Ask Dr Elliot: Can my indoor cat transmit diseases to me?

By BL Ochman

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Pawfun Blog reader Sara C. asks Pawfun’s holistic veterinarian Dr Jill Elliot:

We are getting ready to have a baby anytime. Do I need to take my 10-yr old cat to have any shots or vaccinations in preparation for this?
She has always been an indoor cat, and she has not had any shots since she was a kitten. I just want to make sure she doesn’t pose a threat to the baby. Thanks.

Dr Elliot says:

Congratulations on expecting a baby. There are very few diseases that can be passed from cats to people. We vaccinate cats for Rabies and feline respiratory diseases. None of these can be passed to people.
If it makes you comfortable to vaccinate your cat so you don’t worry about anything then go ahead and do it this once. However, I don’t think you have to worry about anything.
What I suggest is that you have the cat’s health checked out by your local vet. Bring in a fecal sample to be sure the cat does not have any internal parasites (which would be very rare since it’s an indoor cat). Good luck. Dr. Jill Elliot

Photo: B.L. Ochman