Cats, diseases from

Various parasites and infectious organisms can spread from cats to humans. The most serious disease is rabies. Cat-scratch fever is an uncommon illness caused by infection with the bacterium following a cat scratch or bite. Cats commonly carry the protozoan, which causes toxoplasmosis. Infection, usually from contact with cat’s faeces, is not generally serious but has serious consequences if a woman is infected during pregnancy. Cat faeces may also carry eggs of the cat roundworm, a possible cause of toxocariasis. Rarely, a larva from an ingested roundworm egg migrates to and lodges in an eye, causing deterioration of vision or even blindness. Children who have been playing in sand or soil contaminated by cat faeces are most commonly affected. Other cat-related disorders in humans include tinea (ringworm), fungal infections of the skin, bites from cat fleas, and allergic reactions to dander that may cause asthma or urticaria. Diseases from cats can be avoided by good hygiene, veterinary care for animals that are ill, and regular worming and flea treatment of cats.