Can You Get Impetigo From a Cat? [Guide]

Impetigo is a fairly common skin infection that is highly contagious. The condition is caused by bacteria and is known for spreading from person to person with ease. Many people understand the risks of impetigo when it comes to human-to-human transmission but others are a little confused when it comes to animals. Today we are going to explain whether or not you can get impetigo from your cat and help you to better understand the risks associated with impetigo.

can you get impetigo from a cat

Can Cats Spread Impetigo to Humans

It is extremely unlikely that you can get impetigo from a cat, yet not impossible. While it’s true cats can carry the bacteria present in impetigo “Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria” the chances of them spreading it are virtually none. However, if you are worried you can still take steps to practice good hygiene and maybe even avoid close contact with your pets until the infection has been cleared from your living areas.

Understanding Impetigo

Impetigo is a notorious skin infection that’s often seen in kids, who are its favorite victims. It’s caused by a group of mischievous bacteria, including Staph and Strepto. It starts with a small blister that can be both painful and itchy, and before you know it, the blister pops, leaving behind a yellow crusty mess.

It’s important to note that impetigo is highly contagious, so it’s crucial to keep the infected area covered and avoid close contact with others, especially children who are more susceptible to the infection. And while it may be tempting to let your little one play sports and swim, it’s best to avoid these activities to prevent the spread of impetigo.

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Transmission of Impetigo

Impetigo is like a game of tag, but not in the fun and playful way we’re used to! It’s a game of transfer and transmission, with bacteria as the tagger. The infection jumps from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, or even by sharing items like towels, toys, and clothing.

Think of it like this, the infected person has “it” and every time they touch a blister or crust, they pass the “it” onto the next person. That’s why it’s important to stay clear of infected individuals and wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve come into contact with someone who has impetigo. It’s like a never-ending game of tag, but with real consequences.

Preventing Impetigo in Cats and Humans

To prevent impetigo from spreading its germy love, hygiene is key. Wash your hands or paws often, especially after a visit from a friend with impetigo or after touching any blistery bits.

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to towels, clothes, or toys. Keep the infected areas under wraps and steer clear of close contact with others. If you’re feeling a little under the weather with impetigo, take a break from school or work and stay home until you’re all clear

The Final Verdict: Is Impetigo Contagious From Cats

From the evidence we have available in today’s world, it seems that catching impetigo from a cat should be extremely unlikely yet not completely impossible. We recommend that if you have an impetigo outbreak in your house that you go full hygiene mode and clean everything and everyone thoroughly.

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With a bit of precaution, you can help protect your loved ones and stop the spread in no time.