Cats are one of the most common pets that people have, apart from dogs that is. The reason for this could be attributed to the royal status that is generally ascribed to them. They may be considered royal, but they sure are not germ free. No matter how well groomed or how clean ones cat might be, that does not mean that it cannot pass on a disease. Cats carry germs and this also means that they can pass diseases on to people. However, this does not mean that one will get sick just by touching a cat or owning a cat.

One of the common diseases that people contract from cats is the cat scratch disease, which is often referred to as cat scratch fever. Other than this there is the plague which is rare. Cats also carry diseases like rabies (which is generally associated with dogs) and other viral diseases. There are also other infections like bacterial or parasitic infections that one could easily contract from cats. Some people are more likely to contract diseases from cats than others. Immune system plays an important role in determining how vulnerable one might be. This is where ones age and health status comes in the picture, since, both these factors directly influence ones immune system. People more susceptible to contracting diseases from cats include infants, children younger than 5 years old, those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant patients, and people being treated for cancer.

All this might seem upsetting, to those who think that their dear pet could be so frightening. However, there are simple ways in which one can protect oneself. All one needs to do is:

• One should vaccinate ones pet cat against rabies.
• One should try and avoid cat scratches and bites
• When scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and running water right away
• Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water after the feces (stool) of a cat is touched.

The fact that cats make remarkable pets, cannot be denied. Just a little bit of care can help avoid a lot of trouble.