Cat parasites are not unusual, and so is getting infected with them. Men, however, need to be extra careful. A new study suggests it can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Find out how by reading “Parasite Found in Cats Linked to Prostate Cancer” from The Sun.
Are Cat Parasites Contagious To Humans?
Scientists have found that the microscopic mite, which is carried by the moggies before being spread in their faeces, can cause inflammation of the prostate gland. Click here to read more.
Toxoplasma gandii is actually a common parasite. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60 million people is at risk of Toxoplasmosis (parasite infection). But back then, the warning extends only to pregnant women and those with poor or compromised immune system. Moms-to-be, in particular, may give birth to babies with eye problems and brain damage. This is the first time it’s linked to prostate cancer – or other cancers for that matter.
Around 30 percent of humans carry the toxoplasmosis parasite! @WCMPGLASGOW has just unveiled its new comic to make their research more accessible. pic.twitter.com/uD0Wp9Grue
— Uni of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) May 22, 2017
There are many ways to expose yourself to the parasite, and these include poor handling of the kitty litter. Although the parasite can infect warm-blooded animals, felines like cats serve as the primary living hosts. They are also the only ones that can release the parasites through their feces.
Don’t Abandon The Cats!
Please don’t let those cat parasites force you to abandon or leave your cats! First of all, the study was conducted among mice, and even if we share 97.5 percent genes with them, the study results may not be completely true to humans. Moreover, there are many ways to prevent an infection. For example, you can wear gloves and use a small plastic shovel (or spatula) to remove the cat feces.
Novel IgG avidity test enables diagnosis of acute #toxoplasmosis in cats irrespective of presence of specific IgM https://t.co/j8HnQFfjXR
— EUROIMMUN (@EUROIMMUN) May 24, 2017
You can also use kitty litter that automatically removes the fecal matter from the litter. Of course, it’s essential that you don’t miss the vaccination, deworming, and regular checkup, which should be at least once a year. Know where your cats hang out once they are outdoors.
To reduce the risk of exposure to cat parasites, handle the litter properly, but are you curious how those automatic ones work? Check out a sample here:
Although you can get cat parasites from poor kitty litter handling, you can also expose yourself to it while gardening. You may also get it from contaminated food and water. Simply, be careful while doing your activities. Wear the right protection and make sure your food is clean. If you want to know more about the infection, read this.
Got more ideas how to reduce exposure to cat parasites? Share them with us! Here are also more cat care tips to show your kitty some love.
