Cats do not pass colds to humans by sneezing. Causes of upper respiratory tract infections in cats include viruses, mycoplasma, chlamydia, Bordetella septicaemia, and some rhinitis and sinusitis caused by Cryptosporidium. These bacteria can easily infect cats, and humans are very resistant to them. That is to say, these viruses can only infect cats, and cannot break through the breed barrier to infect humans, because human DNA is very different from cat DNA.
In addition, there are some common pet diseases that are not contagious to humans.
Hepatitis: Although pets also have viral hepatitis, its virus is completely different from that of humans, and feline hepatitis virus does not infect humans. Human hepatitis virus also does not infect cats. Therefore, some people say that pets can spread hepatitis B, which is pure misinformation.
Canine distemper: Dogs are the main natural host of this disease. Dogs of all ages and genders are susceptible, but puppies are most susceptible. It can happen all year round. People can become mechanical carriers of parvovirus without getting sick.
So what diseases in cats are symbiotic with humans, that is, can be transmitted to humans?
Cat ringworm: Cats with feline ringworm can become contagious after close contact with people. In addition, if you are not careful to be scratched by a cat, you may suffer from “cat scratch disease”. In addition to skin damage, there are also swollen lymph nodes in many parts, accompanied by symptoms of systemic infection.
Asthma: Pet hair loss, excrement, etc. may become allergens of asthma, and there are aura symptoms, such as nasopharyngeal itching, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and other mucous membrane allergy symptoms. Paroxysmal expiratory dyspnea appeared immediately, severe cases were forced to sit, sweating profusely, pale complexion, cyanosis and even respiratory failure. If asthma recurs over a long period of time, it can cause serious damage to the lungs.
Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that people can contract by kissing or sleeping with pets, or by ingesting animal feces or raw meat.
Rabies: an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which is common to both humans and animals. It is more common in dogs, wolves, cats and other carnivores. People are mostly infected by being bitten by sick animals. The clinical manifestations are particularly fearful of water. Wind, pharyngeal muscle spasm, progressive paralysis, etc.
External parasites: If cats carry parasites such as mites and fleas in vitro, they are easily infected during long-term close contact with humans.
Prevention: Deworming pets outside the body, bathing cats regularly, cleaning the cat’s ears frequently, observing whether there are foreign objects, whether the ears are thickened, etc.
