What can you catch from a cat: the main infections

Cats can carry a number of bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi that are sometimes transmitted to humans. Transmission occurs through bites and scratches, contact with feces and litter boxes, grooming, and indirectly through fleas and raw food. The risk of severe infection is low in most healthy individuals, but it increases in children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. [1]

The most common infections include cat scratch disease, ringworm, toxocariasis, dipylidiasis, toxoplasmosis, bacterial infections following bites, and rare but dangerous viral infections such as rabies. The list on the Public Health Service website also includes campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, sporotrichosis, and, in some regions, plague. The risk depends on the housing conditions, diet, and flea and worm treatments. [2]

The key to reducing the risk is hand hygiene after handling the cat and its fur, daily cleaning of the litter box, regular veterinary visits, rabies vaccination, and flea control. These measures are especially important for families with small children and pregnant women. [3]

Raw food and raw milk increase the risk of introducing intestinal pathogens into the home. In recent years, there have been cases of animal infections and foodborne outbreaks associated with raw animal products, so it's safer to choose thermally processed and industrially prepared foods. [4]

It's also important to remember the proper approach to bites and scratches: wash immediately with warm water and soap, assess the need for antibiotic prophylaxis and a tetanus vaccine, and discuss the risk of rabies as appropriate. If signs of infection or bites to the hand are present, seek medical attention immediately. [5]

Table 1. Key risk facts

What is important	Why does this reduce the risk?	Who is it critical for?
Wash hands after contact and cleaning	Stops fecal-oral transmission and transfer of household germs	Children, pregnant women, people with immunodeficiency
Clean the litter box daily	Toxoplasma oocysts do not have time to become infectious	Pregnant women, families with babies
Vaccinating a cat against rabies	Reduces the risk of life-threatening infection	To all households
Treatment for fleas and helminths	Interrupts Bartonella and Dipylidium cycles	For everyone, especially families with children
Wash the wound and seek help early.	Reduces bacterial load and complications	For bites, deep scratches

Bacteria: Bites, scratches and intestinal infections

Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted between cats by fleas. In humans, the most common symptoms are a painful, enlarged lymph node near the scratch site, along with fever and fatigue. Systemic forms are possible in immunocompromised cats. Prevention involves flea control and avoiding rough play with kittens. [6]

Cat bites carry a high risk of infection due to puncture wounds. Common pathogens include Pasteurella, streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is often indicated, especially for hand bites, deep punctures, and in individuals with diabetes and immunodeficiencies. The first-line treatment recommended in guidelines is amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, typically administered for 3-5 days for prophylaxis. [7]

Capnocytophaga infections are rare but dangerous in people with an absent spleen, cirrhosis, and severe immunodeficiency. These cases can progress rapidly, so if the condition worsens after a bite, immediate medical attention is required. Preventative approaches are the same as for other bites, including early wound care. [8]

Contact with feces and litter boxes can be a source of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Although undercooked poultry remains the primary source of Campylobacter, infection is also possible through contact with cat feces, especially in children. Salmonella can be brought into the home through raw food and persist on surfaces. Kitchen hygiene and proper food storage reduce the risks. [9]

Any wound from a cat bite or deep scratch requires immediate washing with warm water and soap for at least several minutes and an assessment of the animal's tetanus vaccination status. Immediate treatment is recommended for wounds on the hands, signs of infection, or any concerns about the animal's vaccination status. [10]

Table 2. Bacterial infections and first aid

Infection	How is it transmitted?	Main signs	What to do immediately	Prevention
Cat scratch disease	Scratch, contact with fleas on a cat	Local lymphadenitis, fever	Wash the wound, observe, and if there is a fever, see a doctor.	Flea control, soft play
Infections after bites	Bite, deep punctures	Pain, swelling, redness	Rinse, medical evaluation, often prophylactic antibiotic	Early treatment, tetanus vaccine
Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis	Contact with feces, raw food	Diarrhea, cramps, fever	Rehydration, see a doctor in severe cases	Litter box hygiene, safe food

