Statistics show that indoor cats live at least twice as long as outdoor cats. This is mainly due to the fact that they have a lower risk of suffering from life-threatening diseases and infections. However, what happens when the desire is to adopt a cat that has lived on the street? In this case, many doubts arise, especially regarding the diseases that a stray cat can bring with it, which can cause concern.
Don't let this uncertainty stop you from helping a street person in need. Before making the right decision, on our site, we invite you to inform yourself with this article about the diseases that a stray cat can transmit.
Toxoplaxmosis
Toxoplasmosis is one of the contagious diseases that can be transmitted by stray cats and of greatest concern to humans, especially cats. pregnant women, who, in addition to those with a compromised immune system, happen to be the most prone. It is transmitted by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii that is found in feline feces. It is one of the most common parasitic pathologies and affects both cats and humans, cats being the main host.
Toxoplasmosis is an exaggerated disease with much misinformation. In fact, it is considered that a good part of the companions of cats have contracted the disease without knowing it, since many of them do not show symptoms. The only real way to get this disease is by ingesting infected cat feces, even a small amount. However, you might think that nobody does that on purpose, however, when cleaning the litter boxes, sometimes, you end up with some fecal matter on your hands, which you then unconsciously put in your mouth through your fingers or eating food with your hands, without washing them first.
The way to avoid toxoplasmosis is to wash your hands right after picking up the litter box and make it a habit. In many cases, even treatment is not usually necessary, but when it is recommended it consists of taking antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.
Rage
Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system that can be transmitted by animals such as dogs and cats. To contract it, the infected animal's saliva must enter the person's body. Rabies is not spread by touching a rabid cat, this can happen from a bite or if the animal licks an open wound. It is one of the diseases that stray cats can transmit and that is of greatest concern because it could be fatal. However, this happens only in extreme cases, rabies is usually treatable if prompt medical attention is received.
If a person is bitten by a cat with this condition, they will not always contract the disease. And if the wound is carefully and immediately washed with soap and water for several minutes, the chances of infection are further reduced. In fact, the chances of getting this disease from a stray cat is very low.
To avoid any risk of bite, do not try to pet or pick up a stray cat without first giving you all the signs that he accepts your approach. A feline open to human contact will be cheerful and he althy, purring at you and seeking to rub against your legs in a friendly way.
Cat-scratch disease
This is a very rare disease but. Fortunately, it is benign and heals spontaneously, that is, it does not require treatment. Cat scratch disease is an infectious pathology caused by a bacterium of the Bartonella genus. This bacterium is present in the blood of the cat, but not in all. In general, felines are infected by fleas and ticks that carry the bacteria. This "fever", as some call the pathology, is not a cause for concern, unless you are a person with a compromised immune system.
Let's not turn cats away because of this. Cat scratch disease is not an exclusive pathology of these animals. A person could also infect you from scratches from dogs, squirrels, a scratch from barbed wire, and even thorny plants.
Same as with rabies, to avoid any chance of being infected, only touch the stray cat after it has given clear signs of acceptance. If you happen to pick him up and he bites or scratches you, quickly wash the wound thoroughly to avoid any infection.
Tub
Ringworm is one of the diseases that can be transmitted by stray cats and it is a very common and contagious body infection, but non-serious, caused by a fungus that appears as a circular red patch. Animals such as cats can be affected by ringworm and can spread it to humans. However, this is not a compelling reason not to adopt a stray cat.
While a person can get ringworm from a cat, they are more likely to get it from another person in places like locker rooms, swimming pools, or humid spaces. The application of topical fungicidal medications is usually sufficient as a treatment.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia
FIV (the cat equivalent of HIV) and feline leukemia (retrovirus) are both immunodeficiency diseases that damage the cat's immune system, making it difficult for it to fight off other pathologies. Although humans do not contract these diseases, it is important to mention that if you have other cats at home, they will be exposed and at risk of becoming infected if you bring a stray feline to House. Before taking the step, on our site we recommend that you take it to your trusted veterinarian to rule out any type of contagious infection, especially feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia. And in case of being infected, we advise you to go ahead with your decision to adopt him but taking the appropriate preventive measures as soon as possible to prevent him from infecting other cats, as well as offering him the appropriate treatment.
