Introduction
Cats make wonderful pets. They are affectionate, playful, and independent. However, living with a cat does involve health risks. There are several diseases humans can contract from cat litter. Understanding these illnesses and how to avoid them can help keep cat owners healthy.
In this article, we will examine the most common infections transmitted through cat feces. We will cover the symptoms, causes, and prevention for each disease. With proper precautions, cat owners can safely enjoy their furry companions without contracting an illness.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States it is estimated that 11% of the population 6 years and older have been infected with T. gondii (1). Toxoplasma infection is one of the most common parasitic diseases in humans and is the most common cause of illness from cat litter (2).
In most healthy adults, toxoplasmosis causes a mild flu-like illness with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches that resolve in a matter of weeks or months. However, toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problems in infants whose mothers became infected during pregnancy and in individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include blurred vision, mental confusion, and in severe cases brain and organ damage (3).
Pregnant women are advised to avoid cleaning cat litter, as contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illnesses in the newborn. Indoor cats that do not hunt prey or consume raw meat are unlikely to spread toxoplasmosis (4). The primary routes of transmission are ingesting undercooked contaminated meat or accidentally ingesting oocysts from cat feces while cleaning a litter box. Proper hand washing after handling cat litter can reduce the risk of infection (5).
Sources:
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/epi.html
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8637412/
(3) https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/files/2008/04/M4-Toxoplasma-Owners.pdf
Cat Scratch Fever
Cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria. This bacteria is transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from infected cats, not from cat litter itself. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, cat scratch disease typically leads to swollen lymph nodes near the site of the bite or scratch, fever, headache, fatigue, poor appetite, and sometimes a skin lesion or pustule at the initial bite/scratch site.
The Cornell Feline Health Center reports that cat scratch disease has an annual incidence rate of approximately 4.5 cases per 100,000 people, or around 0.005% of the population. Most cases are relatively mild, do not require treatment, and resolve on their own within a few weeks or months. However, cat scratch disease can occasionally lead to more serious complications like neuroretinitis, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, or encephalopathy in a small percentage of patients. Immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk of complications. Overall though, cat scratch fever is generally a short-term, self-limiting illness in people with healthy immune systems.
To summarize, while cat scratches and bites can transmit Bartonella henselae bacteria and lead to cat scratch fever/disease, the illness itself does not come directly from cat litter. Maintaining good hygiene around cats, avoiding scratches/bites, and promptly disinfecting any wounds are the best ways to prevent transmission of this bacteria from cats to humans.
Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter, most commonly Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, and fever. Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in humans. In the United States, there are an estimated 1.5 million Campylobacter infections each year.
Campylobacter bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of healthy birds, most commonly chickens and turkeys. The bacteria do not typically make the birds sick. Campylobacter spreads to humans when they eat undercooked poultry or contaminated food or water. Contact with infected animal stool, raw milk, or pets with diarrhea also increases risk. Effect of Litter Treatment on Campylobacter jejuni in Cat Feces
While Campylobacter bacteria may be present in cat or kitten feces, infection via exposure to cat litter is rare. Maintaining good hygiene practices when cleaning litter boxes and proper hand washing helps prevent the spread of disease. Properly cooking and handling all foods, especially poultry, is the most effective way to avoid Campylobacter infection.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria. According to the FDA, Salmonella causes an estimated 1.2 million illnesses each year in the United States, with 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-salmonella).
In humans, salmonellosis causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 8 to 72 hours after infection. Illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Although most healthy cats and dogs infected with Salmonella
bacteria show no signs of illness, they can still shed the bacteria in their feces and saliva and spread the infection to people. However, transmission from cats and litter is rare. One study found two suspected cases of salmonellosis in cats fed raw meat contaminated with Salmonella (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525297/).
Proper cooking of raw food and good hygiene around cats and litter boxes can help prevent salmonellosis infections.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that affects both pets and humans. It’s caused by dermatophyte fungi and gets its name from the circular rash it causes on the skin 1. The rash often forms red, itchy lesions in the shape of a ring. Ringworm spores can survive on surfaces, objects, and cat litter for up to 18 months 2.
Ringworm is spread through direct contact with an infected cat or contact with contaminated objects. The fungus itself does not come from cat litter, but litter can harbor the spores if an infected cat used the litter box. Proper hygiene like washing hands after cleaning the litter box is important to prevent transmission. Treat infected cats with antifungal medication prescribed by a vet to eliminate the infection.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a digestive disease caused by the Giardia parasite, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia lamblia. Cats become infected with Giardia after ingesting cysts from contaminated water or environments [1]. Once in the intestinal tract, the cysts transform into trophozoites that attach to the intestinal wall and multiply, causing damage.
In cats, the most common symptoms of giardiasis include greasy, foul-smelling stools, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, and weight loss. The disease is typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort. Kittens and cats with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
While Giardia cysts can potentially be present in litter boxes, transmission from cat feces is unlikely if litter boxes are kept clean. Maintaining good hygiene and promptly removing soiled litter can help prevent spread. There is limited evidence that Giardia can be contracted from cat feces alone, without ingesting contaminated water or infected surfaces [2].
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. In humans, it can cause watery diarrhea along with cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. The infection usually lasts 1-2 weeks in healthy adults but can be severe or fatal for people with weakened immune systems.
Cryptosporidium spreads through ingestion of the parasite from contaminated food or water or contact with infected people or animals. While pets can carry Cryptosporidium, cat litter is not a typical source of infection. One study found Cryptosporidium felis in 18.5% of cats in Sweden [1], but transmission from cat feces seems rare. Another study detected Cryptosporidium oocysts in only 5.4% of cats [2]. Proper hygiene like washing hands after handling litter can prevent infection.
Preventing Illness
There are several ways to help prevent illness from pathogens found in cat feces and litter:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning litter boxes or touching cat feces. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean litter boxes daily to remove feces before pathogens can multiply. Scoop solid waste out at least once per day.
- Have cats regularly tested and treated for intestinal parasites. Bring a stool sample to the vet yearly.
- Avoid direct contact with cat feces. Use gloves, scoops or bags when disposing of cat waste.
Proper hand hygiene and prompt removal of cat feces can help reduce the risk of illness. Testing and veterinary care keeps cats free of infectious organisms they could otherwise transmit. With basic precautions, cat ownership can be safe and enjoyable.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few illnesses that can potentially be transmitted from cats to humans through contact with contaminated cat litter. The main risks are toxoplasmosis, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and ringworm. While concerning, the actual likelihood of transmission is low if proper precautions are taken.
To minimize any risks, it’s important to regularly clean the litter box wearing gloves, wash hands thoroughly afterwards, and ensure your cat receives regular veterinary care and preventative treatments. Pregnant women may also want to avoid changing litter. Overall, the health benefits of owning a cat far outweigh these small risks that can be easily managed with proper hygiene and care.
By taking reasonable precautions, cat owners can continue to safely enjoy their feline companions while protecting their own health. Proper handling and cleaning of cat litter poses a negligible risk for healthy individuals. With some simple preventative measures, cat owners can rest assured knowing the chance of illness from a cat’s litter box is extremely low.