Health concerns about too many cats.?

Question

My 6 yr old daughter spends a lot of time with a older woman down the street, who is sort of an adopted grandmother we will call Helen(all biological grandparents are deceased). Helen loves cats, way too many cats, the back yard has a huge pen that connects to the house, so there may be a dozen or more cats in the house at times. When I go over there, and walk into the house, I am hit with this real thick 'cat smelling' air, sort of a cross between the litter box smell and cat food smell. I am concerned about the health of my daughter when she is over there for several hours at a time, and she tells me she is used to the smell and it does not bother her. I like the fact my daughter has this friendship, but not at the expense of her health. My wife does not seem to be as concerned about this as I. I keep telling Helen to get an air filter, what kind would be of the most use? I will ask the same of our vet.

Any comments are appreciated

Answer 1

Is the smell an ammonia smell? With a large number of cats even if they are using the litter boxes the amount of ammonia in the air can reach high levels. Ammonia can be toxic, that's one of the reasons you will see animal rescue personnel wearing special masks when they enter houses that have a large number of animals. High levels of ammonia can be dangerous.

Answer 2

I feel that as long as the cats are healthy, in good shape and are taken to the vet when they get sick, there's probably no problem with your daughter's health. The woman is, however, a cat hoarder. In most areas, especially in cities, it is illegal to keep so many cats. With some people they think they are "rescuing" all of these cats but the cats end up in worse shape after they are taken in by these people.

Unfortunately, for the smell there isn't much of an air filter that will help. It will help with the dust from the litter but not what's permeated into the flooring and furniture. A really bad smell is also a sign of a cat hoarder.

You're doing the right thing in going to your vet. He will be able to assess the problem, if there is one, better than anyone else.

I do have to say, however, that if I had a neighbor like that when I was a kid, I would have been in heaven.

Answer 3

Sounds like cystitis (urinary tract infection). Can be painful. When you go to the vet ask for a geriatric profile (blood and urine test). this will tell you everything you need to know. Don't stress too much I have had two cat live to 19 and 22 years old, both had the same problem you are describing. The vet may put her on Fortekor for blood pressure which takes strain off the kidneys. It's 1 or 1/2 tablet once a day, but you must give it everyday at the same time. very easy, email me if the vet puts her on Fortekor, will tell you all I know, had both cats on it for 8 years.

Answer 4

The smell won't harm your daughter. Other things to be concerned about:
1. worms and other parasites (fleas)
2. toxoplasmosis

Talk to your family doctor about these. Inform your daughter to be very careful about washing her hands often, wearing bug repelent, and not eating anything before taking precautions.
I have had cats my entire life, even when I brought my premature son home from the hospital. There is a need for good sense and cleanliness, but if she is happy to spend time with the lady and her cats, let her.

Answer 5

Good answers. Plus, let your daughter know what to do if one scratches her. Not from an extreme standpoint, just "cat scratch fever". Mainly, wash the scratch, use a topical antibiotic and watch it for redness etc.

We only have 2 cats and we have lots of air filters, and they don't help with odor, just dust & dander. We have to use cleaning products & enzymes etc to control the odor.

God forbid this woman becomes unable to care for the all of the cats and one dies or something.

Answer 6

don't mess up the friendship i think it could be alot of different things that your smelling like old people smell cat smell just go there and look for your self and make sure there is no health hazard

Answer 7

I think the only health concern would be the litterbox. there are organisms that humans can contract,and they dwell in the litterbox. tell your daughter not to go near the litterbox, and she should be fine. anytime you handle the litterbox or its contents, you should wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.