Cats, like humans, suffer from many diseases, some of which are dangerous for humans. As a rule, infection is caused by close contact between humans and cats – strokes, kisses on the nose etc. So what to do? Never pet a cat? Of course not, if you take preventive measures then both you and your cat will be healthy.
Let’s take a look at the most common feline diseases and how to prevent them.
Ciruses.
How does worm infection happen?
Cats can get worms from eating raw meat or fish, especially those caught in salty rivers. Flies, which cats love to catch, can also be a source of worms. Very often, even domestic cats that do not roam the streets and eat only dry food are infected with worms through people’s footwear and clothes. This is how you can bring street worm larvae into your home too.
Signs of worm infestation
The cat finds it harder to bend and crawl on carpets and floors, and has tolands on its hind paws and rubs. If the cat does this immediately after toileting, it is most likely to be replacing the toilet paper. However, if it does neither, then it is probably due to itching caused by worms.
How is ringworm transmitted?
By contact – through kisses and pats. Cats actively lick all the parts of their body, which can spread the worm larvae throughout their fur. One way in – don’t forget to wash your hands before eating.
How to treat?
Prophylactic measures are good against infection; if your cat is infected, you should take the following measures at intervals of 10-14 days. If your cat has been found to have worms, then it would be a good idea to give your cat a course of anti-worm medication.
How can I prevent worms?
Preventive measures include dewormers, which should be taken if the cat is outside once every 3 months. If not outdoors, once every six months. Nfeed your cat raw meat or fish.
Kerries
How do cats get lice?
The disease is caused by fungi and most commonly affects kittens. Transmission is from one cat to another, sometimes through the owner’s shoes and clothes.
Signs of infection
It is difficult to recognise lichen in the first few days, but within a few days bare reddish areas appear and the skin may peel. These spots appear on the cat’s fur in the ear, neck and paw areas. These spots expand and grow rapidly. In humans, lichen can show the same symptoms.
How are lice transmitted from cats to humans?
Affectionate contact with and petting of a sick cat can lead to lice. Very often, children bring the disease with them from the sandbox.
How to cure lichen?
The first thing to do is to see a doctor and get treatment as soon as possible. However, the later the stage of the disease and the more skin lesions there are, the longer the treatment will take. Lice are treated with special ointments such as miconazole or sulphur ointment.
How to protect yourself from getting lice?
Prophylactic injections help the cat, but it is not recommended to give them frequently. If your cat has already contracted the disease, try not to touch it with your bare hands and disinfect the apartment thoroughly, especially the cat’s litter box. Apply iodine immediately to the infected area and take the cat to the vet.
Toxoplasmosis
This disease is usually easily transmitted to humans and may initially appear to be a cold. Problems arise if the disease is contracted by a pregnant woman, as the risk of damage to the foetus is greatly increased. In women’s counselling, pregnant women are often asked if they keep a cat at home, with this particular disease in mind.
How does toxoplasmosis occur?
A person can become infected through contact with the faeces of a cat that may have eaten contaminated raw meat. It is possible to isolate the cat and take it to a garden or farm, but remember that cases of infection are very rare