Those handling infected cats should wear gloves and take care not to allow infected material into wounds or the eyes. Young children, the elderly and those with a existing skin condition or with poor immune systems should avoid contact with the cat until its scabs have completely healed. The poxvirus is extremely hardy, and may remain infectious in dry material kept cool for several months or even years. It is susceptible to most disinfectants. Since transmission is believed to be by eating contaminated food, an infected cat does not pose a threat to its owners.
Fleas are the most common and cause itchy, sometimes inflamed, spots.
Some people are more prone to flea bites than others and some people react worse than others. Some feline intestinal parasites can also be transmitted to humans. Roundworm eggs infect humans, particularly children, through a faecal to oral route. Tapeworm eggs are not directly infectious to people.