Do Cats Cause Health Problems in Kids?

Allergies

• Experts with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimate that 14 percent of school-age kids are allergic to cats. The allergy is not to the cat̵7;s fur, but to allergens on dead skin cells, known as dander. Allergens inside a cat̵7;s glands are spread all over the body when cats groom themselves. Non-neutered male cats who spray put allergens into the surroundings. In addition, cats̵7; fur can collect environmental allergens, such as dust and pollen, and pass them on to unsuspecting people.

Bacterial Infections

• Diseases caused by bacteria can be passed from cats to humans. These illnesses are especially dangerous to people with weaker immune systems, and young children̵7;s immune systems are still developing. Cat scratch disease is mostly likely caught from a kitten or young cat with fleas, though the bacteria doesn̵7;t affect cats. Flea droppings, which carry the bacteria, can be spread when a cat bites, scratches or licks a person. Humans can catch salmonella, an intestinal infection, if they touch infected cat stool and then touch their mouths. This disease is very serious in children less than 5 years old.

Parasites

• Toxoplasmosis, which is cause by a parasite, is a growing health concern. About 1 percent of cats is infected with this bug. It̵7;s passed on to humans through contact with the cats̵7; stool. One cat can spread millions of parasites, and they can stay alive outside the host for a year and a half. In a person, the infection can go to the brain. Scientists also suspect the parasite may be linked to memory problems, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and brain tumors. Other diseases caused by cats̵7; parasites include cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal disorder; tapeworm, which can spread throughout the body, and roundworm, which can lead to blindness. All of these parasites are spread through contact with infected stool. Kids are at risk because they may unknowingly come into contact with stool from outdoor or feral cats who use sandboxes, gardens and play areas as their litter boxes.

Fungi

• Fungal infections can be spread from cats to humans through skin and fur contact. Although sporotrichosis is found in several kinds of domestic animals, cats are the most common sources of it. This fungus gets inside a person through a scratch or cut and causes lumps and sores. Ringworm is not a worm; it̵7;s a fungal infection that spreads through contact. It looks like a red ring on the skin, and it may be scaly and itchy. The disease is common in kittens. Kids who spend time playing with cats are at risk.

Bites

• Cat bites are more likely to lead to diseases than dog bites. Cats' jaws are not as strong as those of dogs, but feline̵7;s slim, sharp teeth can cause puncture wounds all the way to bones and joints. These are deep and hard to clean. If not washed and disinfected properly, 80 percent of cat bites become infected. These injuries tend to be serious in children because 70 percent of the time the bites are in the face, neck and head.