My five-year-old is a huge animal lover, so when he came across a street cat he was more than happy to carry it around and play with it for a while. I found out about it only as he tried to sneak it into his bedroom. He has seen this cat again and insists on playing with it. Well, now I, overreacting parent that I am, wonder what the chances are of him getting sick from this cat. Also, needless to say, he now wants us to own a cat (we already own a dog), but I'm not at all familiar with the hygiene issues involved. Could this cat make him sick? Is a cat a convenient (health-wise) pet for a kid?
2007-10-03 12:06:57 · 7 answers · asked by zahiralzahir 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Does the cat "look" healthy or mangy? Chances are, he's fine. Being an animal lover myself I have picked up dozens of stray cats growing up, and kept a few! As long as your son has not been bitten or scratched I doubt if you have anything to worry about, other than maybe fleas or possibly ringworm or something, but if you plan to keep the cat, take it right to the vet and get it vaccinated and you will have no problems. Cats are great pets for anyone, they are low maintenance and just friendly enough, but independent. It sounds like your son has already made a friend! :)
2007-10-03 12:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by natsaprass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are wonderful pets. They are very clean animals. As for a street cat the cat seems pretty friendly (he is letting your son hold it) this would lead me to believe that the cat has not been on the street very long. I do not think that this cat is what they call a feral cat. It is more likely that a family got tired of having the cat and dumped him on the street. Sadly this happens all to often. If you are planning on getting a pet cat why not adopt this one. Simply bring it to your vet and have it get a check up and vaccinations. If you are concerned about your child catching anything from this particular cat I again suggest that you take it to the vet or the humane society and find out if it has anything. Without seeing the cat we can not tell you if it does in fact have something. The most common things that a person could catch is ringworm. You would be able to tell if the cat had this by looking at it. There is also the chance of lice.
2007-10-03 12:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by D and G Gifts Etc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, most cat diseases stay with felines and don't cross over. The exception would be rabies (very few would have rabies, since they die from it), parasites like worms/fleas, and possible skin conditions like ringworm.
All the parasites and skin conditions are treatable.
Our strays around here aren't carriers of anything nasty. If the cat looks healthy, chances are there's not much to worry about if he washes his hands afterwards. If the cat is ill, that doesn't necessarily mean it's from disease--outdoor cats can be injured when jumping/falling, hit by a car, chased by dogs & kids, etc. An outside source may be at fault. You need to evaluate the cat with an open mind.
We never regretted taking in the two outdoor strays we have. They're good cats.
2007-10-03 12:59:15 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main health issues are rabies and worms. Round worms can cause blindness, brain damage and other health problems. They don't infect humans like they do to other animals. It is very rare, but I still deworm my pets and childern regularly. If you keep him get him dewormed, vaccinated and fixed soon! As for kids and cats I have 4 kids and 3 cats. I have only had 1 issue with my old cat scratching, but "soft paws" nail caps solved that fast! Plus the cat would be better in a home then on the street! Good luck!
2007-10-03 12:12:48 · answer #4 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may seem healthy, but you may want take it to a vet. Depending on where you live, some organizations provide these services for free....neuter/spade and vaccinations, just do a little research.
As for what it may pass to your child...as mentioned in the 1st answer Tape worm is a possibility. Also, ring worm is a possiblility...not a good time. I've had it once from a dog my roommate brought home. The cat may not have signs of anything yet, doesn't mean it doesn't have anything tho.
2007-10-03 12:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by Nia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No more then a dog could make him sick. rabies is extremely rare and cats diseases don't transmit to human. You will find (hopefully) that cats are cleaner animals then dogs. Noth are great pets
2007-10-03 12:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by Ken 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to have this cat for your pet take it to the pet first just to know the cat has nothing contagious to harm your child;get up to date shots for the cat
2007-10-03 13:15:38 · answer #7 · answered by Sunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