What is a zoonotic disease? While most feline infectious
diseases affect only cats, and most human infectious diseases
affect only humans, it is important to be aware that some of
these diseases—called zoonotic diseases—can be transmitted
between cats and people. You are much more likely to contract
ailments from other humans than you are from your cat. However,
simple precautions, common sense, and good hygiene, including
careful handling of litter boxes and treating cats with fleas
and other parasites, can further reduce the risk of zoonotic
disease. How are zoonotic diseases transmitted? Transmission of
a zoonotic disease can potentially occur when a person comes
into direct contact with secretions or excretions—such as saliva
or feces—from an infected cat. Additionally, a disease may be
contracted through contact with water or food that has been
contaminated by an infected cat. Many zoonotic diseases can be
transmitted from fleas or ticks (called vectors) to a person or
a cat from another animal. Who is a