Can my cat get a cold (or other sickness) from me?

Question

I have a cold and I aways hold my cat close to my face... can my cat get sick from this?

Answer 1

Hi Erik...fortunately your cat cannot catch your cold and vice versa as the virus is species specific.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-My-Cat-Catch-a-Cold?&id=446420

Answer 2

Kitties can catch colds. I've never heard of a cat catching an illness from a human though. But that's probably because it's not reported.

You may want to refrain from holding your kitty to your face until you feel better.

Good luck, and get well!

Answer 3

No your cat cannot catch a cold from you. Most of what they get are cat only diseases, meaning they won't even transmit them to dogs. On the other hand there are several diseases that animals can transmit to you that are called Zoonotic Diseases (ie Rabies). It is important to make sure your cat is update on all shots so they can't acquire certain diseases. Ask your veterinarian if you want to know more.

Answer 4

I wouldn't do that. Some may say it isn't possible, but there are some diseases that can cross species, and rhinoviruses (common colds) are one of them. Treat your pet like the living, breathing playmate that it is. Have respect for it's health. It is not a plaything or a toy.

Do not expose your cat to any person who is sick, and that includes you. And, if your cat gets sick, take him/her to the doctor. Animals react differently to diseases, and what may be a minor illness to you can be a very serious illness to your cat.

Please treat your cat as well as you would want to be treated, if you exchanged places. Try to put yourself in his place.

Answer 5

"The answer to that is no and “no” you cannot catch your cat’s cold. It is said that cold viruses are species-specific, which means pets and humans cannot pass a cold back and forth.

While we can (for the most part) “doctor” our colds with over-the-counter remedies, our cats cannot.

A cold is serious business for a cat and even more serious if you have a multiple cat household.

Oddly enough, your cat’s symptoms will be very similar to yours, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing and sometimes a mucous discharge either from its nose or mouth. It is also possible for your cat to have a breathing problem, cold sore type ulcers around it mouth and red teary eyes that have a discharge.

Cat colds are very contagious and interestingly, cats are more susceptible to colds in the summer time."

"While most human diseases only affect people, and most of the diseases which our pets suffer from only affect cats and/or dogs, it is important to know that there are some diseases that can affect both humans and animals. These are known as zoonotic diseases, diseases which can be passed from pets to people or from people to pets.

Many of you may be wondering how dangerous the threat of these zoonotic diseases can be. The truth is, you’re more likely to "catch" a disease from another person than from your cat or dog. And a little common sense, attention to hygiene, using caution when handling animal wastes, and following preventive health care measures such as flea and tick control can go a long ways towards protecting you from these diseases as well.

What kind of diseases are considered zoonotic? There are many of them. Zoonotic diseases may be bacterial infections (like cat scratch disease, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis), parasitic diseases (such as roundworms and hookworms), fungal infections (including "ringworm"), or protozoan diseases (giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and toxoplasmosis, for example) and viral infections (like rabies). There are actually way too many zoonotic diseases to name here, but we have listed some of the most common ones.

Most of these diseases pose only minor threat to you and your family. However, individuals who have compromised immune systems may be more susceptible. Young children are a special risk because of the habit of putting their fingers in their mouth or not properly washing their hands before handling food."

Answer 6

no cats can't catch sicknesses from us just like we can't catch it from cats unless it's like ringworm or something

Answer 7

no