For families who own cats, one of the most important concerns is whether cat diseases can be easily transmitted to humans. While most cat diseases are not contagious to humans, the few that can be transmitted are known as zoonotic diseases.
As a cat owner, it's crucial to pay attention and take preventative measures.
1. Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin disease in cats caused by a fungus. The type of disease that develops is similar to an athlete's foot, and cats with ringworm generally have round or oval patches of hair loss and skin lesions. However, if a cat already has ringworm, there is a good chance that the owner will become infected while caring for the cat. People with low immunity and allergies are especially susceptible to infection.
Symptoms can range from itchy skin and red rashes to more serious cases with hair loss and skin lesions. It's essential to improve your immunity, keep the environment dry, focus on the cat's health and hygiene, and maintain a clean living environment. By doing so, people can generally recover soon.
2. Salmonella Infection
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause intestinal infections in cats and can be contracted by eating raw meat or eating wild animals that carry the bacteria. The disease can also be transmitted from cats to humans through feces. Salmonella may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting in people, especially those with poor resistance such as the elderly and children. However, practicing good home hygiene is usually sufficient in preventing the spread of salmonella.
3. Parasitic Infections
Cats can contract various types of parasites, both external (such as fleas) and internal (such as tapeworms). Fleas can be prevented by reducing the number of cats going outside and regular deworming. Tapeworms can be transmitted to humans through feces, so washing hands regularly after cleaning up after your cat is crucial. Regular vaccination and deworming of your cat, along with maintaining a sanitary environment, can help prevent parasitic infections.
4. Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch disease is caused by the pathogen Baltons, which can be carried in the blood of about 10% of pet cats or 33% of stray cats. The disease is usually contracted after a person is scratched by a cat or comes into close contact with a cat. If a person is infected with cat scratch disease, a non-purulent inflammation will usually appear locally in the area of the scratch or bite after 3-7 days. For example, erythema or papules, or even granulomatous or purulent lymphadenopathy of the head or face.
5. Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus. It mainly affects the nervous system and is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as through a dog or cat bite or scratch. The incubation period is generally 20 to 90 days, and symptoms may include fear of water, breathing difficulties, and convulsions. The lethality rate is 100%, so it's crucial to seek medical attention and get vaccinated promptly in the event of a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
