Outdoor Cats Carry Nearly 100 Human-Infecting Pathogens, Raising Risk 3 to 5 Times

2 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 16

Outdoor-roaming pet cats were found to carry nearly 100 zoonotic pathogens—including rabies and Salmonella—and had similar odds as feral cats of carrying at least one that can infect humans.
Researchers said cats allowed outside unsupervised are three to five times more likely to carry those pathogens than indoor-only cats, largely because they contact wildlife and contaminated environments.
Hunting rodents and bats can bring pathogens from wild animal populations into homes, while cat feces in yards and public spaces can spread contamination more broadly.
Supervised outdoor access, enclosed spaces, vaccinations and parasite treatment were identified as the most effective ways to cut the risk.

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Why is your friendly neighborhood cat now considered a major public health risk?

With pet cats now as risky as ferals, are city-wide containment laws inevitable?