Can Humans Spread Diseases To Cats?

[lilmopeep]

I am curious about this, but all I read is Cats spreading diseases to humans. Is the reverse not possible as well?

 

[kashmir64]

It depends on the disease. Most diseases are species specific, but not all are.

 

[denice]

I think the main one that comes up when this is discussed is the flu. It isn't all flu viruses but some can be passed between species. It is a virus that is constantly mutating so certain types become communicable between species. The way I understand it all flu actually begins in birds. It then mutates as it passes between various animals.

 

[kashmir64]

I think the main one that comes up when this is discussed is the flu. It isn't all flu viruses but some can be passed between species. It is a virus that is constantly mutating so certain types become communicable between species. The way I understand it all flu actually begins in birds. It then mutates as it passes between various animals.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But you are talking about true influenza, not the 24-48 hour bug that everyone calls the flu...correct?

 

[denice]

Yes the true influenza. The one that they try to get the right blend for with the annual vaccination and they sometimes don't get a good blend. A lot of people think there is a stomach flu and there is no such thing. That could be a virus of some type or some type of food poisoning but it isn't influenza.

 

[Kieka]

Not really a disease, a fungus, but ringworm can cross species boundaries.