Because of their small size, domesticated house cats pose little physical danger to adult humans. However, in the USA cats inflict about 400,000 bites per year, with 90% of these bites coming from provoked animals; this number represents about one in ten of all animal bites.[192] Many cat bites will become infected,[193]sometimes with serious consequences such as cat-scratch disease, or, more rarely, rabies.[192] Cats may also pose a danger to pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals, since their feces can transmit toxoplasmosis.[194] A large percentage of cats are infected with this parasite, with infection rates ranging from around 40 to 60% in both domestic and stray cats worldwide.[195][196][197]
Allergic reactions to cat dander and/or cat saliva are common.[198]Some humans who are allergic to cats—typically manifested by hay fever, asthma, or a skin rash—quickly acclimate themselves to a particular animal and live comfortably in the same house with it, while retaining an allergy to cats in general.[199] Whether the risk of developing allergic diseases such as asthma is increased or decreased by cat ownership is uncertain.[200][201] Some owners cope with this problem by taking allergy medicine, along with bathing their cats frequently, since weekly bathing will reduce the amount of dander shed by a cat.[202] There have also been attempts to breedhypoallergenic cats, which would be less likely to provoke an allergic reaction.[203]
As well as posing health risks, interactions with cats may improve health and reduce physical responses to stress: for example the presence of cats may moderate increased blood pressure.[204] Cat ownership may also improve psychological health by providing emotional support and dispelling feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness.[205] Indeed, their ability to provide companionship and friendship are common reasons given for owning a cat.[180]
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