Rising KashmirRising KashmirRising Kashmir
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022

Categories

  • Anchor
  • Breaking
  • Business
  • City
  • Developing Story
  • Editorial
  • Education
  • Features
  • Health
  • Interview
  • Jammu
  • Jammu and Kashmir News
  • Kashmir
  • Kashmir Tourism
  • Kath Bath
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Top Stories
  • Trending
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Viewpoint
  • World
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Are Cats Affecting Our Fertility?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Follow US
© 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Rising Kashmir > Blog > Viewpoint > Are Cats Affecting Our Fertility?
Viewpoint

Are Cats Affecting Our Fertility?

While cats bring companionship and joy to many households, it is essential to recognize and address the potential health risks they pose, particularly concerning fertility and pregnancy

DR. ABDUL ROUF
Last updated: June 22, 2024 12:24 am
DR. ABDUL ROUF
Published: June 22, 2024
Share
7 Min Read
SHARE

PUBLIC HEALTH AWARENESS

 

 

In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in cat ownership, mirroring a global trend towards embracing pets as part of family life. While the companionship of these furry friends brings joy to many households, there are emerging concerns about the potential health risks associated with handling domestic cats.

 

According to alarming reports from the Department of Community Medicine, at their Anti-Rabies Clinic at GMC Srinagar, incidents of cat scratches and bites have skyrocketed from a few hundred to thousands within just couple of years. This sharp increase underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the associated health hazards.

 

Understanding the Health Risks

Cat scratches and bites can introduce viruses, bacteria and parasites into the human body, posing various health risks. One such bacterium is Bartonella Henselae, responsible for causing cat scratch disease (CSD). Symptoms of CSD include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and fatigue. While typically self-limiting in healthy individuals, those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe complications. Furthermore, there is a possible link between scratches or bites from domestic cats and the spread of rabies, although this occurrence is uncommon compared to animals such as dogs, bats, or wildlife, which are more frequently linked to rabies transmission (a condition that can befatal if not promptly treated). Domestic cats can contract rabies if they come into contact with infected animals and can transmit the virus through their saliva if they themselves are infected.

 

Another significant concern is Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly found in cat feces. The worldwide occurrence of T. gondii infection in domestic cats is estimated to range between 25% and 30%. In India, the prevalence of T. gondii infection is endemic, with rates varying from 5% to 20% among the Indian population. While cats themselves may show no symptoms, they can shed the parasite intermittently, especially if they are outdoor cats. Humans can contract toxoplasmosis by inadvertently ingesting contaminated soil, water, or food, or through direct contact with cat feces. While Toxoplasma gondii does not directly cause infertility in men or women, its effects on pregnancy can be profound. Pregnant women who contract toxoplasmosis may transmit the infection to their unborn child, resulting in congenital disabilities such as neurological disorders, vision impairment, or developmental delays. Furthermore, severe cases of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.

 

 

 

 

Overall, while women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are not inherently at higher risk of contracting toxoplasmosis compared to other age groups, they need to be vigilant due to the potential implications for pregnancy and fetal health. Taking appropriate preventive measures and seeking medical advice if there is a concern about exposure or symptoms is crucial for ensuring both maternal and fetal health.

 

Men and adolescent boys can also be at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, although the primary concern regarding pregnancy and fetal health does not apply to them directly. In healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis often causes mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. These can include swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, it may cause eye problems or more severe symptoms if the immune system is compromised.

 

Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of contracting cat-related infections, several precautions are recommended:

 

  • Hygiene Practices: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling cats, their litter boxes, or any items potentially contaminated with cat feces.

 

  • Avoid Handling Feces: Pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box if possible. If unavoidable, wear disposable gloves and wash hands meticulously afterward.

 

  • Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure meat is cooked to safe temperatures (at least 160°F or 70°C) to kill any potential Toxoplasma gondii parasites.

 

  • Safe Handling Techniques: Minimize rough play with cats to reduce the risk of scratches and bites, which can transmit bacteria like Bartonella henselae.

 

  • Regular Veterinary Care: Ensure cats receive routine veterinary check-ups and appropriate parasite prevention treatments to reduce the likelihood of infections.

 

  • Vaccination: Ensure your domestic cats are vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent them from contracting rabies and potentially transmitting it to humans or other animals.

 

  • Seek Medical Attention: After being scratched or bitten by a cat, especially if the wound is deep or if the cat’s vaccination status is unknown, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can assess the risk of rabies transmission and other diseases and recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

Educational Initiatives and Awareness

Given the increasing prevalence of cat-related health issues in Kashmir, it is crucial to launch comprehensive educational campaigns. These initiatives should target pet owners, healthcare providers, and the general public to raise awareness about the risks associated with cat ownership and the importance of preventive measures.

 

While cats bring companionship and joy to many households, it is essential to recognize and address the potential health risks they pose, particularly concerning fertility and pregnancy. By adopting responsible pet ownership practices and implementing strict hygiene measures, individuals can safeguard their health and well-being, ensuring a safe environment for both themselves and their beloved feline companions.

 

(The author is Public Health Specialist and is presently working at Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar and can be reached at: [email protected])

 

 Perseverance Leads to Triumph: A saga of Indian Cricket Team
Legislative Mechanism of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir
Exploring the Sacred Connection: Ecotheology as a Path to Safeguard our Enriched Environment
Know all about intestinal worms
Vibrant Holi:  The Armed Forces Way

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Copy Link Print
Previous Article Strategic Implications of Russia-North Korea Summit
Next Article SKUAST-K Scientists develop innovative Aqua Strip for rapid detection of Septicaemia in Fish
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

1MFollowersLike
262kFollowersFollow
InstagramFollow
234kSubscribersSubscribe
Google NewsFollow

Latest News

Tourism comes to grind halt in Sonamarg after Pahalgam terror attack
Kashmir
May 29, 2025
SKUAST-K to establish advanced reproductive biotechnology centre to enhance animal breeding
Kashmir
May 29, 2025
DC calls for intensified action against drug abuse at NCORD review in Gbl
Kashmir
May 29, 2025
Shikara operators continue to ignore mandatory safety protocols
City
May 29, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Tourism comes to grind halt in Sonamarg after Pahalgam terror attack
  • SKUAST-K to establish advanced reproductive biotechnology centre to enhance animal breeding
  • DC calls for intensified action against drug abuse at NCORD review in Gbl
  • Shikara operators continue to ignore mandatory safety protocols
  • IUST partners with government for building safer J&K

Recent Comments

  1. BASHIR AHMAD BHAT on Poor hotel accommodation, lack of medical facilities irk Kashmiri pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, video goes viral
  2. sree vishnu movies on Pahalgam attack shatters Kashmir’s film tourism revival
  3. SavePlus on AI and Behavioural Analytics in Gaming: Making the World of Gaming Better
  4. Parul on Govt acknowledges faulty streetlights on Narbal-Tangmarg road
  5. dr gora on Women Veterinarians and the Goal of Viksit Bharat

Contact Us

Flat No 7,Press Enclave, Srinagar, 190001
0194 2477887
9971795706
[email protected]
[email protected]

Quick Link

  • E-Paper
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Top Categories

Stay Connected

1.06MLike
262.5kFollow
InstagramFollow
234.3kSubscribe
WhatsAppFollow
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Follow US
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?