Pet cats can transmit serious illnesses to elderly people – international study

A recent study conducted by researchers from Canada and the United States has highlighted the risks that pet cats may pose to their owners' health, particularly for elderly people whose immune systems are more vulnerable.

The research, which analysed data from more than 400 studies, found that cats with unsupervised outdoor access carry a three to five times greater risk of infection with pathogens compared to those kept exclusively indoors. For seniors who own pets, these findings are particularly relevant.

Diseases transmitted through contact with wildlife

Specialists have identified nearly 100 pathogens that can be transmitted from cats to humans, including rabies, Salmonella, intestinal worms, and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The latter can be especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, a category that includes many elderly individuals.

Cats that roam freely outdoors frequently come into contact with rodents, birds, and other wildlife that carry diseases. Researchers estimate that owners underestimate their cats' actual hunting activity by approximately 80%, meaning that numerous interactions with potential disease carriers go undetected.

Contamination of outdoor environments

An additional risk is posed by cat faeces left in gardens and public spaces. These can contain parasite eggs that survive in soil and water for months or even years. According to estimates, free-roaming cats can produce more than 60 tonnes of faeces annually per 10,000 households.

Preventive measures for seniors

Experts recommend restricting unsupervised outdoor access as the primary protective measure. For elderly people, this may mean creating enclosed outdoor spaces for cats, using a lead for walks, or providing direct supervision whenever the animals go outside.

Veterinarians emphasise that whilst vaccination and parasite treatment are essential, they do not provide complete protection against all pathogens found in the outdoor environment. For seniors who own cats, regular consultations with a veterinarian and adherence to vaccination schedules are crucial in preventing illness.

The study concludes that cats kept exclusively indoors, or those with controlled outdoor access, can live equally long and healthy lives whilst simultaneously reducing the risks to their owners, particularly those who are most medically vulnerable.