The Silent Killers: 15 Contagious Cats Diseases You Should Know About
The following article was written by cat health experts at Vet and Tech.
Love and purrs are not the only things our furry pals can share with us; they can sometimes spread some unwanted stuff too. These aren’t your everyday sneezes and sniffles. There are severe and contagious cat diseases that could threaten felines and humans.
We can keep our four-legged family members safe and sound by being vigilant and seeking proper animal health solutions. Spread the word, not the disease! It’s all about knowing the signs, symptoms, and who gets more affected by these feline diseases. Let’s have a closer look at all these ailments.
Table of Contents
- 1. Toxoplasmosis
- 2. Rabies
- 3. Cat Scratch Disease
- 4. Giardia
- 5. Pasteurella Multocida
- 6. Calicivirus
- 7. Herpesvirus
- 8. Campylobacteriosis
- 9. Cryptosporidiosis
- 10. Plague (Yersinia Pestis)
- 11. Scabies
- 12. Salmonellosis
- 13. Hookworms, Ringworms, & Roundworms
- 14. Salmonellosis (Salmonella Spp.)
- 15. Tickborne Diseases
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Toxoplasmosis
The sneaky parasite Toxoplasma Gondii is responsible for this disease. Every pet owner should keep an eye on their pet’s health.
- Signs in Cats:Often no visible signs, but it might cause lethargy or loss of appetite.
- Symptoms in Humans:Flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, and fever
- Who Gets More Affected?People having weak immune systems, especially pregnant women, are the most susceptible to this disease.
2. Rabies
A notorious but less dangerous virus, rabies is a beast that causes this disease. It can affect almost all mammals, including humans. A little detail about these cats diseases and symptoms are,
- Signs in Cats:Behavioral changes, difficulty swallowing, and seizures
- Symptoms in Humans:Anxiety, fever, confusion, and hallucinations
- Who Gets More Affected?Unvaccinated animals and humans in close contact with infected animals.
3. Cat Scratch Disease
Don’t let the name fool you; this disease, caused by the bacteria Bartonella Henselae, is more than just a simple scratch.
- Signs in Cats:Mostly healthy carriers but can show fever and swollen glands
- Symptoms in Humans:Fatigue, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes
- Who Gets More Affected?Kids who play roughly with cats.
4. Giardia
A tiny parasite causes this cat disease; Giardia is a common gastrointestinal issue affecting cats and humans.
- Signs in Cats:Diarrhea, vomiting, greasy stools
- Symptoms in Humans:Similar to cats, symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps
- Who Gets More Affected?Young, elderly, or immunocompromised humans
5. Pasteurella Multocida
This bacterium doesn’t play around and is usually spread through cat bites or scratches.
- Signs in Cats:Usually, healthy carriers may have respiratory problems
- Symptoms in Humans:Swelling, redness, and infection at the wound site
- Who Gets More Affected?People with weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions.
6. Calicivirus
This sneaky virus, known as Calicivirus, unpleasantly targets cats.
- Signs in Cats:Look out for mouth ulcers and respiratory problems in your feline friend.
- Symptoms in Humans:Itching and blisters
- Who Gets More Affected?Pregnant women and older people must be watched closely, as they’re more susceptible.
7. Herpesvirus
Herpesvirus in cats is like a common cold that refuses to quit.
- Signs in Cats:Weepy eyes and sneezing might be a signal of this nasty virus.
- Symptoms in Humans:Cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles
- Who Gets More Affected?Cats with weak immune systems bear the brunt of this disease.
8. Campylobacteriosis
A bacterium called Campylobacter causes such cats diseases. It’s not one to mess with!
- Signs in Cats:Diarrhea and vomiting are unwelcome guests here.
- Symptoms in Humans:Humans can catch this one, too, experiencing similar gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Who Gets More Affected?Both kittens and human children are at a greater risk.
9. Cryptosporidiosis
A tiny parasite known as Cryptosporidium is the culprit behind this cats disease.
- Signs in Cats:Your kitty might lose weight and have diarrhea.
- Symptoms in Humans:Humans might face tummy troubles too.
- Who Gets More Affected?Immuno-compromised cats and humans need to be extra careful.
10. Plague (Yersinia Pestis)
Yes, you read that right. It’s the same bacterium that caused the Black Death in humans.
- Signs in Cats:Fever and swollen lymph nodes can mean serious trouble.
- Symptoms in Humans:The same symptoms could signal a dangerous situation for humans.
- Who Gets More Affected?Everyone, human or cat, is at risk with this one. Beware!
11. Scabies
Scabies in cats is the work of the mite Sarcoptes Scabiei.
- Signs in cats:Itching, scratching, and sores are the main culprits here.
- Symptoms in Humans:People can also feel the itch, leading to rashes and discomfort.
- Who Gets More Affected?Outdoor cats and humans in close contact with them should be on alert.
12. Salmonellosis
Salmonella bacteria are to blame for this one, a common name in the world of feline diseases.
- Signs in Cats:Vomiting and diarrhea make an unwelcome appearance.
- Symptoms in Humans:We can get a similar tummy ache with fever and nausea.
- Who Gets More Affected?Young cats and older humans might find themselves more vulnerable.
13. Hookworms, Ringworms, & Roundworms
A trio of troublemakers! Various worms attack cats in different ways.
- Signs in Cats:From weight loss to skin issues, these worms wreak havoc.
- Symptoms in Humans:Ringworm can cause skin problems, too.
- Who gets More Affected?Cats and humans with weaker immune systems should be cautious.
14. Salmonellosis (Salmonella Spp.)
A repeat offender, Salmonella bacteria, with different species, causes trouble.
- Signs in cats:Gastrointestinal issues rear their ugly heads again.
- Symptoms in humans:Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps
- Who Gets More Affected?As before, young cats and older humans might struggle more.
15. Tickborne Diseases
Ticks that carry diseases like Lyme can be quite a menace.
- Signs in Cats:Fever and lameness can be alarming signs.
- Symptoms in Humans:Similar symptoms, including joint pains, can afflict humans.
- Who Gets More Affected?Outdoor cats and their human companions might bear the brunt of these illnesses.
Conclusion
There you have it! All these cats diseases are severe matters, but with some preventative measures and a keen eye, pet owners can manage them.
Pet parents must stay updated about all the veterinary diseases and animal health solutions to give them a healthy life; here come Vet and Tech. The online platform where you get advanced knowledge of cats diseases and all other ailments related to pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Catch A Disease from My Cat?
You bet! Most feline diseases don’t affect humans. But some, like rabies or certain parasites, can severely affect you.
How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Sick?
Prevention is the cat’s meow! Your best animal health solutions are regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and a good diet. Keep those paws clean, and you’ll be purring along just fine.
What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has One of These Silent-Killer Diseases?
If your kitty’s acting off, call your vet right away. They’ll know the ropes and guide you through what’s the best way to get rid of the problem.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Cats Diseases?
Watch out for sudden changes in behavior, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or weight loss. Hurry to take your cat to the vet if you see any of these signs.