I spoke with our veterinarian about our cat and Bartonella. I told her that I had contracted Bartonella unknowingly about 2 years ago most likely from our cat. I asked her what we should do. She said unfortunately the majority of cats are infected with the Bartonella bacteria. She said if he is sick bring him in and they will test and treat him with antibiotics. I said, "I can tell you right now he isn't sick. He is eating and playing and being his normal self." She said then he's probably a carrier. If he is a carrier then there is nothing that they can do--antibiotics will not help. He will carry the bacteria forever. We've had our cat for 10 years (and have always had a cat) and I love him dearly, but I cannot go through this again and will not have another cat. We do not hand-play with him and are practicing more extreme sanitation measures as far as hand-washing, etc.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Breaking up above post so all can read it:
I spoke with our veterinarian about our cat and Bartonella. I told her that I had contracted Bartonella unknowingly about 2 years ago most likely from our cat.
I asked her what we should do. She said unfortunately the majority of cats are infected with the Bartonella bacteria.
She said if he is sick bring him in and they will test and treat him with antibiotics. I said, "I can tell you right now he isn't sick. He is eating and playing and being his normal self."
She said then he's probably a carrier. If he is a carrier then there is nothing that they can do--antibiotics will not help. He will carry the bacteria forever.
We've had our cat for 10 years (and have always had a cat) and I love him dearly, but I cannot go through this again and will not have another cat.
We do not hand-play with him and are practicing more extreme sanitation measures as far as hand-washing, etc.
Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :
I believe pregnant women are warned against changing cats' litter boxes for another bacteria. Not Bartonella.
Will check that out for better info.
I love cats, too - can't have one now as a relative has a severe allergy to them. sigh...
Posted by luvmycat (Member # 4984) on :
I believe that other organism they warn pregnant women against is toxoplasmosis.
I love my cat too. We have 'humanized' him and he's more like a little person. BUT, now I am treating him like nuclear waste!
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Are you sure you got Bartonella from your cat? Can he be tested to see if he is a carrier?
I am also a cat lover. I have two cats and will always have a cat. They are indoor only and have regular vet visits.
Pets are so beneficial, but I can understand your concerns.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Yes, pets can be wonderful. Yet, if there is a risk of contracting bartonella, that's your life you are betting with.
You might contact a naturopathic vet as to if there is some kind of "treatment" for a cat if told there are none. There may be some other ways to approach this. IMO, you really should do the testing to find out, though. This is your very life on the line, too.