September 14, 2024, 3:11 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Some diseases and infections are not only transmissible between animals but can also pass from our domestic cats to us humans. These are known as feline zoonoses. Fortunately, this is rare, and the symptoms are usually mild. Petbook explains which diseases of domestic cats are transmissible and how to treat them successfully.
When animals transmit diseases to humans, these are known as zoonoses. There are currently around 200 known zoonoses worldwide. The direction in which the pathogen is transmitted can be from animal to human or from human to animal. There are also pathogens for which both directions of infection are possible. Today, we are looking at zooantroponosis (from animals to humans) and, in particular, the transmission of diseases from cats to humans. How the pathogens spread can vary. For example, through bites, via intermediate hosts, via vectors such as mosquitoes, lice, ticks, or even wind, via food, and via smear infections. Below, we present the best-known feline zoonoses, explain the symptoms, and how the diseases are treated.
Overview
Ear mites
Ear mites are parasites commonly found in cats. While not a disease, they can cause conditions that may affect humans. Moreover, an infestation is annoying and can lead to inflammation and secondary diseases. The mites are tiny and have a creamy white to light brown color. They are difficult to see with the naked eye. Ear mites live in the cat’s ear canals and feed on earwax and tissue fluid. However, they also feel at home in our ear canal. If your cat is infested, you should act promptly as the mites multiply quickly. A common sign of an ear mite infestation is severe scratching, shaking of the head, and a brownish, crumbly deposit in the ear.
Symptoms:
- One of the most common symptoms of an ear mite infection is intense itching in the ear canal.
- In some cases, pain may occur in the ear, especially if wounds caused by scratching have become infected.
- There may be a yellowish or brown secretion from the ear.
Treatment:
The ear canal must be cleaned professionally to remove excess wax, ear mites, and eggs. This can be done with special ear-cleaning solutions and under medical supervision. Cats and humans are prescribed antimicrobial or acaricidal (anti-mite) medication to combat ear mites. These medications can be applied in the form of drops, ointments, or lotions.
Prevention:
Regular veterinary examinations and good hygiene practices, such as regular litter box cleaning and regular brushing of the cat’s coat, can help reduce the risk of ear mite infections.
Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease):
Bartonellosis, also known as cat scratch disease, is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. The infection usually occurs when a cat bites or scratches a human and transmits the disease, making it one of the feline zoonoses.
Symptoms:
- swollen skin lesions that may hurt.
- regional swelling of the lymph nodes
- flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches.
Treatment:
Most healthy people recover quickly without specific treatment, but people with weakened immune systems can develop more severe symptoms and, therefore, often require medical treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication is used for this. Antibiotics are necessary for severe and long-lasting symptoms.
Prevention:
It is advisable to avoid contact with stray or feral cats, especially those that show outward signs of illness. In addition, any bite or scratch wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after contact.
Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection that multiplies in the bile and upper small intestine. Cats transmit this disease to humans primarily via saliva. This happens, for example, when cats groom their owner devotedly, and the owner then touches their face with their hand. However, the bacterial load must be quite high for this to happen, so it is mainly infants who constantly have their hands in their mouths that are affected.
Symptoms:
- Diarrhea, often watery or slimy, may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
- An elevated body temperature may occur, especially with severe infections.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are less common.
Treatment:
In case of diarrhea, it is important to compensate for fluid and electrolyte loss to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte solutions to keep the body hydrated. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to shorten the duration of symptoms and fight the bacterial infection.
Prevention:
Cats can become infected from raw poultry or meat, so care must be taken here. Ensure thorough kitchen hygiene by cooking food properly, using cutting boards and utensils separately, and washing your hands thoroughly. Contaminated drinking water can also contain bacteria. Therefore, change your cat’s drinking water regularly.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or direct contact with infected animals, including cats.
Symptoms:
The most common symptoms include sudden diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and general malaise may also occur.
Treatment:
In the case of diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Drinking enough water and electrolyte solutions can help prevent dehydration. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases to help fight the infection. This is usually recommended for severe or complicated cases or for those at higher risk of complications.
Prevention:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after contact with animals, animal feces, or raw poultry and meat.
- Separate foods such as raw poultry and meat from other foods, use separate cutting boards and kitchen utensils, and make sure food is cooked sufficiently.
- Wear gloves when cleaning the litter tray, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Note: It is important to see a doctor if salmonellosis is suspected to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment, as salmonella can also be transmitted to other pets, such as dogs.
Toxoplasmosis
One of the most well-known feline zoonoses that cats transmit to humans is probably toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is common in cats. Humans can become infected through contact with cat feces or by eating raw or undercooked meat contaminated with Toxoplasma. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. However, most people have mild or no symptoms. Pregnant women should be particularly careful, as an infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for the unborn child.
Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Inflammation of the throat and pharynx may occur, accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
- In some people, the liver and spleen may swell due to the infection.
- In rare cases, inflammation of the eyes may occur, which can lead to a reduction in visual acuity.
Treatment:
Mild cases of toxoplasmosis do not usually require specific treatment. The symptoms can be treated with painkillers and antipyretics. Those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women may require treatment with antiparasitic medications such as sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine to stop the parasite from reproducing.
Prevention:
Pregnant women should take precautions, including avoiding raw or undercooked meat, to prevent infection during pregnancy.
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Sources
- aerztezeitung.de, “Germ Spreaders: Dogs and Cats” (accessed on 05.07.2023)
- Onmeda, “Cat scratch disease” (accessed on 05.07.2023)
- netdoktor.de, “Zoonoses” (accessed on 05.07.2023)