Introduction
Cats are known for their impeccable grooming habits. In fact, cats spend up to half of their waking hours grooming themselves, according to research from Petfinder. With this intensive self-cleaning regimen, it’s no wonder that cats have a reputation for cleanliness and hygiene.
But is it actually sanitary for humans to pet and touch cats? Do cats’ grooming habits make them germ-free, or do risks remain? This article will explore the sanitation of cats from various angles to help readers understand if it’s safe to touch cats.
Cats Groom Themselves
Cats are meticulous groomers and spend a considerable amount of time each day tending to their hygiene. Experts estimate cats spend 30-50% of their waking hours grooming themselves https://catauthors.com/news/whens-whys-cat-grooming. This frequent grooming is an instinctual behavior that serves several purposes for cats.
Grooming helps cats remove loose hairs, distribute skin oils, stimulate blood flow, and check for any parasites or skin irritations. The barbed texture of a cat’s tongue acts as a comb to smooth fur and remove dirt or debris. Cats will methodically lick their coats from head to tail to ensure no area is missed. This frequent self-grooming helps cats stay clean and hygienic.
Cats Have Antibacterial Saliva
Cats’ saliva contains potent antibacterial enzymes that help kill germs and bacteria when grooming. According to research, cats’ saliva contains chemicals like lysozyme, peroxidase, and xanthine oxidase that have antibacterial properties.1 These enzymes break down cell walls and membranes of bacteria, effectively destroying them. When a cat grooms itself by licking its fur, the saliva spreads over its coat and neutralizes harmful microbes. This helps keep cats clean despite walking on dirty surfaces. Cats also spread these antibacterial enzymes when grooming their kittens or other cats. So a cat’s saliva contains natural disinfectants that sanitize their fur and skin when grooming or being groomed by others.
Cats’ Paws Stay Clean
Cats are meticulous groomers and instinctively avoid messy areas that could soil their paws. According to wikiHow, cats possess a natural revulsion to stepping in their own waste and will avoid the soiled parts of the litter box.
When cats use the litter box, they bury their waste afterwards to cover it up. Their paws only touch clean litter, not the soiled areas. Cats also groom themselves frequently throughout the day and will lick their paws clean if needed.
According to a discussion on Reddit (source), a cat’s paws do not directly touch feces or urine when using the litter box. Their fastidious grooming habits keep their paws clean.
Risk of Illness from Cats
People are often concerned about the risk of infectious diseases from cats. However, the risk of getting sick from touching or petting a healthy domestic cat is very low, according to experts. The CDC states that the likelihood of transmitting diseases from cats to people is “small”. Additionally, Cornell University reports that “the likelihood of an average person contracting a zoonotic disease from a cat is low.”
Cats can potentially transmit bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses to humans through scratches, bites, direct contact with stool, or abrasions. However, cats who receive regular veterinary care and live primarily indoors have little risk of carrying transmissible diseases. Maintaining good hygiene practices for both cats and humans can further reduce any potential risks.
So while touching cats does pose a small theoretical risk, petting and holding healthy, domesticated cats is considered quite safe. The many benefits of cat companionship seem to far outweigh the minor risks.
Special Considerations
While the risks are generally low, there are some special considerations to keep in mind when interacting with cats:
Stray or feral cats may have a higher risk of carrying diseases like rabies since they do not receive regular veterinary care and vaccines (source). It’s best to avoid touching stray cats you don’t know.
Cats that appear ill or injured could spread bacteria through open wounds or viral infections through mucus membranes. It’s safest not to handle cats that seem unwell.
Kittens under 6 weeks old have underdeveloped immune systems and are more prone to illness. Caution should be taken when handling very young kittens.
Immunocompromised individuals may be at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases from cats. They should take extra care and consult a doctor if concerned.
In general, thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after interacting with any cat can help reduce potential spread of bacteria and parasites.
Maintaining Cat Hygiene
Regular veterinary visits are essential for maintaining cat hygiene and health. An annual exam allows the vet to assess your cat’s overall condition, recommend vaccines, test for illnesses, and provide preventative care. Kittens and senior cats may require more frequent vet visits for vaccines and health monitoring.
Vaccinations protect cats against dangerous diseases like rabies, feline leukemia, and panleukopenia. Core vaccines recommended for all cats include rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Your vet will tailor a vaccine schedule based on your cat’s lifestyle, environment, and risks. Staying up to date on vaccines is key for disease prevention.
Treating and preventing external and internal parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms should be part of your cat’s regular healthcare routine. Your vet can recommend safe, effective parasite prevention medications to keep your cat free of these nasty pests. Consistent use of flea/tick and heartworm preventatives will help keep your cat clean and healthy.
With regular vet care, vaccines, and parasite prevention, you can maintain proper hygiene and reduce disease risks for your feline companion. A proactive healthcare plan allows your cat to stay clean and thrive for years to come.
Human Hygiene Factors
One of the biggest factors in staying hygienic when petting cats is proper handwashing by humans. The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before and after contact with any animals, including pets [1]. This helps remove germs that may be present on an animal’s fur.
Some key times to wash hands when interacting with cats include:
- Before petting or holding a cat
- After petting or holding a cat
- After touching a cat’s food, treats, or toys
- After cleaning out a litter box
- After touching cat urine, feces or vomit
Washing hands properly after interacting with a cat is just as important as washing them before. Even healthy cats can carry germs that don’t affect them but could potentially infect humans. Proper hand hygiene limits your chances of getting sick.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html
Benefits of Petting Cats
Petting and interacting with cats has been shown to provide several health benefits for humans. Some of the main benefits include:
Releases Oxytocin – Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” and is released when people bond with others. Petting a cat has been shown to increase oxytocin levels which promotes positive feelings. One study found that oxytocin levels increased by 57.2% after interacting with a cat.1
Lowers Stress and Anxiety – Petting and playing with cats has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels in humans. The calming act of petting combined with the purring creates relaxation. Studies show that having a cat helped students deal with anxiety and performance stress.1
Cardiovascular Benefits – Interacting with cats, especially through petting, has been linked with lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. Pet owners have been shown to have reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.1
Conclusion
Though cats are generally sanitary and low-risk for transmitting illnesses to humans, proper cat hygiene and human hygiene should still be maintained. Cats self-groom extensively, have bacteria-inhibiting saliva, and rarely touch surfaces with their paws. However, certain situations like interacting with outdoor/stray cats, cats using a litter box, or immunocompromised people require more precautions. Overall, the benefits of cat companionship and touch outweigh potential risks in most cases. Proper handwashing and keeping cats parasite-free are the best ways to stay healthy while enjoying their affection.