What disease can you get from sleeping with a cat? - briefly
Sleeping with a cat can expose you to zoonotic diseases such as cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, or parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis. Maintaining proper hygiene and regular veterinary care for your cat reduces these risks.
What disease can you get from sleeping with a cat? - in detail
Sleeping with a cat can expose humans to several diseases, primarily due to close contact with the animal’s fur, saliva, or feces. One of the most well-known conditions is toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the primary hosts of this parasite, and humans can become infected through accidental ingestion of oocysts shed in cat feces, which may contaminate bedding or surfaces. While many healthy individuals experience mild or no symptoms, toxoplasmosis can pose serious risks to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, potentially leading to severe complications such as brain or eye damage.
Another potential risk is cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. This infection can occur when a cat licks an open wound or scratches or bites a person, transferring the bacteria. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. In rare cases, CSD can lead to more severe conditions such as encephalopathy or heart infections.
Ringworm, a fungal infection, is also transmissible from cats to humans. Direct contact with an infected cat’s skin or fur can lead to circular, itchy rashes on human skin. Additionally, sleeping with a cat increases the risk of exposure to fleas, which can carry diseases like murine typhus or even act as vectors for parasites such as tapeworms.
To minimize these risks, maintaining good hygiene is essential. Regularly washing bedding, ensuring the cat is treated for parasites, and avoiding contact with cat feces can significantly reduce the likelihood of disease transmission. Consulting a veterinarian for routine check-ups and preventive care for the cat is also crucial for safeguarding both the pet’s and the owner’s health.