Okay, let’s be honest — if you’re anything like me, your cat is basically your child. Or your roommate. Or both. Either way, they’re part of the family, and when you get sick, there’s always that moment of panic where you look over at your furball curled up in the laundry basket and wonder… “Wait, can I get my cat sick?”
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It’s a totally valid question, and if you’ve ever sneezed and watched your cat blink at you in judgmental confusion, you’ve probably thought about it too.
So, let’s unpack that — the sniffles, the viruses, the weird stomach bugs — and figure out if your cold could actually be passed on to your feline friend.
First Things First: Can Humans Actually Pass Illnesses to Cats?
Short answer? Sometimes. But it’s pretty rare.
Most of the common bugs we humans catch — colds, flu, stomach viruses — don’t really bother cats. Our immune systems and theirs are built pretty differently. So, if you’re sneezing up a storm and binge-watching Netflix under a blanket, your cat can usually hang out nearby without worrying about catching whatever it is you have.
BUT (yeah, there’s a but)… there are a few illnesses that can jump from human to cat, and vice versa. These are called zoonotic diseases, and while they’re not super common, they’re definitely worth knowing about — especially if you’re under the weather and your cat insists on sleeping directly on your face.
The (Rare) Times You Can Get Your Cat Sick
Let’s break it down with a few examples of when the answer to “can I get my cat sick?” might actually be yes:
1. COVID-19 (Yep, That One)
You’ve probably heard about this one already — during the height of the pandemic, there were cases of humans passing COVID-19 to cats (and even big cats in zoos, wild right?). While it’s still considered rare, it is possible.
If you have COVID, vets recommend keeping your distance from your pets as much as you can. That means no kisses, no snuggling, and no sharing your pillow, even if your cat acts offended (mine gave me the cold shoulder for two days).
Most cats who do catch it seem to have mild symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose, and they recover quickly. Still, if you’re positive for COVID, it’s worth being cautious — for your cat’s sake and yours.
2. Ringworm (Despite the Name, It’s Not a Worm)
This one’s a sneaky little fungus that can definitely go both ways — from you to your cat and vice versa.
Ringworm causes red, itchy, circular patches on the skin, and in cats, it might show up as hair loss or crusty patches. It’s super contagious, especially in kittens and people with weaker immune systems.
So, if you notice a weird spot on your arm, and your cat’s been scratching more than usual? Get it checked out. Treatment is usually straightforward but can be annoying (think medicated baths and lots of laundry).
3. Certain GI Bugs (Gross but True)
Some bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli can, in rare cases, be passed between humans and cats. It usually happens through poor hygiene — like if you’re not washing your hands properly after using the bathroom or handling raw food and then petting your cat. (Hey, we’ve all grabbed a snack and forgotten to wash our hands at least once.)
It’s not super likely, but it’s a good reminder to keep things clean, especially if you or your cat has digestive issues.
Illnesses You Probably Won’t Pass to Your Cat
Here’s the good news: your everyday cold or seasonal flu is usually not something your cat can catch.
That means if you’re battling a sore throat and your cat insists on cuddling under the blanket with you (and they always do, right?), you don’t have to panic. Most feline illnesses are caused by feline-specific viruses or bacteria — things that don’t affect humans at all.
So no, your cat can’t catch your cold. But they can make you feel way better just by purring next to you while you chug tea and rewatch your favorite shows.
What to Do If You’re Sick (and You Have a Cat)
Alright, now that we’ve covered the “can I get my cat sick?” part, here’s what you can actually do when you’re under the weather:
1. Wash Your Hands. A Lot.
Especially before and after feeding your cat, cleaning the litter box, or petting them. Germs are sneaky.
2. Skip the Face Snuggles (Just for Now)
I know, this one hurts. But if you’re contagious — especially with something like COVID or the flu — it’s better to avoid kissing your cat’s head or letting them lick your face. Save the kisses for later.
3. Keep an Eye on Them
If you’re really sick and your cat starts acting different — maybe sneezing, losing their appetite, or being more tired than usual — give your vet a call. It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s always better to be safe.
4. Rest — Together
Sometimes your cat just knows when you’re feeling like garbage. Mine turns into a nurse when I’m sick — lying next to me, blinking slowly like, “You’re gonna make it, human.” Let your cat comfort you. It’s good for both of you.
What About the Other Way Around? Can Cats Make Us Sick?
You betcha — but again, it’s not super common.
Some illnesses like toxoplasmosis, cat scratch fever, or the aforementioned ringworm can be passed from cats to humans. But don’t panic — good hygiene, regular vet checkups, and common sense go a long way in keeping everyone healthy.
If your cat is indoor-only and you keep things relatively clean (aka you’re not scooping litter with a spoon you also use to eat cereal), your risk is pretty low.
Let’s Wrap It Up
So, can you get your cat sick?
The answer is usually no — but there are a few exceptions. Things like COVID-19, ringworm, and some bacterial infections can pass between you and your feline buddy, but they’re not super common.
If you’re feeling crummy, take care of yourself and your cat by washing your hands, skipping the kisses, and watching for any weird symptoms in either of you.
And honestly, if your cat chooses to curl up next to you when you’re sick, consider it the highest form of love. They could be napping literally anywhere, but they chose you. Sick, sniffly, blanket-buried you.
Stay cozy, take your meds, and let your cat be your purring, fuzzy little nurse. They’re surprisingly good at it.
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