Yes, it’s possible to catch a disease from your pet, however it’s uncommon. These illnesses are called zoonotic diseases, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The good news is that the risk is very low, especially when pets are well cared for and simple hygiene practices are followed.
What are zoonotic diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and may be spread through direct contact with an animal, their faeces, saliva, skin, or contaminated environments.
How do zoonotic diseases spread?
Knowing how these diseases spread makes them much easier to prevent. Common ways they’re passed on include:
- Bites or scratches from infected animals
- Contact with faeces (poo), urine, or vomit
- Handling contaminated litter trays, bedding, or soil
- Inhaling dried particles from bird droppings or feathers
- Poor hand hygiene after handling pets or cleaning up after them
Everyday prevention tips
Reducing the risk of zoonotic disease comes down to consistent pet care and good hygiene. You can protect yourself and your family by:
- Taking your pet for regular veterinary check-ups (twice a year)
- Worming your pet every three months
- Using a monthly flea treatment
- Washing your hands thoroughly after handling pets
- Avoiding direct contact with pet faeces (use gloves or bags)
- Wearing gloves when gardening, as soil may contain animal waste
- Keeping pet bedding clean and dry
- Providing fresh water and a balanced, nutritious diet
- Bathing and grooming your pet regularly
- Avoiding letting your pet lick your face
These simple steps go a long way in keeping the already low risk even lower.
Common zoonotic diseases
While there are many zoonotic diseases, most are rare and preventable. Here are some of the more common ones to be aware of:
Cat scratch disease
- Source: Cats and kittens
- Spread by: Scratches or bites
- Symptoms: Fever and swollen lymph nodes
- Prevention: Flea control and avoiding rough play
Campylobacter
- Source: Cats, dogs, and other animals
- Spread by: Contact with infected faeces
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, fever, vomiting
- Prevention: Good hygiene and avoid feeding your pet raw meat
Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)
- Source: Birds
- Spread by: Inhaling or touching contaminated droppings
- Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms
- Prevention: Regular cage cleaning and good hygiene practices
Giardia
- Source: Dogs, cats, and other small animals
- Spread by: Contaminated environments or faeces
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea
- Prevention: Good hygiene measures
Ringworm
- Source: Cats, dogs and other animals
- Spread by: Contact with fungal spores
- Symptoms: Itchy, circular skin rashes
- Prevention: Good hygiene measures
Salmonella
- Source: Cats, dogs, reptiles, chickens
- Spread by: Contact with contaminated faeces or surfaces
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, vomiting, fever
- Prevention: Good hygiene and avoid feeding your pet raw meat
Toxoplasmosis
- Source: Cats
- Spread by: Contact with litter or contaminated soil
- Symptoms: Fever and swollen lymph nodes; can cause miscarriage and birth defects during pregnancy
- Prevention: Good hygiene around cats and after gardening or touching soil.
Worms (roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm)
- Source: Dogs and cats
- Spread by: Contact with contaminated soil or faeces
- Symptoms: Various infections depending on the worm type
- Prevention: Regular worming and practicing good hygiene
Zoonotic diseases are a real but manageable part of pet ownership. With routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, and good hygiene, the risk of catching an illness from your pet is very low.
