Last updated on: October 24, 2023 by Crystal Uys
While countless studies tout the physical and mental benefits of pet ownership, it can still be distressing for immunocompromised people to welcome an animal into their home. However, don’t let the fear of contracting infections from cats deter you from adopting one. With the right precautions, cats and immunocompromised patients can live together harmoniously. Read on to find out which diseases your cat may put you at risk of developing, as well as our tips for reducing your risk of contracting these infections from your pet.
Our 9 tips for living safely with immunocompromised cats:
1. Keep your cat indoors.
Keeping your cat indoors not only protects him and the wildlife in your area, but also minimizes the risk of your cat catching diseases from other animals. If your pet does not catch infectious diseases, it cannot transmit them to you.
2. Know the risks.
Before adopting a cat, ask your doctor and future veterinarian about any infections or diseases you may be at risk of contracting from your pet. Knowing what you could potentially contract from your cat will make you more aware and on guard.
3. Practice safe food handling.
Whether your new cat is on a raw or commercial diet, you will need to be very careful when preparing their food. Disinfect all surfaces and utensils that touch food and do not use the same surface to prepare their food as yours. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after mealtime.
Note: You might consider feeding only commercially prepared foods and treats rather than raw foods, as both you and your pet can get sick from raw meat.
4. Have your pet tested.
Have your cat tested for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. Although these diseases are not transmissible to humans, they can impact your cat’s immune system. If his immune system is not in good shape, he is more likely to develop other infections. can spread to humans.
5. Keep your cat’s nails trimmed.
Trim your cat’s nails weekly. Try to avoid rough types of play and situations that might cause you to scratch, as cats can infect humans with diseases by scratching.
Never declaw your cat. This practice is inhumane and ineffective in preventing injuries. Cats without claws will turn to biting for protection if they feel threatened. A cat bite is even more harmful to humans than a scratch.
6. Be smart about your litter box duties.
Keep your cat’s litter box away from areas of the house where you will eat. Consider using disposable pan liners that can be thrown away with each litter change.
If you live with other people, have them clean the litter box. If you live alone, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from feces and dust particles in the litter box.
Daily collection is essential to prevent toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Humans can catch it by eating undercooked meat or coming into contact with cat feces. Serious illness can occur in people with weakened immune systems, so you should take steps to prevent infection.
7. Adopt from a trusted source.
Do not select a street cat to bring into your home. As nice as it is to know that you are rescuing a cat from a wild life, you know nothing about that cat’s health history or even where it came from.
When you adopt from the breeder, you will receive an exact date of birth, medical history and a vaccination record. The same goes when adopting from a local shelter. These cats will have been examined once by the veterinarian, so you will know as much as possible about their medical history.
8. Keep an open line of communication with your veterinarian.
Regular veterinary checkups ensure your cat stays healthy. It is particularly important for immunocompromised people to have their animals checked regularly for the presence of parasites. Your veterinarian will likely recommend vaccinating your pet against zoonotic diseases to keep you and him safe.
9. Keep your cat out of your bedroom.
Having separate sleeping quarters is a good idea for someone who is immunocompromised. Humans are very vulnerable when they sleep, so keeping your cat out of your bedroom at night can protect you from random attacks when you least expect it.
What diseases are transmitted by cats?
Cats can spread several diseases that you should learn about before signing adoption papers. Although the diseases and conditions below are not exhaustive, they will give you a good idea of the types of bacteria your cat could transmit to you and what could happen if you become infected.
Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter spp.)
This disease is spread in several ways, but for the purposes of our article, we’ll just talk about how people can contract it from their cats. Pet owners most commonly contract this disease after coming into contact with the feces of an infected cat. It is usually contracted if people do not wash their hands thoroughly after petting their cat or cleaning their litter box, although open wounds can also become infected with the bacteria.
Symptoms of this disease in humans include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
This disease can sometimes cause complications like temporary paralysis and even spread to the bloodstream, causing a potentially fatal infection.
Cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae)
Cat scratch disease (CSD) infects cats through flea bites, cat fighting, or blood transfusions. Humans can get CSD if an infected cat bites or scratches them.
Signs of CSD include:
- Fevers
- Headache
- Faintness
- Fatigue
- Small bump at the scratch level
The lymph nodes closest to the bacteria entry site may become inflamed and painful. Immunocompromised people and children under five are at risk of developing serious complications affecting the brain, heart or eyes.
Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp..)
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes this disease, often called “crypto.” Humans can become infected with this disease if they touch their mouth after handling an infected cat.
Signs of cryptosporidiosis include:
- Liquid diarrhea
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Giardiasis (Giardia duodenalis)
Giardiasis can be spread by swallowing poop particles containing the parasite. This intestinal infection is often seen in travelers who consume contaminated water, although you can contract it from your cat.
Signs of giardiasis include:
- Mild to severe diarrhea
- Gas
- Stomach cramps
- Dehydration
Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp..)
Cats sometimes get salmonellosis after eating birds or rodents infected with the bacteria. It can also be caused by contaminated raw foods. You can then become infected if you come into contact with your sick cat’s droppings.
Signs of salmonellosis include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA can cause many types of infections, such as pneumonia or skin infections. It is transmitted between humans and animals through contact. Cats showing no signs of illness can still carry MRSA.
MRSA is very common in people with long-term illnesses or those with weakened immune systems.
The signs of this disease will depend on which part of the body is infected. People with skin infections often notice swelling, warmth, pain, and redness in the affected areas. There may be discharge (pus) and the infected person may also have a fever.
Final Thoughts
Immunocompromised people can reap the rewards benefits of living with pets, provided you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Many diseases and infections can indeed be transmitted from cats to humans, but there are many ways to protect yourself against infections.
We recommend talking to your medical team about this before adopting a cat to make sure this is the right pet for you. Cats and immunocompromised patients can work as long as you follow your doctor’s advice and take certain precautions.
Featured image credit: Nitiphonphat, Shutterstock
About the Author
Mom cat to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in the bond with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about everything there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living – and to love!