Whereas they make in style pets, cats can cross on generally dangerous infections to individuals. Right here’s what you are able to do to maintain your self and your feline wholesome.

About 3.9 million cats dwell in Australian houses and generally, cats and people dwell collectively comfortably.

Generally, nevertheless, cats might cross on infections to individuals and sometimes with deadly outcomes.

A examine led by Professor Sarah Legge from the Australian Nationwide College and College of Queensland suggests cat-dependent ailments might trigger greater than 550 deaths and about 8500 hospital admissions a 12 months.

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So what are the potential well being dangers to people from cats?

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is among the most typical infections handed from cats to individuals.

“We estimate there are 125,000 new toxoplasmosis infections in individuals in Australia annually,” reported Prof Legge within the examine.

Toxoplasmosis is attributable to a parasite that lives in a cat’s intestine.

The parasite eggs are carried in cat poo, which might contaminate backyard soil and kitty litter and be transferred hand to mouth.

“Whereas it not often causes illness, toxoplasmosis an infection is kind of frequent in cats and people,” says Sarah Zito, senior scientific officer at RSPCA Australia.

“It’s only a priority if an individual is pregnant or has a situation affecting their immunity.”

Indicators, prevention and remedy of toxoplasmosis

Folks normally don’t have any indicators of an infection however might expertise flu-like signs.

Treatment could also be beneficial.

Scale back the danger by altering cat litter bins day by day after which totally washing palms with cleaning soap and water.

Don’t feed cats uncooked meat as this could additionally carry the an infection.

Toxoplasmosis can be generally unfold by way of consuming contaminated uncooked or undercooked meat so cooking meals to secure temperatures, washing all fruit and veggies earlier than consuming and washing palms and surfaces after dealing with uncooked meat are additionally essential.

Ringworm

“This isn’t truly a worm however a fungal illness that impacts pores and skin, hair and nails,” says Sarah.

The fungus lives in soil, on animals and on individuals and an infection can happen by way of a small break within the pores and skin.

Indicators, prevention and remedy of ringworm

“If contaminated, people normally get a round pores and skin rash that’s generally scaly, purple and itchy though it could look completely different to this,” says Sarah.

Scale back the unfold by segregating an contaminated cat within the house and at all times wash your palms after touching your cat.

Ringworm can even unfold from contaminated cat hair or pores and skin cells left on bedding and grooming instruments, so it is very important clear these, too.

Topical cream could also be used as a remedy.

Roundworm

Feminine roundworms produce eggs carried in cat poo.

The worms are white and spaghetti-like and cats decide them up by way of litter trays, soil or contaminated birds and rodents.

Indicators, prevention and remedy of roundworm

In individuals, roundworm signs are normally gentle however it will probably trigger extra critical issues within the eyes or coronary heart.

Scale back the danger of roundworm by giving your cat common parasite remedies and at all times wash palms after altering litter or choosing up cat poo.

Cat scratch illness

“This illness is attributable to micro organism transmitted from cats to people by biting and scratching,” says Sarah.

Indicators, prevention and remedy of cat scratch illness

Symptons of CSD embody swollen lymph nodes and generally fever and complications, however problems are uncommon.

In case you get bitten or scratched by a cat, name your GP.

Totally wash the chew or wound and see your GP promptly if there may be swelling, ache or signal of an infection.

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High well being ideas for cat homeowners

• Wash your palms after touching or being close to animals.
• Be sure your cat has common veterinary checks and that you just use common efficient parasite management.
• Don’t let your cat lick your mouth.
• Stop youngsters from enjoying in soil or sandpits contaminated with cat poo.

Written by Sarah Marinos.