can cats spread disease to humans?

Question

I let a stray cat inmy house- can i get a disease from the cat?
(i'm not pregnant.)

Answer 1

Hi there...there are some zoonotic diseases that can be passed from pet to humans: http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/zoonotic/

Heartworms
Leptospirosis
Sporotrichnosis
Toxoplasmosis
Ticks
Hepatitis
Giardia
Cat Scratch Disease or cat scratch fever (Bartonella henselae)
Ringworm (Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.)

CDC's info on Diseases cats carry: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/cats.htm

Answer 2

Sarcoptic mange, ringworm, instestinal parasites, toxoplasmosis, cat scratch fever (caused by bacteria in the cat's saliva in the mouth or on the claws), rabies.....all can be transmitted to humans, although instances are usually low. Sarcoptic mange and ringworm can usually be seen by the naked eye, toxoplasmosis is contracted through contact with feces, cat scratch fever only occurs if one is bitten or scratched by the cat (and not all cats carry the bacteria), and rabies....well, most animals don't live long with rabies, and this again is only something that is transmitted through bites.

Just get the cat to the vet as soon as you can. Until then, I wouldn't worry too much unless the cat bites or scratches you, or just looks unhealthy (if there are any strange areas on the skin, try not to touch the cat).

Answer 3

If the cat looks healthy, though thin, it's probably fine. The disease that pregnant women can get is called toxoplasmosis. It is transmitted by feces. Enjoy your new kitty, don't be afraid of it. I did get ringworm on my chin when I was in middle school from a stray kitten, we both recovered quickly with the right cream.

Answer 4

Absolutely, I rescued a stray and a few weeks later ended up with ringworm - turns out I caught it from the caught - she showed no symptoms but was a carrier, we both got treated and are now fine but yes, you can catch a disease from a cat.

Answer 5

it might have rabies
you can get worms from animals
mage
their flees might have some rodent disease like the plague.
take the cat to the vet to make sure its OK
always wash your hands.

but if she or he looks healthy things might be ok

Answer 6

Only thing I have heard of is something in the litter that can make pregnant women sick. Dogs can carry sickness more readily.. but just about any pet has possibility of carrying something.

Unless that cat has caked up eyes, running nose and throwing up everywhere... I wouldn't worry.

Answer 7

Yes, well at my school we are doing a project on Toxoplasmosis. This is a diesease caused by their feces
bibi now

Answer 8

i think the only things that can be passed from cats to humans are worms (if you come into contact with the cat's poop), certain types of mild colds, and rabies. as long as the cat is up-to-date on its rabies shots or is acting normally for a cat, you should be ok.

Answer 9

yes.
i would take it to the vet and get it checked out