Petting and playing with cats can be a fun and rewarding experience for both cat owners and visitors. However, some people may wonder if they need to wash their hands after interacting with a cat in order to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria.
Why might handwashing be recommended after petting a cat?
There are a few reasons why handwashing after petting a cat may be recommended:
1. Reduce spread of bacteria and germs
Like humans, cats carry bacteria and germs on their skin and fur. When you pet a cat, there is potential for some of these germs to be transferred to your hands. If you then touch your face, mouth, or food without washing your hands, you could accidentally ingest these germs and become ill. Washing hands after petting a cat can help reduce the spread of bacteria and prevent possible illness or infection.
2. Remove allergens
Cats produce allergens such as fel d 1 that they spread through saliva, urine, and on their fur. For people with cat allergies, petting a cat may transfer allergens to the hands that could later cause an allergic reaction when touching the face or eyes. Washing hands removes allergens and reduces allergy symptom triggers.
3. Clean away litter residue
When cleaning out a litter box, tiny particles of litter can get lodged under fingernails or stick to skin. If a cat uses the litter box, feces and urine residue could also transfer to your hands when petting them. Washing hands thoroughly after petting a cat helps clean away any traces of litter, urine, or feces.
What diseases or parasites can be spread by petting cats?
Some diseases or parasites that can potentially be spread by petting cats include:
Salmonella
Salmonella bacteria can be present in a cat’s saliva or feces and accidentally ingested if hands are not washed after petting. Salmonella causes gastrointestinal upset, fever, and diarrhea in humans.
Campylobacter
Another bacteria that cats may carry is Campylobacter, which also causes diarrhea. Washing hands after contact with cats can prevent spread of this bacteria.
Bartonella (cat scratch disease)
The Bartonella bacteria is very common in cats and can be transferred through bites, scratches, or even just by petting. It causes swollen lymph nodes in humans.
Toxoplasmosis
A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may be found in cat feces. Humans can become infected by accidental ingestion after contact with cat feces, litter, or unwashed hands after petting infected cats.
Fleas
Fleas can jump from cats onto human skin. Washing hands helps prevent any fleas from taking hold and biting.
When is handwashing especially important after petting a cat?
Some situations when it is particularly important to wash hands after petting a cat include:
After cleaning litter boxes
Always wash hands thoroughly after cleaning out cat litter boxes, even if you wore gloves. The litter, urine, and feces can all harbor bacteria and parasites.
Before eating or cooking
Be diligent about washing hands before eating, cooking, or preparing human foods to prevent transfer of any germs from cats to your own mouth.
After touching cat scratches or wounds
Disinfect any cat scratches on your skin and wash hands well, as cat scratches can contain Bartonella bacteria even if they seem minor.
After gardening or landscaping
Outdoor cats using gardens and landscaping as litter boxes can deposit germs and parasites. Wash up after gardening before returning indoors or interacting with indoor cats.
Before and after inserting contacts
Be sure to wash hands before inserting contact lenses to avoid transferring bacteria to your contacts. Also wash hands after removing contacts that may have picked up germs throughout the day.
Before and after medical care of pet
Administering pills, cleaning wounds, or providing any medical care to your cat warrants thorough handwashing before and afterward.
Are there any alternatives to handwashing after petting cats?
Some alternatives to consider instead of or in addition to handwashing include:
Hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill some germs and be used when soap and water are not available. However, sanitizers may not kill all bacteria or remove allergens.
Hand wipes
Wipes with disinfecting compounds may help reduce bacteria when handwashing is not possible. However, they may not be as effective as thorough handwashing.
Bathing cat regularly
Regular bathing using cat-safe shampoos can reduce dander and allergens on your cat’s coat that transfer to hands during petting.
Disinfecting wipes on cat fur
Gently wiping your cat’s fur with a disinfecting or grooming wipe can help remove surface bacteria and allergens before interaction and reduce hand contamination.
Avoiding contact after litter box use
Try to avoid petting your cat right after they have used the litter box until they have had time to groom and bury waste, reducing bacteria transfer risk.
What is the proper handwashing technique after petting cats?
Follow these steps for effective handwashing after petting or handling cats:
1. Wet hands with warm, running water.
2. Apply soap and lather well, including backs of hands, wrists, between fingers, and under nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds – sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
4. Rinse well under running water.
5. Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel.
6. Use the towel to turn off faucet and open doors to avoid recontamination.
How often should hands be washed when interacting with cats?
There is no set rule for how often to wash hands when petting or interacting with cats, but some general guidelines include:
- Wash hands before and after petting or holding your cat.
- Wash after touching litter boxes, cleaning up urine/feces, or feeding raw foods.
- Wash before eating or preparing human food.
- Wash after petting stray/unfamiliar cats.
- Wash when visibly dirty and after coughing/sneezing into hands.
- Wash after handling cat toys, bowls, or other items.
When in doubt, wash your hands! It’s a simple way to reduce disease risk.
Should immunocompromised individuals take extra precautions?
Yes, people with weakened immune systems due to health conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, organ transplants, autoimmune disorders, or immunosuppressive medications should take extra care. Some recommendations include:
- Avoid cleaning litter boxes and have someone else do it instead.
- Wash hands before and after petting cats.
- Don’t allow cats to lick your face or wounds.
- Don’t sleep with your pet as they can shed germs in the bed.
- Bathe your cat regularly.
Checking with your physician about any additional precautions is also recommended.
Conclusion
While our feline companions provide joy and comfort through petting and physical affection, cats can carry bacteria, parasites, and allergens that have the potential to cause illness in humans when proper hygiene is not followed. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after petting cats, cleaning up after them, cleaning litter boxes, or handling anything the cat has been in contact with can greatly reduce the spread of germs and risk of getting sick. Make handwashing a habitual part of your routine when interacting with cats to keep yourself, your family, and your furry friends happy and healthy.
| Disease/Parasite | Common Causes | Transmission | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonella | Cat saliva, feces | Ingestion | Diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal upset |
| Campylobacter | Cat feces | Ingestion | Diarrhea |
| Bartonella | Scratches, bites, saliva | Bacteria enters break in skin or mucous membranes | Swollen lymph nodes |
| Toxoplasmosis | Cat feces | Ingestion | Flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, eye damage |
| Fleas | Fleas on cat’s fur | Bites | Itching, skin irritation |