Cats are a lovely pet one can have in their house. They bring unlimited joy and a variety of different behaviors to their parents. When you go to a pet shop, you always look for a healthy and fluffy pet that comes with fewer responsibilities, but one thing to keep in mind is that every pet contracts some diseases at some point in life that should be cured by the owner.
While adopting a pet, get your cat vaccinated with the required vaccines. It is the parent’s responsibility to recognize the signs and symptoms of common illnesses found in your cats. Sometimes age factors bring a variety of changes in a cat’s behavior which might be an alarming situation for the owner but examining those diseases in the initial state would save your time and energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle of your cat.
There are many pieces of research about cats that shows how cats are effective for human in improving their moods and by providing emotional support and contributing to their overall self-esteem. Cats are also beneficial for old age humans and also for physically disabled people.
Thus cats are proved to be the best companion of humans, but this is also true that they carry harmful germs that can be transmittable to other pets. Since you are the owner, it’s your responsibility to take care of the illnesses and diseases which your cat may pass to other cats.
Also, after holding your cat, make a habit of washing hands as there might be a few diseases that can cause itching and other serious diseases such as skin infections or serious viruses. Consulting your veterinarian and following the healthy tips he may give can save your cats from thousands of viruses.
Diseases That Cats Give Each Other
- Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)
- Cryptosporidium
- Giardiasis
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
- Toxoplasmosis
- Pasteurella Multocida
- Panleukopenia
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)
Cat Scratch Disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae or from other Bartonella species. The infection grows in cats through flea bites or blood transfusions. This disease spreads to other cats by cat bites or through cat scratches while fighting each other. Cats can also get infected through the lick of an infected cat. Young cats, stray cats, or cats that are one year old can easily get infected with this virus.
Your cat might not give any sign of this illness. However, a mild fever will occur for 2 to 3 days, including red eyes, vomiting, swelled lymph nodes, and lethargy. It is unlikely to cause any severe conditions.
Cryptosporidium
This disease is caused by Cryptosporidium or Crypto germ that is spread by the poop of an infected cat. It is transmittable from poop containing this germ. Cats whose immune system is weak are more likely to get infected with this disease which leads to severe damage. Cats carry this illness without showing any symptoms.
Giardiasis
It is a parasite that can be found in cats. It is transmittable if the cats are roaming on a surface or from contaminated water or food from the poop of the infected cat. It spreads through the swallowing of microscopic poop in water or food from infected cats. Its symptoms are visible. Cats with Giardia have diarrhea, greasy stool, and gets dehydration.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a staphylococcus bacteria that is found on a cat’s skin. It has become strong to antibiotics. MRSA can develop various infections such as pneumonia, lung infection, and other severe issues. It can spread to other animals through direct contact. It doesn’t show any signs of MRSA at the start, but it is transmittable.
Toxoplasmosis
It is a disease caused by parasites. It is also found in cats’ poop and is easily transmittable. Cats with toxoplasmosis are unlikely to show any signs and symptoms, but they can lean the parasites in feces for almost 3 weeks after the infection occurs.
Pasteurella multocida
Pasteurella multocida is a bacteria found in the mouth of cats. Around 70 to 90 percent of cats have this bacteria in their mouths, and around 50 to 80 percent of transmission occurs from cat bites. From the bite of an infected cat, it passes to other cats and results in red eyes, pain, and swelling.
Panleukopenia
It is one of the highly contagious viruses found in a cat caused by the feline parvovirus. Kitten gets affected by this virus most severely. This virus will affect and almost kill the cells involved in the rapid growth of bone marrow and intestines as this virus is found everywhere in the environment, increasing the risk of contraction.
Most kittens and cats get the virus through environmental objects. Sick cats and unvaccinated cats have higher chances to contract this virus. Mostly it can be seen in 3 to 5 months old cats, and death from this virus at such age is common. This virus is transmittable through urine, stool, and nasal secretions. When cats come in contact with such secretions, they get infected. So cats can get infected without coming in contact with infected cats, such as using the cages, food dishes of infected cats, or coming in the contact of clothes and hands of people that holds infected cats.
Wrapping Up
All the above viral infections are found in cats which may harm them severely. These viruses are transferred to other cats in a variety of ways and sometimes without contracting to the infected ones that are from the environment. Pet owners should keep a timely check on their cats and keep them safe from viral diseases by getting proper vaccinations and treatment from veterinarians.
