Introduction
Cats are one of the most popular pets in the U.S., with over 42.7 million households owning at least one cat in 2020 according to the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey. With so many cat owners, questions naturally arise about the effects felines may have on human health – both positive and negative.
Some concerning statistics show that over 20% of people are allergic to cats. However, studies also reveal benefits like reduced cardiovascular disease risk and improved mental health for cat owners.
This article will dive into the latest research around cats and human health – weighing the pros and cons – to help readers make informed choices about living with felines.
Potential Health Risks
One of the biggest health concerns associated with cats is toxoplasmosis. This disease is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that cats can carry and shed in their feces. According to the CDC, toxoplasmosis infections are very rare in the United States, affecting less than 1% of the population. Most healthy adults infected with toxoplasmosis don’t show any symptoms, or symptoms are similar to the flu. However, toxoplasmosis can lead to serious illness in people with weakened immune systems, as well as pregnant women and their fetuses.
The main route of transmission for toxoplasmosis is ingesting undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables contaminated with the parasite. Cat owners do not have to worry too much about catching it directly from their pets. According to a study published in PLOS One, cat ownership was not a significant predictor of toxoplasmosis infection risk (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3497129/). Proper hygiene like washing hands after cleaning the litter box and avoiding contact with cat feces can prevent transmission. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes and have someone else do it instead. As long as simple precautions are taken, living with a cat does not necessarily mean an increased risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.
Asthma and Allergies
Studies show that exposure to cats can increase asthma and allergy symptoms in some children. According to one study, evidence of allergic sensitization to cats in children with atopic dermatitis increased the odds for developing asthma by 1.5 times (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354731/). Another study found that exposure to cat allergens at school exacerbated asthma symptoms in children allergic to cats (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11254526/). Up to 40% of children with asthma may develop allergy symptoms when exposed to cats, according to the Healthy Children organization.
The proteins in cat saliva, skin cells and urine can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive children. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. However, not all children with cat allergies develop asthma. Careful management of the home environment and medical treatment can help control allergy and asthma symptoms.
Infection Risk
Owning a cat does come with some risk of contracting infectious diseases, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Some of the main infections to be aware of include:
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae and spread through claws and saliva. Symptoms are usually limited to swollen lymph nodes near the scratch site, but can occasionally become more serious. CSD can be prevented by avoiding scratches and bites, especially for immunocompromised people. As noted by the CDC, “People and pets (dogs, cats) are at risk when they are bitten by infected fleas” (CDC).
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that causes circular rashes. Cats can carry ringworm spores in their fur and transmit to humans through contact. Ringworm is highly contagious but treatable in both cats and humans (Stojanovic & Radulović, 2011).
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and spread through exposure to infected feces. It can cause flu-like symptoms in healthy adults but serious complications for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Cats are common carriers of toxoplasmosis. Preventive measures include proper litter box hygiene and avoiding ingestion of raw meat or unwashed vegetables (The Conversation).
Overall, the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from cats to humans can be minimized through proper hygiene, prevention of bites/scratches, regular veterinary care, and avoiding high-risk activities like handling stray cats. For most people, the benefits of cat ownership outweigh the potential infection risks.
Mental Health Benefits
Research indicates that owning a cat can provide mental health benefits such as reduced anxiety and stress. According to a study by the University of Western Australia, cat owners reported lower levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared to non-pet owners (Nagasawa et al., 2020). Cats can offer companionship and affection, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilling the basic human need for connection. In a survey by the American Psychiatric Association, cat owners were more likely than dog owners to say their pet provides companionship and a calming presence that reduces anxiety (APA, 2023). The relaxing purr of a cat can lower stress levels by reducing blood pressure and heart rate.
Simply petting a cat can release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain, hormones associated with joy and calmness. The comforting routine of caring for a cat creates structure and meaning for owners. Studies show pet owners have increased empathy, self-esteem, and sense of purpose. For people dealing with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness, a cat can provide much-needed emotional support.
