Is Sharing Kisses with Your Cat a Cause for Concern?
Cats can develop close bonds with their human companions and often show affection in cute, endearing ways. One common display of feline love is a “cat kiss,” when your kitty gently bumps its nose against you or presses its forehead to your face. While adorable, this prompts an important question – is it safe to allow cats to kiss you?
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind cat kisses, potential health considerations, and how to safely enjoy affection from your furry friend.
Cats and Affection
Despite common misconceptions, cats do show affection through various behaviors and actions. As many cat owners can attest, cats are often perceived to be more aloof than affectionate compared to dogs, but this does not mean they are devoid of loving feelings towards their owners.
Some of the most common ways cats display affection include head-butting, kneading, and purring. Cats will often head-butt or rub their heads against their owners as a sign of affection, marking them with their scent and indicating that they are comfortable and happy. Kneading or rhythmic paw motions on soft surfaces like blankets is another behavior associated with contentment and affection in cats. Perhaps the most well-known sign of a happy cat is purring, though cats may also purr when distressed to comfort themselves.
In addition to these behaviors, cats can demonstrate fondness through social grooming and playing gentle games with their owners. With patience and understanding of feline body language, cat owners can recognize and appreciate the unique ways their cats show love.
Health Risks
Kissing cats can potentially expose you to some health risks due to bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in a cat’s saliva. Some of the main concerns include:
Bacterial infections – Cats may carry common bacteria like Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Salmonella in their mouths, which can be transferred through a bite or scratch. Allowing a cat to lick your mouth could expose you to these bacteria and potentially cause an infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, infections are relatively rare in healthy adults who occasionally kiss their cats [1].
Parasitic infections – Cats can harbor the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in their digestive system, which they can spread through feces. If a cat cleans its fur and then licks your face, Toxoplasma could potentially be transferred. However, transmission from casual contact is uncommon. The greatest risk is to pregnant women, as toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects [2].
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cat feces. The parasite sheds eggs called oocysts in a cat’s feces, which can then spread to humans through ingestion. This commonly occurs through exposure to contaminated cat litter or outdoor soil where cats may defecate. While toxoplasmosis cannot be spread directly from a cat’s saliva, there is a risk if the cat’s paws have been contaminated with feces containing oocysts1. Once ingested, the parasite can stay dormant inside tissue cysts within the human body and may reactivate if one’s immune system weakens.
In humans, toxoplasmosis often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include muscle aches, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. For those with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can cause more severe complications affecting the brain, eyes, or other organs. This is especially dangerous during pregnancy, as congenital toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects. Thankfully, toxoplasmosis is preventable through proper hygiene. This includes washing hands after cleaning litter boxes and thoroughly washing vegetables and fruits2.
Cat Scratch Fever
Cat Scratch Fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is an infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. This bacterium is commonly found in the saliva of healthy cats. Cats can transmit B. henselae to humans through scratches, bites, or by licking an open wound. According to the CDC, around 12,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cat scratch disease each year. While the infection often resolves on its own, some people can develop more serious symptoms.
Within 3-14 days after a cat scratch, the infected area may appear swollen and red. One or more lesions can appear around the scratch that contain pus. Individuals may also experience fever, headache, fatigue, and poor appetite. In rare cases, the infection spreads to the liver, spleen, lungs, heart, brain, or eyes, causing more severe complications. Immunocompromised individuals and children under the age of 5 are at higher risk. While antibiotics are not usually needed, they may be prescribed in more serious cases. Preventing cat scratches and bites is the best means to avoid infection. Trimming cats’ nails, playing gently, and not disturbing a cat while sleeping can help reduce risk.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women need to take extra precautions around cats to avoid contracting toxoplasmosis. According to the CDC, toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that can be transmitted from cats to humans, and can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illnesses in newborns if a woman is infected while pregnant [1]. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid changing cat litter and avoid adopting new cats to reduce risk of exposure [1]. If it is unavoidable to clean the litter box, wearing gloves and washing hands thoroughly afterwards can help lower risk. It’s also important for pregnant women to avoid ingesting anything that may have come into contact with cat feces. The Toxoplasma parasite can be shed in a cat’s feces and contaminate areas the cat has access to. While the risk from household cats is low, it is still recommended that pregnant women take precautions.
Immunocompromised Individuals
Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of infection if kissed by a cat. The CDC notes that immunocompromised pet owners are more susceptible to getting sick from diseases that pets carry [1]. This includes diseases like toxoplasmosis, which is spread through contact with cat feces and can cause serious illness in those with weakened immune systems.
A 2008 study found that cat bites are more likely to cause infection in immunocompromised patients because they produce deep puncture wounds [2]. Allowing a cat to lick around the mouth and face should be avoided, as their saliva may contain bacteria, viruses or parasites.
Immunocompromised individuals can still interact safely with pets, but should take precautions like washing hands frequently and avoiding intimate contact like kisses.
Precautions
While kissing your cat is generally safe, there are some precautions you should take to minimize any potential health risks:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after interacting with your cat. This helps remove any germs or parasites that may have transferred during affectionate moments (vetwest.com.au). Avoid letting your cat lick around or inside your mouth. Cat saliva can contain bacteria and parasites, so it’s best to avoid direct contact between your mouth and your cat’s (petchef.my).
Also try to keep your cat’s vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date. Discuss an appropriate prevention plan with your veterinarian. This will help reduce the chances of diseases spreading between you and your pet.
While kissing your cat on the head or cheeks is generally fine, avoid mouth-to-mouth contact. Simple precautions like washing hands and keeping up with veterinary care can help you safely enjoy affectionate moments with your favorite feline.
Allowing Safe Kisses
While kissing your cat directly on the lips does carry some risk, there are ways you can safely show affection to your feline friend without endangering your health.
Letting your cat kiss your hands or arms is very low risk. The skin on these areas is thicker and more resistant to scratches that could allow bacteria to enter. As long as you wash your hands afterwards, this can be a safe way to bond with your cat.
There are also alternatives to kissing that allow you and your cat to share affection. Gently rubbing your cat’s head, chin, or cheeks leaves scent markers from your hands that cats enjoy. Playing with toys together, brushing your cat’s coat, or providing treats are other good options.
Most importantly, never scold or punish a cat for trying to kiss you. Redirect their behavior instead. And if you simply must kiss your cat, avoid the mouth and stick to the forehead or cheeks.
Conclusion
While cats often show affection through licking and gentle nibbling, allowing them to kiss you directly on the lips does carry some health risks. Diseases like toxoplasmosis and cat scratch fever can be transmitted through a cat’s saliva. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals need to take extra precautions.
However, for most cat owners, the joy of bonding with their pet outweighs these small risks. As long as you maintain good hygiene and avoid mouth-to-mouth contact, there are safe ways to allow your cat to show affection. With some common sense precautions, you can safely enjoy your cat’s kisses without worry.
In the end, a cat’s kiss is a sign of trust and bonding. While certain individuals need to exercise caution, for many owners it’s a harmless display of love. As with any pet, be sensible, but don’t deprive yourself or your cat of this special expression.
