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Published on December 5, 2007

We also have two cats. We are worried about the possibility of the new baby catching anything from the cats.

What we need to know is, is it safe to keep the cats. If it is okay to keep the cats, is there anything we need to be aware of or any precautions to take?

JoBangkok

Dear Jo,

That's a common question and a good one.

The commonest diseases transmissible from cats are probably the result of bites or scratches. Cat bites are uncommon compared to dog bites and almost always result from provoking the cat. Cat bites do carry a high incidence of infection, should be cleaned scrupulously, and if deep taken to a doctor.

Cat scratch disease is a mild, self limiting infection causing local swelling of the lymph nodes. Antibiotics may help, but it usually goes away by itself.

More serious infections, such as rabies, can be prevented with vaccinations and keeping the cat indoors, away from strange animals.

Cats and dogs can carry a variety of worms, which can be transmitted to humans but this is fairly unusual and not serious. Pinworm, which is common in children, does not come from cats.

Ringworm, which is not a worm at all, but a fungus, can be transmitted from family pets. It generally responds well to local treatment.

I could go on and on about the possibility of strange, tropical diseases, but the fact is that nearly 40 per cent of American households contain at least one cat and disease transmission in quite infrequent. Regular veterinary care, good hygiene and common sense can eliminate virtually all potential trouble. Talk to your vet for tips.

I don't think young children should be left, unsupervised, with any animal until old enough to understand the responsibility.

I think the following quote, from Archives of Internal Medicine of the American Medical Association, sums up the situation and coming from such a respected source, it may help to reassure you.

"There are many diseases that can be linked to transmission from cats. Many diseases are more likely to be encountered by outdoor cats that can acquire infections from hunting. .....Simple preventive measures, .... reduce the risk of acquiring disease from a cat. Also, routine veterinary care, including appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and care for sick animals, should reduce the risk of disease transmission. Cats should not be thought of as vectors for disease transmission, but as sources of joy and companionship for their owners."

Relax, and enjoy your baby and your cats.

By Dr mike miller

The Nation

Dr Mike can be contacted at dr_mike_bkk@yahoo.com.