Can Cats Catch Illness From Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine recently reported that

both species can become ill from a newly identified strain of canine influenza virus, H3N2

. Cats can even catch at least one bug from us: H1N1, a human influ- enza virus that has made some cats very ill and even caused death.

Can cats get upper respiratory infections from dogs?

Fortunately,

the viruses that cause feline URIs are not contagious to dogs and people

. However, remember to vaccinate your cat and regularly visit your veterinarian to prevent your furry friend from developing a URI. If you notice that your cat is showing symptoms of a URI, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Can cats get parvo from dogs?

However, there are some studies that have shown that a mutated strain of the canine parvovirus (CPV) can, in fact, infect cats. So while it is uncommon,

yes – cats can get parvovirus from dogs

. For example, if a parvo outbreak in an animal shelter takes place, there is the possibility of cross-contamination.

Can my cat catch pneumonia from my dog?

Is pneumonia in cats contagious between pets?

Viral and bacterial pneumonia can pass to other cats, dogs, and small animals that come in close contact with your sick cat

. It's a good idea to keep your sick cat indoors and separated from other pets in your home in order to help prevent the spread of these conditions.

Can I get sick from my cat sneezing on me?


Cats also can get a herpes virus that can cause upper respiratory problems, including sneezing

. This virus can be spread to people by contact with the discharge, and can cause some irritation. If you follow proper cleanliness after handling your sneezing cats, your risk for exposure is minimal.

How does cat flu spread in dogs?

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from dog to dog

by direct or indirect contact with their faeces

. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells such as those in the lymph nodes, intestinal lining and the bone marrow.

Can cats get Covid?


Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19

, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.

Do indoor cats carry diseases?

While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy,

important infectious diseases can find

. Feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calici virus, and feline panleukopenia virus make up the feline distemper complex.

Can kennel cough be transmitted from dogs to cats?


Yes, cats can get kennel cough just like dogs

. In fact, cats and dogs can transmit the disease to each other, as well as to other animals within their species.

What are the signs of a cat with parvo?

  • depression (mild to severe)
  • vomiting.
  • diarrhoea.
  • anorexia.
  • mild fever (then temperature goes below normal as disease progresses)
  • abdominal pain.
  • ropey feeling intestines.
  • dehydration.

Can humans catch upper respiratory infections from cats?

Generally,

URI is not contagious to healthy people nor to other animals

.

What diseases can a cat give a human?

  • Campylobacteriosis.
  • Cat scratch disease.
  • Cat tapeworm.
  • Cryptosporidiosis.
  • Giardiasis.
  • Hookworm.
  • Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus (MRSA)
  • Rabies.

Can humans and dogs pass viruses?

But

pets also carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can cause illness if transmitted to humans

. Humans get these animal-borne diseases when they're bitten or scratched or have contact with an animal's waste, saliva, or dander.

Can cats make humans sick?


Cats can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick

, even when they appear clean and healthy. Visit your veterinarian for routine care to keep your cat healthy and to prevent infectious diseases.

Can cats pass cat flu to dogs?

NO! Thankfully,

your dog cannot contract the flu from their feline neighborhood friend or housemate

.

Can cats and dogs catch the flu?

What Is It? Just like humans,

dogs and cats can catch the flu

. The difference is that only certain strains affect them. For dogs, it's H3N8 and H3N2; cats need to be careful of H7N2, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

What do you do if your dog has cat flu?

If your pup shows any of the signs of cat flu (parvovirus),

take him to your vet immediately

, especially if your dog is under one year old! This virus can be a serious health threat to any dog.

How long does Covid last in cats?

In the naturally occurring case of feline COVID-19 from Belgium, the cat developed GI and respiratory problems and recovered within

nine days

. In the two cats from New York, both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery.

What animals can get Covid?

Recent experimental research shows that many mammals, including

cats, dogs, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, mink, pigs, rabbits, racoon dogs, tree shrews, and white-tailed deer

can be infected with the virus.

Why are my cats sneezing?

Sneezing is a common symptom of

upper respiratory infections (URIs)

in cats. Often referred to as the “common cold” or the “cat flu”, upper respiratory infections can be viral, bacterial and even fungal, although that's less common.

Is living with cats unhealthy?


Cats in particular carry a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can get into your brain and cause a condition known as toxoplasmosis

. People with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to this. Animal feces carry all kinds of bacteria that can make you sick.

Do cats carry germs from litter box?

Cats keep themselves pretty clean — much cleaner than dogs. But they're still using those paws in the litterbox, and walking around on them too, which raises the potential that they're picking up dangerous germs and bacteria and tracking them across your kitchen counters.

What virus can you get from cats?


Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis)

is a disease that results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world's most common parasites. Infection usually occurs by eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from infected cat feces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.