Cat Health: Misunderstood Diseases

These bacterial infections are most known to be associated with cats, but those who don't know much about cats can sometimes think these diseases are found in all cats or that they are born with it. This is untrue and cats are not the only animal to carry a disease that a human may be affected by. Let's talk about what these do, how we get them and how we can stay protected and still love our cats!

Toxoplasmosis is a rare infection caused by a parasite found in uncooked meat, garden manure and yes, cat feces! This is rarely found in cat feces unless said cat is a stray or has been consuming contaminated raw meat or eating from a contaminated garden bed. Bartonella, also known as cat scratch fever" is a parasitic bacterial infection caused by cat scratches from feral and domestics cats (primarily young kittens) who have infected fleas.

Symptoms for both include:

- fever

- sore muscles

- enlarge lymph nodes You Don't Have to Avoid Cats These are both rare situations unless you are a rescuer or a veterinarian. Contrary to popular belief cats are not born with either of these and neither make you "obsessed". You won't be infected by owning a cat. Simply keep them up to date with vaccinations and annual appointments, wash your hands regularly, wear gloves when gardening and cook your meat thoroughly! Sources https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/bartonella/bartonella-henselae/index.html