well im getting two pet rats soon and I wanted to know if they can pass diseases to eachother?
2007-03-28 14:38:48 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes
2007-03-28 14:42:26 · answer #1 · answered by Melinda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing they definitely can pass is fleas, so make sure your cats are up to date on flea prevention. As far as other problems, theres nothing that I am aware of or have come across in any of my rat books, but if there is a disease that cats and rats both can get, I'm sure they could pass it to one another.
If you are concerned about your cats getting sick from your new rats, there are a few things you can do to lessen any risks. First, make sure the rats you get are healthy. Observe them in their cage or aquarium at the pet store or breeders. They should be active and interested in you. They should not sneeze or have red deposits around their eyes or nose (could be a sign of respiratory illness). They should not scratch themselves excessively or have any patchiness to their coat. Ideally, for tempermant, they should come over to check you out when you put your hand in,.
When you bring your new babies home, you should probably quarrantine them for safety's sake. Put them in a room that the cats don't go in. Wash your hands after handling/petting your cats or rats. Two weeks is usually good, and after that you can introduce your cats to your new buddies (always under supervision!).
2007-03-30 11:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by shellsomers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know cats can get Leptospirosis from rat feces. There are probably other diseases that cats can become infected with, due to rats. There is a vaccine for this given to dogs and I would imagine there is a vaccine for cats as well. I haven't a clue if a rat can become infected with a cat disease, though.
2007-03-28 21:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by Im Listening 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well probolly. But if you get the rats from a pet store than the rat shouldn't have any diseases. If none of them don't have any diseases than they can't pass it.
2007-03-28 21:45:36 · answer #4 · answered by Matt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-03-28 21:41:09 · answer #5 · answered by helloprissykitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Amongst other ways is also through the ticks fleas and other bloodsuckers a rat carries.
2007-03-28 21:47:24 · answer #6 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I've never had any cases of that happening, and I've owned rats & cats together for several years.
2007-03-28 21:46:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Have you heard about leptospirosis, black plague, rabies and others evil-human-extermiantion diseases
2007-03-28 21:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Doctor house Veterinario 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sure they can. Any living thing can infect another. All it takes is one germ to get by.
2007-03-28 21:42:05 · answer #9 · answered by James Wilson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-03-28 21:41:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