Parasites: roundworms, fleas, and cat tapeworm

Toxocariasis is caused by the migration of the larvae of the roundworms Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati through human tissue, potentially damaging the eyes and internal organs. Infection occurs through ingestion of eggs from contaminated soil and feces. Prevention includes regular deworming of animals, cleaning of litter boxes, hand washing for children after playing outdoors, and avoiding mouth contact with unwashed hands. [11]

Dipylidiosis in humans is caused by the cat tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Humans become infected not by cat tapeworm fragments, but by accidentally ingesting an infected flea. Children are most often affected, and symptoms are usually mild. Breaking the cycle can be achieved by treating animals for fleas and sanitizing the home, as well as teaching children not to allow cats to lick their faces or put objects on the floor in their mouths. [12]

Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they are also a vector for a number of pathogens, including Bartonella and feline tapeworm. Flea control reduces several risks simultaneously. A veterinarian will select flea and tick control products that are safe for cats; dog medications are not used on cats. [13]

Cutaneous larva migrans, caused by cat and dog hookworms, are transmitted through skin contact with contaminated sand and soil, especially at beaches and playgrounds. Prevention includes wearing footwear, using sand mats, and promptly cleaning up feces. [14]

Regular deworming of pets and flea control remain the two most effective and proven measures for families with children. A preventative plan is determined by a veterinarian, taking into account the pet's lifestyle and regional risks. [15]

Table 3. Parasitoses associated with cats

Pathogen	Route of human infection	Main manifestations	Main prevention
Toxocara cati	Eggs from contaminated soil and feces	Visceral and ocular forms	Deworming, litter box and hand hygiene
Dipylidium caninum	Ingestion of an infected flea	Mild intestinal symptoms	Flea control, house cleaning
Hookworms	Skin contact with contaminated soil	Cutaneous migratory tracks	Shoes, clean sandboxes

Fungal infections: ringworm and sporotrichosis

Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, including Microsporum canis, often carried by cats. In humans, itchy, annular patches appear; in children, an inflammatory form can occur on the scalp. Mycology and Wood's lamp examination are used to confirm the diagnosis. Self-medication with corticosteroid creams without a doctor's prescription can worsen the condition. [16]

Treatment depends on the location: cutaneous forms are often treated with topical antifungal agents, while scalp infections in children require systemic therapy. To stop transmission, it is important to treat the animal under veterinary supervision and treat the environment. [17]

Home disinfection includes washing removable textiles at high temperatures and treating hard surfaces with chlorine solutions. A general rule of thumb is 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, leaving the solution for at least 10 minutes, then rinsing. For cat accessories, use only methods safe for animals, as recommended by a veterinarian. [18]

Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix has gained notoriety due to zoonotic transmission from cats, particularly in South America. In recent years, outbreaks associated with the species Sporothrix brasiliensis have been reported, raising the concerns of physicians and cat owners. Chronic ulcerative skin lesions following a scratch in cats require veterinary examination. [19]

Prevention of fungal infections relies on early diagnosis and treatment of the pet, minimizing the sharing of brushes and bedding, and regular wet cleaning. Children should not sleep on the same blanket used by an infected cat until the cat recovers. [20]

Table 4. Fungal infections: what to remember

Infection	Source	In humans	What to do at home
Ringworm	Cats, grooming items	Ring-shaped lesions, itching	Treatment by a dermatologist, surface treatment, washing
Sporotrichosis	Scratches, bites, contact with lesions in cats	Nodules and ulcers along the lymphatic vessels	See a doctor, get diagnosed, and receive long-term antifungal therapy.

