Can handling stray cats lead to cramps and diarrhea?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been taking care of a stray cat for a few days now. He visibly has fleas, an eye infection, and is constantly hungry, so possibly worms, and the other day he squared up with a raccoon, but there were no scratches on him. He gives me love bites but never penetrates skin, and whenever I handle him, I wash my hands afterward. I just finished my menses, and after physical therapy today, I started to feel painful cramps. When I got home, I went to the bathroom, where I had diarrhea. Then I felt nauseous and took Ondansetron. I regularly take 20 milligrams of Prozac.

I am concerned it may have to do with the cat.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on what you have described, it is unlikely that your symptoms (cramps, diarrhea, nausea) are caused by contact with the stray cat, especially since you wash your hands after handling him.

You have described:

The cat has not broken your skin.
There is no sign of bites or scratches.
Symptoms appeared suddenly after physical therapy and after your period, both of which can cause cramping or gut sensitivity.

Most likely explanations:

Post-menstrual GI (gastrointestinal) sensitivity (normal for some people).
Dehydration or physical exertion from therapy.
A minor stomach bug or stress-related GI upset.
Possible reaction to diet or medications.

When to worry:

If you develop fever, persistent abdominal pain, or rash.
If any bites or scratches do occur in the future, then cat scratch disease or zoonotic infections could be a concern.

What you can do:

Keep washing your hands and avoid letting the cat lick your face or mouth.
Consider deworming and flea-treating the cat as soon as possible (talk to a veterinarian).
If symptoms persist more than 48 hours or worsen, check in with your doctor.

Right now, your symptoms seem more likely unrelated to the cat and possibly due to temporary GI upset or hormonal shifts.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.