Can your cat give you the plague?

How common is it?

In the United States there are average seven human cases per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 80 percent of these cases involve the bubonic form of the disease.

The disease is most common in rural, western areas, especially parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon. In those places, the bacteria can circulate in prairie dogs, ground squirrels, squirrels, wood rats and other animals.

According to the CDC, 1,000 to 2,000 cases are reported worldwide each year

How do cats get the plague?

Cats can become infected if they ingest infected rodents or are bitten by the fleas associated with these rodents. Since 1977, 407 cats in New Mexico have been diagnosed with plague, said Dr. Phipps. “Pets that hunt are one of the highest risk groups,” she added. “Cats are very susceptible to the plague, and it can be fatal to them.”

Just like with humans, infected cats can make a full recovery if the disease is caught early. But because the symptoms are similar to many other diseases, diagnosis can be difficult. Infected cats may develop a fever, become lethargic and lose their appetite. Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck area, are also common.

Dogs can also become infected, but they do not get as sick as cats.

How concerned should I be about my cat getting the plague?

“The risk of getting the plague from your cat is quite minimal,” said Dr. Lathrop.