Can My Cat Give Me Parasites? 6 Infections You Can Catch (And How to Stay Safe)

Prospective cat owners have to think about various things, and one of them is the question of whether your cat can give you parasites. It is well known that there are various parasites that cats can carry, and they can lead to various complications for a feline’s health.

The answer is that there are parasites that humans can catch from cats. Certain cat worms are contagious, including roundworms, hookworms and fleas. This is why it is important to take precautions to prevent them from coming into your life.

In this guide, we list the main threats from parasites in cats and discuss possible risks and steps you can take to prevent their spread.

Number 1: Roundworms (Toxocara Cati) - The Most Common Risk

This ranks among the most common intestinal worms in UK cats and they are particularly common in kittens. They typically spread through eggs that are shed in the faces of an infected cat. This means that there is a risk from things like:

• Contaminated soil

• Litter trays

• Unwashed hands

When it comes to humans, the infection usually spreads by accidentally ingesting the microscopic eggs.

When a human becomes infected with roundworms, the result is a condition called toxocariasis. It is usually mild or even asymptomatic, but the symptoms to look out for include fever, coughing and abdominal pain.

There is also a rare but serious complication known as ocular larva migrans. This is where the worm larvae migrate into the eye. Though extremely rare, there are documented cases of this, and it can cause vision problems or even blindness.

Children and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk from these parasites. This is why vets advise regular worming, even for indoor cats, due to environmental exposure.

Number 2: Hookworms - Less Common but Possible

When a cat is infected with hookworms, they attach themselves to the intestinal walls inside the animal. They are spread via contact with contaminated soil and even through the larvae penetrating the skin. It’s important to note that humans don’t develop full intestinal infections from cat hookworms.

Instead, humans are more likely to be affected by a condition called cutaneous larvae migrans. This is where the worms attach themselves to the skin - usually on feet or hands - resulting in symptoms like:

• Itchiness

• A red, snake-like rash under the skin

This is more likely to happen in warm climates, but it is still possible in the UK. The resulting condition from human transmission is often self-limiting, but it may require treatment if symptoms persist.

Number 3: Tapeworms - Rarely Passed to Humans

We have all heard of tapeworms, but did you know there are actually various different types? The most common one in cats is called dipylidium caninum. The most common cause of them in cats is swallowing infected fleas, but they are very uncommon in the UK.

Humans, especially children, can also become infected if they accidentally swallow an infected flea. Direct contact with an infected cat does not usually transmit tapeworms - it would require flea ingestion to come to that.

In the unlikely event that a human is infected with this type of tapeworm, they may present the following symptoms:

• Mild digestive upset

• Passage of worm segments (rare but possible)

The risk of this happening is low, but you can virtually eliminate the possibility through strict flea control.

Number 4: Toxoplasmosis - The Parasite Most People Worry About

This is a condition caused by the paradise Toxoplasma gondii, of which cats are known as the “definitive host”. Within the first 1-3 weeks after a cat is infected, it can shed this parasite in its faeces, which is where it most commonly gets spread among felines, though it can also come from eating raw meat.

This is a parasite that is not solely spread from pet cats - in fact, cats are not even the primary source. This is why humans are afraid of it - infections in people can come from things like:

• Undercooked meat

• Unwashed fruit and vegetables

• Gardening without gloves

Most healthy adults who come into contact with this parasite exhibit minimal symptoms. A flu-like illness and swollen glands are the most common symptoms. However, there is a far more serious risk to pregnant women (it can harm unborn babies) and immunocompromised individuals.

Please note that indoor cats that do not hunt or eat raw meat are at significantly lower risk of coming into contact with this parasite.

Number 5: Giardia - A Microscopic Parasite

This one is a protozoal parasite that affects the intestines. It is commonly spread through contaminated water or faeces. Zoonotic strains exist, but cross-species transmission is very uncommon.

If this parasite is transmitted to humans, the most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

A Giardia infection is usually self-limiting in humans, but it can require treatment in some cases.

Number 6: Fleas - Indirect Parasite Transmission

We are all familiar with fleas and the problems they can present for our furry friends. If a cat gets a flea infestation, it will bring it into the home where they can take up residence in things like carpets and upholstery.

When humans are exposed to these fleas, they can be bitten just the same as cats. The result of this is itching and skin irritation. However, there are more serious concerns with fleas - they can:

• Transmit tapeworms

• Carry other pathogens

Flea prevention is central to parasite control. Having veterinary-approved flea treatments for your cat and dealing with infestations promptly are important steps.

How Likely Is It That I’ll Catch Parasites From My Cat?

The risk of transmission is generally very low in the UK, but it is still possible. With careful and responsible cat ownership, you are unlikely to catch any nasty parasites from your cats. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood a little:

• Poor litter hygiene

• Letting your cat hunt outdoors

• Failing to keep up with routine worming

• Letting children play in contaminated soil

Most healthy adults with good hygiene are at minimal risk of parasite transmission.

How to Prevent Parasites From Cats

The steps you can take to avoid your cat giving you parasites are not complicated. It starts with a regular worming schedule: in kittens, they should be wormed every 2-3 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. As adults, follow vet guidance - they should usually be treated every 1-3 months.

Here are the other things you can do to prevent parasites:

• Keep on top of flea control all year round

• Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning litter trays, gardening and handling raw cat food.

• Clean out litter trays every day.

• Keep pregnant women away from litter duties if possible.

• Cover children’s sandpits outdoors.

If you can keep on top of these basic things, you should avoid any issues with parasites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can My Cat Give Me Parasites?

Can indoor cats give you parasites?

Yes they can, but the risk is lower. Indoor cats can still contract worms via fleas or contaminated environments.

Can you get worms from stroking a cat?

This is extremely unlikely. Transmission usually involved contact with infected faeces or ingestion of parasite eggs.

Should I be worried about toxoplasmosis from my cat?

In the UK, undercooked meat is a far more common source of this parasitic infection than pet cats.