Viral risks: rabies and bird flu in cats

Rabies remains a life-threatening infection for humans without prompt post-exposure prophylaxis. Vaccination of cats is a key protective measure in most countries. After any suspicious bite, immediate wound cleaning is required and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis should be assessed based on the epizootic situation and the animal's status. [21]

H5N1 avian influenza has been reported in cats periodically. In 2024, cases were reported in cats consuming contaminated raw milk on farms. For owners, the practical advice is simple: do not feed cats raw milk or raw meat, and practice good food hygiene in the home. The risk to humans is low, but excessive contact with sick animals should be limited. [22]

Raw pet food increases the risk of pathogens being introduced into the kitchen and onto surfaces. When storing and feeding, it's important to avoid cross-contamination, use separate containers and utensils, and wash hands and surfaces with detergent. This reduces the risks to both people and pets. [23]

When evaluating bites, the risk of rabies is always considered. If the cat appears ill, is a stray, or its vaccination status is unknown, contact your veterinarian and local health service immediately to determine post-exposure prophylaxis. [24]

Owners are advised to keep track of their pet's vaccinations and regularly visit the veterinarian for scheduled booster shots. This reduces collective risks and prevents serious consequences for the family in the event of any incident. [25]

Table 5. Viral risks and prevention

Risk	When to think	What to do immediately	Next steps
Rabies	Bite from an unknown or sick cat	Wash the wound and seek medical attention.	Decision on post-exposure prophylaxis
H5N1 in cats	Contact with a sick cat, raw dairy products and meat	Avoid raw foods, practice hand hygiene	Consultation with a veterinarian, observation

What the owner should do: litter box, home, bite, pregnancy and risk groups

Litter box: Clean daily. Toxoplasma oocysts take 1 to 5 days to become infectious, so daily cleaning breaks the cycle. Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should have another person clean the litter box. When cleaning yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap. [26]

Home environment: Keep surfaces and textiles in your pet's resting areas clean. For hard surfaces, use a chlorine solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then rinse with water. Wash textiles at high temperatures. Always use products that are safe for cats. [27]

Bite or deep scratch: Wash with warm water and soap, apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding, and check for the latest tetanus shot. Seek medical attention for bites on the hand, face, joints, or any signs of infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is often indicated for cat bites. [28]

Pregnancy: Keep your cat indoors and do not feed her raw meat. The main risk of toxoplasma infection for humans is from undercooked meat and contaminated soil. Daily cleaning of the litter box, wearing gloves, and hand washing minimize the risk. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box themselves if possible. [29]

Feeding: Avoid raw diets and raw milk, as they can carry salmonella, listeria, and other pathogens and increase the risk to the cat itself. Choose commercially prepared foods and practice good kitchen hygiene. [30]

Annual plan: keep your cat vaccinated according to schedule, receive regular flea and worm treatments, and have an annual veterinary checkup. These steps both protect your pet and reduce the risk of family zoonotic diseases transmitted from cats to humans. [31]

Table 6. Owner's practical checklist

Situation	Act One	Who to report to	What prevents
Bite or deep scratch	Wash with soap and water, cover with a sterile bandage	See a doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of infection.	Bacterial complications
Daily care of the litter box	Clean and wash your hands	During pregnancy, delegate if possible	Toxoplasmosis
Fleas have been spotted	Animal and home treatment	The veterinarian will select safe products.	Bartonella and dipylidia
Planned prevention	Vaccination, deworming, examination	Veterinary institution	Viral and parasitic risks
Choice of feed	Eliminate raw meat and raw milk	-	Intestinal infections in pets and people

Important nuances and common myths

"Any cat is dangerous for a pregnant woman." False. If kept indoors, with daily litter box cleaning and no raw meat, the risk is minimal, while the main routes of infection for humans are meat, soil, and unwashed vegetables. [32]

"Ringworm can always be treated with home remedies." Incorrect. Diagnosis and proper treatment are necessary, especially for scalp lesions in children. Simultaneous environmental treatment is essential. [33]

"Antibiotics are not needed for bites." Incorrect. For cat bites, antibiotic prophylaxis is often indicated, especially for bites on the hand and in high-risk groups. The decision is made by a healthcare professional. [34]

When to see a doctor urgently

• Any bite to the hand, face, near a joint, deep punctures, signs of infection, fever. [35]
• Suspected rabies: bite of an unknown or sick cat, unclear vaccination status of the animal. [36]
• In pregnant women and people with immunodeficiency, with any significant contact with biological fluids or feces. [37]