Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Inside Cats Which Are Healty And Clean. Can Babies Get Infected Due To Pertussis Carried By Cats?

I have two inside cats. One is 3 & one is two years old. Neither of them has been outside, since I got them. My son & his wife just had a baby one month ago. They insisted I get the Whooping Cough vaccination, prior to the arrival of the new baby...which I did gladly. Now they are saying the new baby can NOT come to my house because "cats carry pertussis." They have a do who goes in and out of the house and is always around the baby. I feel the dog is a much greater risk than my cats, who have never even had a flea.
My cats only leave the house (in a carrier) to get their annual vaccinations and are in great health and very clean.
Please, answer.
Sat, 31 Aug 2013
Report Abuse
Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
You are right that dogs are carriers of pertussis bacteria. Pertussis is whooping cough caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. I also understand the paranoia of the new parents as they wish for a safe environment for their newborn.
I also can connect with your feelings as I have a pet at home who is like a family member now.
I suggest you have a talk with them and they could talk to the vet who is seeing your cats and he can assure them safety of their baby.
The babies are also universally immunized for pertussis infections, so your grandchild is safe if he is being vaccinated as schedule.
However we cannot rule out other diseases caused by pets like most commonly allergies, parasitic infections and they can injure the baby as they are also curious about the new member in their house.
I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Bordetella


Loading Online Doctors....
Inside Cats Which Are Healty And Clean. Can Babies Get Infected Due To Pertussis Carried By Cats?

Hi, Welcome to HCM, You are right that dogs are carriers of pertussis bacteria. Pertussis is whooping cough caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. I also understand the paranoia of the new parents as they wish for a safe environment for their newborn. I also can connect with your feelings as I have a pet at home who is like a family member now. I suggest you have a talk with them and they could talk to the vet who is seeing your cats and he can assure them safety of their baby. The babies are also universally immunized for pertussis infections, so your grandchild is safe if he is being vaccinated as schedule. However we cannot rule out other diseases caused by pets like most commonly allergies, parasitic infections and they can injure the baby as they are also curious about the new member in their house. I hope I have answered your questions satisfactorily. Thanks.