Cats that roam freely outside like to fulfil their hunting instincts by catching mice and birds. It can only become a cause for concern if the cat eats its prey, as diseases can be transmitted in this way.

What diseases can be transmitted to cats when they eat mice and birds?

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are parasites that settle in the intestines and take away the cat's food. As a result, the cat becomes malnourished and can even starve to death. You can tell if a cat has tapeworms by the rice grain-like spots in the cat's faeces or anus. Tapeworms can enter the cat's body by eating small rodents such as mice and squirrels or birds. Transmission is also possible by swallowing infected fleas. As a preventative measure, cats should be given regular worming treatments.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is relatively common in cats, which is why pregnant women should be careful when handling cats. This parasite is present in almost all warm-blooded wild animals and is thus transmitted to a cat that feeds on them. There are usually few or no symptoms. Some cats develop diarrhoea, a lack of appetite or eye and lung problems. A blood test by the vet can determine whether the cat is infected.

While the probability of a tapeworm infection is relatively low, a cat can be infected more quickly with the toxoplasmosis parasite. Simply stroking the cat is not dangerous for humans, but if you come into contact with the faeces or faecal contamination, the parasite can also be transmitted to humans. It is therefore advisable to always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the litter tray and to wear rubber gloves when gardening.