What Can I Catch from My Cat?

Dear Editor, Household pets are animals kept within their homes for different purposes such as companionship, work, enjoyment, or psychological support. These pets can be colonized or infected with various bacteria that are harmful to both animals and humans. Pet-associated bacterial zoonoses are a relatively overlooked area as compared to food-borne zoonoses.[1] However, close contact between people and their pets can lead to the transmission of such bacteria through direct contact (such as petting, licking, or physical injuries) or indirect contact through contamination of food and the surrounding environment. Studies have demonstrated that cats are excellent emotional support providers and can uplift the mood of their owners. However, cat owners should keep in mind that cats can carry harmful germs which can lead to various illnesses in humans, ranging from minor skin infections to serious diseases. To prevent getting sick, it is strongly recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling, cleaning up, or feeding cats. It is important to note that cats can transmit a multitude of diseases to humans through various means such as inhalation, vector-borne spread, fecal-oral route, bite, scratch, puncture, soil-borne spread, and direct contact. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary precautions and maintain proper hygiene to avoid any potential risks associated with these modes of transmission. Cat bite wound infections in humans are typically caused by a mixture of aerobic (such as Pasteurella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus) and anaerobic (such as Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and Bacteroides) microorganisms. These infections are usually polymicrobial, which means that they involve different types of bacteria.[2] The bacteria found in infected cat bites usually reflect the oral flora of the cat, which is influenced by the microbiome of the cat’s prey and other foods it eats. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a type of Gram-negative coccobacillus that has been known to cause an illness similar to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in humans, particularly in children. This bacterium can be detected in the respiratory tracts of both healthy and clinically ill animals, including domestic and laboratory cats. It is important to note that cats are the natural reservoir host for Bartonella henselae, which induces subclinical bacteremia in erythrocytes. Cats that have been impounded or were once strays are more likely to have bacteria in their bloodstream compared to cats that have been domesticated for longer periods. Fleas can easily transfer bacteria like Bartonella from one cat to another, which is another factor that could lead to bacteremia. Additionally, cats that are younger than 1 year old are more susceptible to bacteremia because they have not yet developed enough immunity to fight off infection. As cats age, they become more immune to diseases like this from being exposed to bacteria in their environment. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is often acquired by eating undercooked meat. However, it can also be contracted by coming into contact with cat feces. Pregnant women can pass the parasite to their unborn child, which can be very dangerous. The parasite can also cause damage to the inner eye tissues, which can occur even in healthy individuals. However, people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the disease.[3] No matter how adorable our pets may seem, it is essential to take appropriate care and precautions at all times. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.