Having a cat at home can be wonderful, but you may want to be aware of diseases humans can get from cats. Here are three diseases cats can carry, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Salmonella
Getting Salmonella can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the more common factors are eating undercooked poultry and eggs, and consuming contaminated food. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, and muscle aches. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to be hospitalized.
Cats are often carriers of Salmonella. They may also be exposed to Salmonella through contact with infected animals. A cat that is a carrier of Salmonella may not exhibit any symptoms, but they can spread the bacteria to other cats.
Cats that are carriers of Salmonella have a weakened immune system. This means that they can get the infection more easily. If your cat is a carrier of Salmonella, you should wash your hands after you visit an infected area, and you should never share food with your cat.
Campylobacter
Several species of the bacterium Campylobacter are considered zoonotic, meaning they can cause disease in people and animals. These bacteria can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, and they are commonly found in warm-blooded animals. They can also be found in humans and can affect the small and large intestines. They can also be found in body fluids, such as urine and blood.
The most common type of human Campylobacter infection is a gastrointestinal disease known as gastroenteritis. The symptoms are usually a fever and diarrhea. The condition is usually mild, but may also cause abdominal pain and a poor appetite. It can also lead to complications such as arthritis.
Toxoplasma gondii
Almost all warm-blooded animals, such as cows, sheep, pigs, horses, rabbits and humans, are infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The infection can be transmitted to humans in several ways. The most common method is eating infected meat. The infection can also be acquired from unpasteurized dairy products and by ingesting parasites in cat feces.
Toxoplasma gondii can also be transmitted to humans as a tissue cyst. Tissue cysts may remain for years in the host’s body. They are unreactive and cannot be detected by conventional immunosorbent assays.
Acute toxoplasmosis is a serious disease that can affect immunosuppressed individuals. It usually occurs when the parasite oocysts are eaten. It can cause lymphadenopathy, fever, and fatigue. It may also be accompanied by convulsions and coma. It may also lead to large necrotic abscesses in the brain. It is also associated with mental retardation.
Ringworm
Symptoms of ringworm include red skin lesions, oozing boils, scaling, and discoloration of the skin. It can spread to other pets, people, and animals in the home. Fortunately, ringworm is treatable.
The most common treatment is oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole. Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of six weeks. If you suspect that your cat has ringworm, contact your veterinarian.
The fungal culture method is the most reliable way to diagnose ringworm. It requires a sample of the cat’s hair. A fungal culture may take up to three weeks to get results.
Cryptococcosis
Several species of Cryptococcus are found worldwide. Cryptococcus gattii is native to the Pacific Northwest and Australia and is associated with a number of tree species.
Cryptococcosis may occur as an isolated infection, or it may present as a part of an underlying disease. It can affect various organs, including the skin, the central nervous system, and the kidneys.
Cats can develop cryptococcosis if they are exposed to spores. The spores can invade the skin and the central nervous system, and they can then cause the infection. These spores are inhaled into the air. They can also invade the urinary tract.
Psittacosis
Getting psittacosis is not common for humans, but it can be caused by a virus known as Chlamydia psittaci. This infection can cause serious diseases in both humans and animals, and has caused many deaths in animals.
Getting psittacosis can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, which includes keeping bird cages clean and disinfected. Those who have pet birds should quarantine their birds for a period of time after introducing them to another bird.
People who work in the animal industry, especially those who handle and care for infected birds, are at risk of contracting this disease. People who have contact with the fecal matter of infected animals, such as the equine, can also contract this disease.
Allergies to cats
Approximately 12% of Americans are allergic to cats. Cat allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, nasal stuffiness, itchy throat, and sinus pressure over the eyes. A cat allergy can also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that may lead to difficulty breathing.
Cat allergies can also be triggered by other substances, such as dust mites or mold. In addition, environmental allergies can be inherited.
Cat allergy symptoms may occur within minutes of exposure to dander. The presence of a cat in a child’s life has been shown to reduce the risk of developing allergies later in life.
