A list of 11 diseases / parasites you can get from your pets

Yikes! I was honestly not aware that humans could catch worms from cats and dogs. I was under the impression that cat, dog, and human worms were all different and couldn't be caught between each other. Good to know, and another reason to always keep up with worming treatments! My vet deworms about every three months, even though none of my animals go outside.

Quote:Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States it is estimated that 22.5% of the population 12 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that up to 95% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma. Infection is often highest in areas of the world that have hot, humid climates and lower altitudes.

...

Healthy people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii often do not have symptoms because their immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.

CDC

And that's enough to make me feel a bit hypochondriac. I guess some people term this "Crazy Cat Lady Syndrome." Luckily, it doesn't seem to be dangerous in healthy people, and I've always been very big on hand-washing.

Thanks for sharing the link, Ram!