The Cat's Meow Rescue
Stay in touch!
  • Home
  • Available for Adoption
  • ADOPTED!
  • Special Needs Cats
  • Blog: Feline Friends
  • Contact
  • More Information
    • FAQ
    • Barn Cats
    • Finding your kitty a new home
    • Caring for Abandoned Kittens
    • Important to Spay & Neuter
    • Introducing a new cat to your home
    • Declawing - If you care, be AWARE
    • Litter Box Issues
    • What is Feline Leukemia?
    • What is FIV?
    • Kitty-Proof Your Home
    • Help Us Help Them
    • Become a Foster
    • LINKS
    • Media Kit
    • EVENTS
    • Special-Needs Posters Story

Is Kissing Kitty Safe?

6/13/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Nomi Berger
 
While most cat owners admit to kissing their cats, some wonder whether or not this passionate practice is, in fact, purr-fectly safe.
 
In the opinion of many vets and animal behaviorists, if your immune system is healthy and kitty is disease and parasite free, then the occasional pussycat peck shouldn’t harm you (there is, however, always a slight risk). That said, it’s never wise to either kiss a sick cat or kiss a healthy one on the mouth.
 
Various diseases can be transmitted from felines to humans, and both can become infected by such common bacteria as Pasteurella, staphylococcus, E. coli, and salmonella -- all of them highly contagious. Ringworm, a common fungal infection, can also spread easily from cats to cat owners and vice versa through direct contact. While not serious, it’s very frustrating to treat, and it can also be passed on to other people and pets.
 
Some research suggests that, like people, cats’ mouths contain certain bacteria that cause gum disease. Not only can gum disease lead to tooth loss, but it can negatively impact many of their internal organs.
 
A brief buss or a series of swift smooches on the top of your puss’s HEAD is the safest option, is just as enjoyable – both for you and your best furry friend -- and carries less risk for the transmission of disease. Fortuitously, felines have scent glands in their cheeks and lips which secrete “feel good” pheromones when they rub up against an object, be it a couch or a counter, the leg of a chair or the leg of a person. And so, KITTY’S version of a kiss -- rubbing her head and face back and forth against YOU -- is her way of transferring her scent markers to your skin, thereby claiming you as “hers.”
 
Always exercise caution when putting your face close to an unfamiliar cat or one who is clearly agitated. The most prudent pet parents will plant kisses only on their own cats, only on their heads, and only when they’re calm and relaxed. They will also ensure that their pets are treated regularly for parasites such as worms and fleas, and are kept up to date on their vaccinations.
 
One final word of caution: those with lowered immune systems, primary or secondary immunodeficiency disorders, pregnant women, and very young children should never kiss cats.


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author
    Blog articles for TCMR are written by Nomi Berger, an established author and journalist of 40 years, living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who graciously volunteers her time and talent to help further our rescue efforts.


    AWARDS

    Picture

    Picture
    Cat Rescue Blogs

    Picture

    Picture
    Animal Rescue Blogs

    Picture
    Awarded by Best1x.com
    Best for Pets

    Picture

    Picture
    2017 Top 35 Cat Blogs awarded by "We're All About the Cats"

    Picture
    Awarded by "Feedspot.com"

    Picture
    Awarded by "10Greatest.com"

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    Cat Facts
    Cat Safety
    Community Awareness
    Fun Facts
    Health And Behavior
    How You Can Help

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly