Cat Health Symptoms

My cat catches rats is he now a health risk to me?

My cat has caught three baby rats in the last few days in the garden. He has an unusual habit of licking me on the face. Is this a major health risk to me because of his contact with rats

Public Comments

1. Don't let him lick you in the face, make sure he has his shots and at least he is doing what cats do. A lot of people wished their cat would catch mice/rats, but their cats are lazy. I think you will live.
2. Not really. I would try to dissuade him from actually eating the mice/rats, because they could make him sick.
3. Unless your cat eats them or gets scratched or bit by them it shouldn't be a problem.
4. You should be fine. Try to keep him from catching the rats. Make sure you and your cat are both vaccinated and if you are really worried call a Vet and ask. Good Luck.
5. Just make sure your cat has had a rabies shot, other wise I don't think it will cause any problems for you.
6. Come on people...this is an animal that plays with its own feces! You dont think that poses a health risk to you too? Bacteria from cat feces on every surface in your house (that the cat touches) couldnt be very healthy either. Between dead rats and cat crap, I say get rid of the filthy thing if the germs bother you that much.
7. Call your vet and explain to them your cat is a hunter. They can dispense a dewormer that will help keep you and your cat protected. Ultimately your cat should be on heartworm/flea/parasite prevention monthly. Advantage Multi,Revolution and Heartgard would all be helpful to control the risk of zoonotic transmission. Your cat needs to be dewormed and a fecal sample is necessary to identify what parasites you cat may have contracted by interacting with the mice.