Can a baby be at risk of getting a disease or illness when exposed to kittens?
Baby General
Superman asked:
We recently got a 6 week old kitten. However, we have an 11 month old baby. My wife needed to know if the baby can get any type of illness or disease if he plays with the kitty. Serious answers only.
Ben
We recently got a 6 week old kitten. However, we have an 11 month old baby. My wife needed to know if the baby can get any type of illness or disease if he plays with the kitty. Serious answers only.
Ben
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Cory
i don’t think so…i don’t think very many diseases can go from cat to baby. but just to make sure, ask a vet or doctor.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Annie
Assuming the kitten you got is healthy, and up to date on all his or her shots…. and you are reasonably certain your baby is not allergic, your baby should be fine.
August 9th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Marcia
All I know is of-
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can threaten the health of an unborn child. It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite multiplies in the intestine of cats and is shed in cat feces, mainly into litter boxes and garden soil. You can get the parasite by handling cat litter or soil where there is cat feces. You can also get the parasite from eating undercooked meat (such as rare beef) from animals infected with the parasite.
But thats when a baby is in the womb…. ASk your pediatrician! they shoul dknow better
August 10th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Stacy
DOES THE KITTEN ACT LIKE A DINGO?
August 13th, 2008 at 2:51 am
Beth
First of all, does it make sense to ask this question AFTER you got the kitten? Animals are not disposable.
If you live in CA or FL and possibly AZ and TX, there is a bacteria that causes ‘cat scratch disease’. A cat can be tested to see if they have this bacteria. It can cause significant neurological damage to a susceptible child (and even adults). My area has no incidences of cat scratch disease, but your vet would not only be able to test the kitten, but likely tell you prevelance (sp?) in your area and whether a test is even needed. A call to your county or state health department can also tell you how common this problem is in your area.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Ashley
No, the baby is fine. There is only a risk to unborn babies, whilst in the womb. That’s why when you are pregnant you shouldn’t be changing litter boxes.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Kimberly
Definetly there are chances of getting affected.
You should be very careful, because the fallen hairs of kittens may get inside your baby’s mouth, by chances.
So be care full… I could suggest better u keep away your baby from the kitten or keep your kitten away from the baby
August 18th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Benjamin
There aren’t many diseases that can be transmitted between species. One thing to consider is ringworm. It’s a fungus that kitties get from the litter box. I remember when we had kitties, we would let them sleep on our necks and all four of us kids got ringworm! Easy to treat (antifungal cream), doesn’t hurt or anything, but it’s avoidable, so don’t let the baby do too much close cuddling.