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Zoonotic Diseases in Cats

This handout will review some of the common health concerns that arise for people who have cats as pets. For further information, be sure to ask your veterinary health care provider.


What is a zoonotic disease?

"Zoonotic disease an infection or disease that can be transmitted from an animal to a human being."





Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Colorado Tick Fever
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)
Domoic Acid Poisoning (Amnesic Shellfish
Echinococcosis (Hydatid Disease)
Encephalitis (specify etiology)
Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Infection
Food borne disease
Hantavirus Infections
Lyme Disease


Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Plague, Human or Animal
Q Fever
Rabies, Human or Animal
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Salmonellosis (Other than Typhoid Fever)
Scombroid Fish Poisoning
Swimmer's Itch (Schistosomal Dermatitis)
Water-associated Disease
Yellow Fever



Current evidence supports the fact that pet cats pose a minimal zoonotic risk to their human companions. Cats kept indoors are exposed to fewer diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Your risk may be slightly higher if you have a compromised immune system from disease or medications, such as:

  • People with AIDS/HIV
  • People on chemotherapy or receiving radiation therapy
  • People who are elderly or have chronic diseases
  • People born with congenital immune deficiencies
  • People who have received organ or bone marrow transplants

    "If you fall into one of these categories, it does not mean you have to give up your pet!"

If you fall into one of these categories, it does not mean you have to give up your pet! It simply means that you should take some basic precautions such monitoring your cat for any signs of illness, washing your hands after extensive handling of your cat, and avoiding direct contact with your cat's feces.



What are the most common zoonotic diseases of cats?zoonotic_diseases_in_cats

  • Ringworm
  • Toxoplasmosis
  • Salmonellosis
  • Campylobacter infection
  • Giardia infection
  • Cryptosporidium infection
  • Roundworms
  • Hookworms
  • Cat Scratch Disease
  • Rabies


Proper litter box cleaning is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting a disease from your cat. Here are simple guidelines you should follow if you fall into a risk category:zoonotic_diseases_in_cats-2

  • Place your litter box away from the kitchen and other areas where you prepare or store food.
  • If possible, have someone who is not at risk clean the litter box. Otherwise, clean the litter box daily, since the organism that causes Toxoplasmosis takes at least twenty-four hours to become infectious.



"Salmonella and Campylobacter are most often spread through undercooked meat or improperly prepared food."

Cats can occasionally be the source for intestinal ailments including some bacterial infections(Salmonella and Campylobacter) and some intestinal parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, hookworms and roundworms.) These diseases can be spread to people by direct contact with the feces of an infected cat or by contact with soil that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected cat. Many other animals also carry these infections. Salmonella and Campylobacter are most often spread through undercooked meat or improperly prepared food.

How do I know if my cat has a zoonotic disease?

Cats that are carrying one of these infections will sometimes, but not always, have loose stools or diarrhea. All newly acquired cats are at a higher risk and should have their feces tested by your veterinarian as soon as possible.


What will happen if I get one of these diseases?

This group of bacterial and parasitic infections will usually only produce temporary symptoms in someone with a healthy immune system. For people who are immunocompromised, however, these infections can be life-threatening. Ringworm can be a stubborn infection but is curable with persistent treatment.


How can I prevent my cat from getting bacterial infections and intestinal parasites?zoonotic_diseases_in_cats-3


  • Feed your cat a high-quality commercial cat food.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
  • Keep your cat indoors and prevent it from hunting.
  • If your cat does go outdoors, use a broad-spectrum deworming product on a regular basis, as recommended by your veterinarian.


Can I get HIV or AIDS from my cat?

No, numerous studies prove that you cannot contract HIV/AIDS from your cat. Both Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are contagious between cats, but neither of them can infect humans, nor can the human virus infect cats.

However, FeLV and FIV suppress the cat's immune system, making him or her more susceptible to zoonotic infections, which could then be passed on to you. If you are immunocompromised, it is not recommended that you keep a cat infected with FeLV or FIV. If you do keep a cat with one of these diseases, be extra careful about following general hygiene and litter box guidelines. To minimize the risks of contracting FeLV or FIV, keep your cat indoors. If your cat goes outdoors, ensure that it is tested and examined at least once a year by your veterinarian.


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