Preventing Zoonotic Diseases

Did you know that there are infectious diseases, called zoonotic diseases, that cats and people give to each other?

Common zoonotic diseases include bacterial infections like cat-scratch disease and salmonellosis; parasitic infections such as hook and round worms; fungal infections including ringworm; protozoal infections like toxoplasmosis; and viral infections such as rabies.

Although we are more likely to contract ailments from other humans than our cats, simple precautions, common sense, and good hygiene can keep you and your cat free of zoonotic disease.

• Wash hands before eating and after handling cat
• Schedule annual checkups and fecal exams for your cat
• Seek veterinary care for sick cats
• Keep rabies vaccinations current
• Maintain appropriate flea and tick control
• Avoid letting your cat lick you face, food utensils or plate
• Consider keeping your cat indoors
• Seek medical attention for cat bites.
• Feed cats cooked or commercially processed food.
• Scoop litter boxes daily, and periodically clean with scalding water and detergent
• Wear gloves when gardening or handling raw meat: wash hands afterwards
• Cover children’s sandboxes
• Filter or boil surface water before consuming
• Cook meat to 160° F or 80° C