What disease can a kitten spread to humans?

Kittens can spread several infectious diseases to humans, including:

1. Toxoplasmosis: Caused by the Toxoplasma gondii protozoan, toxoplasmosis is usually transmitted through contact with cat feces or soil contaminated with cat feces. Symptoms in humans are often mild and flu-like, but the infection can be serious in pregnant women, causing developmental problems in their unborn babies.

2. Ringworm: Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, nails, and scalp. It can be spread through contact with infected cats, other animals, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include itchy, red, circular rashes.

3. Cat Scratch Disease: Caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria, cat scratch disease is transmitted through a scratch or bite from an infected cat. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. It is usually mild and resolves on its own, but can sometimes lead to more serious complications.

4. Salmonellosis: Kittens can carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive system and spread it through their feces. Humans can become infected by handling an infected kitten or its waste. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

5. Respiratory Infections: Kittens can also transmit respiratory infections to humans, such as the common cold and flu. These infections are spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected kitten. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and fever.

6. Rabies: While uncommon, rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected kitten. It is a deadly disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Rabies is preventable through vaccination.

Prevention: The best way to prevent getting diseases from kittens is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling a cat or cleaning its litter box, avoiding contact with cat feces, and keeping up to date with your own vaccinations. If you have any concerns or symptoms of an infection, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.