminated by infected cat feces or contact with an infested cat without washing hands afterward. It is especially common in children.

9. Scabies

This condition is caused by mites that can survive up to 3 days in the environment outside the host. If we are in contact with a cat that suffers from scabies, these parasites can pass to our skin and infect us.

It is also possible that the disease is transmitted through objects or materials that have been in contact with the mites of the infected feline.

10. Salmonellosis

The Salmonella bacteria cause this disease, which is most dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. Transmission occurs through the feces of infected carrier cats, either through direct contact or through contaminated food or water.

Let us know if you have experience with any of these diseases, and I'll see you next time.