Foto: BB.LV
Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted in various ways: through close contact with a cat, through bites, and by consuming food or water contaminated with the animal's feces or urine. It is important to remember that even minor contamination can lead to infection, for example, if you do not wash your hands after cleaning the litter box and then eat an apple. Dermatophytosis Dermatophytosis (ringworm, dermatophyte infection) is a fungal disease that affects the skin, hair, and nails of both humans and animals. In cats, dermatophytosis is common and is a highly contagious disease, meaning that an infected animal can quickly transmit it to others. * Manifestation Inflamed spots with a red halo appear on the skin, covered with small nodules, blisters, and dry scales. Bald patches may form on the hairy parts. If you notice such symptoms in your cat, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian to avoid transmitting the infection to other animals and humans. * How to Treat Treatment includes the use of medical shampoos, special antifungal preparations, and oral medications. The cat should be kept in quarantine, and its toys and bedding should be disinfected. It is recommended to frequently clean the floors and vacuum the premises, as fungal spores can survive in the environment for up to a year. Toxoplasmosis This infectious disease is caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can develop in the bodies of all warm-blooded creatures, including cats and humans. Cats can acquire the parasite by killing and eating an infected animal, and then transmit the infection to humans. The most common way to transmit toxoplasmosis is through raw or undercooked meat, contaminated water, or feces from an infected animal. Important: it is impossible to contract toxoplasmosis from a cat by petting it or cleaning its litter box! * Manifestation Upon initial infection, a person may experience symptoms similar to those of an acute respiratory infection, but most people carry toxoplasmosis asymptomatically. Cats may experience mild diarrhea and loss of appetite. The disease is more severe in kittens, children, pregnant women, and the elderly — for them, toxoplasmosis can be dangerous and even lead to death. * What to Do Do not feed domestic cats raw meat, and use disposable rubber gloves when preparing food and cleaning the litter box. Giardiasis Giardiasis, known as “traveler's diarrhea,” is caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis. It enters the human body through the oral-fecal route or through contaminated food and water, settles in the intestines, and causes digestive disorders. If giardiasis is suspected, both the person and the cat need to be treated. * How to Treat Usually, a single course of antibiotics is sufficient to eliminate the parasite. It is recommended to enhance safety and hygiene measures: wash hands frequently and clean with disinfectant solutions. Cat Scratch Disease This acute bacterial infection, also known as feline bartonellosis, is primarily transmitted through bites and scratches from cats. The causative agent is the Bartonella bacteria, which are carried by fleas. Cats may scratch and lick the site of the insect bite, spreading the infection throughout their bodies. Statistics show that 40% of cats will contract giardiasis at some point in their lives. * What to Do In most animals, the disease is asymptomatic and resolves without treatment. In rare cases, symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, and damage to the eyes or nervous system — in such cases, antibiotic treatment may be required for both the animal and the person. Rabies The rabies virus is a neurotropic virus that can enter the human body through the saliva of animals and, conversely, infect an animal through human saliva. The virus quickly dies in the environment: at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, it dies in about an hour. Cats are very susceptible to rabies, which affects the central nervous system and almost always leads to death. * What to Do Mandatory vaccination of cats is carried out to prevent the spread of rabies. Even if the animal is kept indoors, it is important to vaccinate annually, as the virus can enter the apartment on clothing, shoes, and with carriers such as mice. Seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten by a stray dog or cat!
