Why can't cats be kissed?

Cats are very cute and affectionate creatures that you want to not only stroke, but also to kiss, rub on their soft fur. But there are many opinions and proven facts that it is better not to do this. An innocent hug with a pet can lead to unpleasant consequences. Some superstitious people believe that cats can take away human vitality, which is difficult to replenish in the aftermath. But in addition to superstitions, there are real threats, since different microorganisms live on the animal’s hair, especially in street or unclean cats. These microorganisms pose a threat to human health.

Why are hugs with cats dangerous?

The microflora of animals, even domestic ones, is different from human microflora. The cat itself is a clean animal, especially if she is accustomed to the tray, loves to wash, and rarely walks on the street. But animal hair is an excellent breeding ground for parasites and bacteria that are dangerous to humans.

If the animal rarely goes outside, and the owner regularly treats it from fleas, then the insects are unlikely to take root in cat hair. But dust mites accumulate in the hair, regardless of the purity of the animal. These mites are invisible to the human eye, but can cause a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, it is impossible to touch the face of the animal, especially if there is a predisposition to allergies and the skin is very sensitive.

Fact! Cats accustomed to the tray do not cause owners any trouble, but on their feet they can spread bacteria from their bowel movements around the apartment.

Animal saliva contains a protein that is perceived by the human body as a “foreign” and hostile protein. In this regard, the body responds to someone else's protein with inflammation and other protective reactions.

Animals have a completely different immunity, which at times differs from human immunity. Cats have more stable immunity, which better resists the effects of viruses and germs. But the same viruses that do not harm the cat are dangerous for humans, since the cat is only a carrier of the disease. From all of the above, we can conclude that even the cleanest and most well-groomed cat can be a danger to human health with close contact. There are a number of diseases that a person can get from an animal.

Fleas

To protect the animal from fleas, special shampoos, collars, sprays and drugs that need to be added to food will help.

Helminthiasis

Most street cats and domestic kittens, as their bodies are still weak, are infected with helminths. Even a domestic cat can bring helminth eggs from the street after contact with street animals. A kiss with a cat is a 100% risk of contracting parasites. Worms have many subspecies and varieties that affect not only the intestines, but also other human organs.

The cat does not always show symptoms of the disease, but many animals are uncomfortable, they can itch their anus, rub against the floor. Frequent symptoms of parasite infection in cats are expressed in vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy of the animal.

If a person brings an animal from the street, it is necessary to give him drugs for parasites. Also, periodically, any domestic cat needs prophylactic administration of pills or suspensions from worms.

Dangerous disease - Toxoplasmosis

This disease is very dangerous for humans, toxoplasma bacteria can destroy the brain and other organs of the person. In a sick animal, the disease can be expressed by symptoms, dark discharge from the nose, feces may contain blood. But the disease is not always accompanied by the listed symptoms, therefore cats cannot be kissed.

If a person is infected with these bacteria, all the symptoms are similar to those of the flu, and treatment does not help, as the cause is very difficult to find out. This disease is dangerous for children, they can bring bacteria from open street sandboxes. Therefore, after a walk, it is necessary to wash the child’s hands with soap and do not allow the child to bring dirty hands to his face.

It is better to wash the animal tray with a disinfectant every day, and then wash your hands thoroughly - so the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis is reduced.

Fungal and intestinal infections

The most dangerous fungal disease that takes root in humans is ringworm. It can get on a person from close contact with the animal and from simple stroking. If the animal’s hair and skin have red spots, bald patches and sores, this animal should not be touched.

Cats can infect humans with intestinal infections - salmonellosis. Symptoms of the disease are similar in both humans and animals. This disease is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. If the animal is infected, then when kissing a cat, a person has a high risk of contracting an intestinal disease.

Another infection is felinosis. Cats do not get sick when infected with this virus, they are its carrier. But a person reacts sharply to the bacterium of bartonellosis, which is the causative agent of felinosis. A person can become infected through an animal bite or kiss with him. In a tissue that is infected with a bacterium, an inflammatory process occurs, accompanied by suppuration, swelling, and severe pain.

Prevention required for animals and their owners

In order to protect the animal and themselves, you need to follow a simple prevention.

1. The diet of the animal should exclude raw meat, raw river fish, as these products may contain parasite eggs. All cat food should be well cooked, or you can choose the perfect alternative - cat food.
2. Domestic cats should not be allowed to go unattended outside, so that they would not be tempted to rummage through city dumps and cellars. You need to walk the cat on the harness, after walking wash her paws.
3. From worms, it is necessary to take drugs for both owners and pets, at least 1 time in three months. It is three months on average that the effect of the drug is preserved. February, May, August and November are the most suitable months for preventive actions.
4. The animal must be protected from street hunting for mice and rats, as they are dangerous carriers of many viruses and diseases.
5. Cats need to be raised, do not let them sleep with children in the same bed, walk on the dining table or lie on it.
6. Close contact with a cat is best avoided; periodically check the animal for the presence of fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites. People with weakened immune systems, newborns, pregnant women should be careful with their pets and keep a distance when in contact with them.

Pets certainly require attention and affection, but it is not necessary to express your love for them through kisses. If the cat wants attention, she will show it at a distance, she can lie on her back and put her stomach out for stroking. The cat shows its love for the owner with sounds, it starts to purr and close its eyes.And the best “kiss” for a cat in the distance is to look into her eyes with love and tenderness.

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