Brucellosis in cats: what to know

Cats are not the usual source discussed for human brucellosis, and many feline illnesses can look similar. A cat with fever, lethargy, poor appetite, swollen joints, muscle discomfort or reproductive problems needs a veterinary examination rather than a home diagnosis. Concern is greater after contact with raw animal products, livestock, wildlife, reproductive material or a multi-animal setting where infection has been identified.

Human symptoms after a possible exposure can include fever, night sweats, joint pain and muscle aches. A symptom does not establish that a cat transmitted brucellosis; the animal’s history, testing and the person’s exposure all matter.

Call a veterinarian before bringing a potentially infectious cat into a crowded waiting room, and follow instructions for safe transport or isolation. Avoid contact with blood, discharge, birth material and litter when the cat is unwell; wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly. Do not give human antibiotics or share a pet’s prescription. If you handled suspicious material or consumed an associated raw product, tell a healthcare professional. A blood test and antibiotic treatment are decisions for clinicians, not self-care measures.

Arrange prompt veterinary care if a cat has ongoing fever, marked weakness, repeated reproductive problems, or a painful swollen joint. Seek human medical advice after a relevant exposure followed by fever, night sweats, joint pain or muscle aches. Emergency help is appropriate for a person with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or a severe headache with neck stiffness.

Could my cat’s symptoms have another explanation? What samples or tests are safe and useful? How should our household handle litter or bodily fluids? If I develop symptoms, which exposure details should I provide to my doctor?