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It's not that uncommon for people to have serious immune system problems. People who take steroids or other immunosuppressants such as gold salts, cyclosporine, or azothiaprine; who have undergone organ transplants, are being radiotherapy or chemotherapy, have an immune related disease such as HIV / AIDS, or are simply very young or very old, they all need to take appropriate precautions if a cat is to share the house. Women who are or may become pregnant should also be cautious of exposure to disease.

Unfortunately, it is still common for physicians to advise pregnant women and immuno-compromised people to "get rid of the cat." However, this is certainly not necessary. In fact, it has been shown repeatedly that keeping a pet, such as a cat or dog, has actually the immune system by reducing stress.

There are, however, many diseases of concern, which may be transmitted from cats to humans. We will review the major, and how to prevent transmission.

The best known zoonotic (animal-to-people diseases) Toxoplasma (often called simply "Toxo"), which is caused by a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxo can cause birth defects severe if contracted in the first quarter. Toxo is excreted in the feces of a cat for about 3 weeks after infection, but the most frequent sources of human infection are eating undercooked meat and gardening. If your cat is kept indoors, the chances of obtaining Toxo are extremely low, although it is also possible for a cat to contract Toxo eating raw meat or undercooked. Toxo cysts are not infective for 24-48 hours after defecation, thus keeping a very clean and litter once the excavation or twice a day reduced the risk nearly zero. However, it is preferable to have a non-pregnant litter patrol. If the pregnant woman must make herself, she should wear a mask and gloves and wash thoroughly after scooping or cleaning. About 30% of the adult population in the United States has been exposed to Toxo. A simple test blood (a title ") to determine whether or not the pregnant woman has antibodies against Toxo, and if so, it is minimal risk.

Other parasites such as roundworms, can present a danger to the immune system is compromised individual. Fecal examinations appropriate deworming and keeping the cat indoors will prevent these nasty little critters to endanger the keeper. Other gastro-intestinal organisms may be passed in feces, some of which can cause serious disease in people. A healthy litter and conscientious hand washing is generally avoided transmission of the disease.

Feeding raw meat is not recommended for cats in a household whose immune system is compromised individual because of the high number of bacteria and other organisms that may be present in raw meat. They may not affect the cat, but they can potentially be transmitted to the person.

Scratch disease cat is a greater risk for immuno-compromised individuals and can cause variety of syndromes in people. The organization (Bartonella) is usually transmitted by fleas, keeping a garage sale free home is an essential element of prevention. In addition, keeping the nails cut, or with glue on nail caps (Soft Paws, rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.softpaws.com"> http://www.softpaws.com) work well to minimize the risk of scratches. It is useless, even dangerous, to declaw the cat. Declawing is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Some cats will use Cheap bite as a defense, and risk of infection from a cat bite is much more important than a scratch. It is impossible to say how any individual cat will react to this painful surgery. (For more information on declawing, see "Declawing: A Rational Look," in our Little Big Cat Library of free articles). Any cat bite, even in people with normal immune status, needs medical care.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. Cats can be asymptomatic carriers. The disease is not serious, but it is seriously annoying! Other Fungal diseases such as Cryptococcus may present a greater danger, again, keeping the cat indoors is prevention primary.

The joys of feline company shall not be denied to anyone. With a little common sense and good hygiene practices, each home may be a house cat happy!

Dr. Jean Hofve is a retired holistic veterinarian with a special interest in nutrition and behavior. Her informational website, http://www.littlebigcat.com, features an extensive free article library on feline health and pet nutrition, as well as a free e-newsletter. Dr. Hofve founded Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies for Animals (http://www.spiritessence.com) in 1995; and it remains the only line of flower essence formulas designed by a veterinarian. She is a certified Medicine Woman within the Nemenhah Native American Traditional Organization who uses holistic remedies as a part of body-mind-spiritual healing.

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