Physical Health Benefits
Having a cat around the house can motivate owners to be more physically active and may help lower blood pressure. According to a study published in the journal National Library of Medicine, cat ownership is linked to increased physical activity, likely due to the responsibilities of caring for a cat such as playing and cleaning the litter box. The study found cat owners took an extra 2,000 steps per day compared to non-cat owners.
Additionally, multiple studies have shown that petting or interacting with cats helps lower blood pressure and heart rate by reducing stress. According to research from the Brownsburg Animal Clinic, blood pressure is lowered most effectively when petting purring cats. The relaxing nature of cats can be beneficial for heart health.
Mitigating Risks
While there are some health risks associated with living with cats, there are ways to mitigate these risks through proper cat care and home hygiene practices.
Litter boxes should be cleaned daily to reduce exposure to parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis in humans. Wear gloves when cleaning litter boxes and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Keep litter boxes away from food preparation areas and consider using low-dust litter to reduce airborne allergens.
In addition to hand washing, be diligent about cleaning your home regularly to remove cat hair and dander. Vacuum floors and furniture often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wash bedding and blankets frequently to eliminate allergens. Consider keeping cats out of bedrooms if allergies are a concern.
Disinfect surfaces like countertops with pet-safe cleaners to kill germs and parasites. Wash your hands after petting cats, cleaning up scratches or bites, or handling used litter. Take care when interacting with outdoor/stray cats and avoid contact with feces.
By taking proper precautions, the health risks of living with cats can be significantly reduced. Focus on good hygiene and safe handling of cats and litter boxes.
Making Homes Cat-Friendly
Creating a healthy and safe home environment for cats requires some planning and cat-friendly adjustments. Air filters can help remove allergens, dust, and dander that may trigger breathing issues (Tips and Resources to Make Your Home More Cat Friendly). High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended to trap allergens and irritants. It’s also important to use natural, low-VOC cleaning products that won’t release harsh fumes or chemicals hazardous to cats (How to Make Your Home Cat Friendly). Look for plant-based options without added fragrances. Additionally, covering furniture with blankets or slipcovers can help protect surfaces from scratching and shedding (Making your Home Cat Friendly). Washable materials will allow for easy cleaning of hair and dander. With some preparation, homes can be adapted to support cats’ needs while minimizing risks to human health.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When considering bringing a cat into your home, it’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. On the pro side, cats can provide companionship, stress relief, entertainment, and even some health advantages like lower heart disease risk. However, cat allergies and asthma are real concerns for some people. There’s also a small risk of infection from biting or scratching, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems. Maintaining a clean litterbox is essential to avoid spread of toxoplasmosis.
The consensus among vets and health organizations seems to be that the joy and comfort of owning a cat outweighs the potential health risks in most cases. Proper preventative care and hygiene practices can significantly reduce likelihood of problems. For those predisposed to allergies, there are steps that can be taken to minimize exposure, like keeping cats out of bedrooms and bathing pets regularly. Some people may need to make the difficult decision that owning a cat is not right for their health situation.
Overall, with smart preventative measures, the many benefits of cat companionship can be safely enjoyed by most people. Those considering getting a cat should honestly assess their personal risk factors before making the commitment. For the majority of owners, cats enrich lives and create bonds that make the responsibilities of pet care worthwhile.
Conclusion
Living with cats offers potential health risks like asthma and allergies, as well as positive effects on mental and physical health. A few measures can reduce risks, like keeping your home clean and avoiding snuggling sick cats. Ultimately, owning cats is usually safe, beneficial, and worthwhile for many, though some sensitive individuals may still choose other pets. For most, the companionship and joy cats bring outweigh their minimal risks. Just be aware of any health concerns with you or loved ones and discuss them with a doctor. Responsible cat ownership can provide countless rewards while protecting everyone’s wellbeing.